OPERATIC SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19303, 16 April 1926, Page 14

OPERATIC SOCIETY.

REVIEW OF PABT YEAR.

LOSS ON " ABBESS OF WHITBY."

A GREAT ARTISTIC SUCCESS.

The Auckland Amateur Operatic Society held its seventh annual meeting last evening, the chairman, Mr. W. W. Bruce, presiding over a good attendance. The fiMltitti report, which was adopted, ■.fated that " The Abbess of Whitby/' a tnitsieal drama written by a member, Mr. L. P. Leary, with music by another member* Mr. Erie Wrtters, which was played for a season of 13 nights at His Majesty's Theatre, was artistically atid musically an outstanding success. All those concerned in the. production, both on and oft' the Stage, were worthy of the highest prai'e and thanks. The p'ay was the society's most ambitious .effort, both in regard to the number nf members taking part and to the size of the cafct. The dressing and scenery, which were all designed and produced under the direction of the producer, Mr. Leafy, and the stage manager, Mr. W. J. CroWther, both members nf the society, were lavish and well conceived.

It was regrettable that this drama did not show a handsome profit but the cost of the production Was unreasonably high. However, the society's professional reputation had been still further enhanced. The society's hrtll had been ih great demand during the year, the improvements effected being greatly appreciated, The, fortnightly socials held during the winter had been successful atid Weil organised, but the attendance had been disappointing.

The committee was pleased to welcome hack Miss Hptfina Edwards aflpr her successful studies in London, nhd to report the success of its late member, Mr, Robert Simmers., in bis studies in Syd ney, and the continued success of its late member. Miss Nora MeMahUS, with J. C. Williamson, Limited, and of Mr. Robert Oeddes, of Drttry Lane Theatre, where lie plays the lead in " Rose Marie." The report concluded by reminding mem hers that the purpose of tile society Was to further the musical art, in the, city, and all funds were expended for the benefit of tile city.' The balance-sheet showed a balance of £IB9O, with liabilities amounting to £719. The loss foi the year was £54, and the loss on " The Abbess of Whitby " £lOl, including £SO charged in; rent, of the, hall during rehearsals. In moving the adoption of the balancesheet the chairman stated that, he hail heard from people from outside New Zealand that " The Abbe's of Whitby" could have been put on successfully on the London stage. There remained from the production £SOO worth of scenerv and dressing, which had not been included in the list of assets. It was very creditable to have put on such a production so successfully in this age of jazz. The secretary stated thai it was quite possible, that " The Abbess of Whitby " might, lie produced again, Avhen the cost would be very gteatly -reduced, and a handsome profit might be anticipated. The retiring members of the committee, Messrs. W. .1. Crowther, A. 1). Hunt, (J. I). Plummet' and N r . B. Levied, were reflected Other officers elected were:— President, Mr. F. Earl; vice-presidents, reelected: secretary, Mr. 11. Ooldie: treasurer, Mr. J. 11. Jackson, auditor, Mr. N. Duthie; social committee. Misses Rae and Fowler, Mesdanips Leary and Hunt, and Mesesrs. A. Prentice and G. Fagan.