AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11654, 19 October 1923, Page 3

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY

WELLINGTON SOCIETY MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN WORK OF MEMBERS. INTERESTING DEMONSTRATION*. The annual meeting of the Wellington Amateur Photogruidnc Society was held in the room kindly lent to them by the Y.W.C.A. The president (Mr A. S. Mitchell) in delivering his address, remarked on the very marked improvenjent in the work of the individual members of the society during the past year, "greater, in my estimation, than in any previous year within mv knowledge of the society’s history,” he said. AN EXCELLENT DISPLAY. "The society’s excellent display at the year’s annual inter-club competition, representing as it did, entirely the work of members who have not previously exhibited in this event, is a noteworthy achievement/’ he continued. "It is to be specially noted that this group of members came within 50 marks of the newly formed body known as the Wellington Camera Circle, the members of which have previously had the honour of representing the society in inter-club events. It has been felt by of our members that the formation of this body would be prejudicial to. our society’s interests, but in my opinion this has not been the case, as witness the inter-club competition above referred to. It is quite evident that without some such action the new members who this year represented the society in the inter-club event would not have offered any pictures for this year. That they have, so to sneak, won their spurs thus handsomely will encourage them to future efforts.

"While on the subject it must not be lost sight of that the services of these gentlemen forming the Camera Circle are not lost to the society, as they still remain members, and are willing to assist with demonstrations and other help.” OFFICERS ELECTED.

The following officers were elected: President, Mr A. S. Mitchell (unanimously re-elected); vice-preeidents, Messrs P. N. Denton, J. E. Ellis, G. Norton, G. Greig, J. W. Johnson, J. K. Mackay, E. T. Robson, B. B. Bennett; committee, Mrs Blackett, Miss Fitchett, Miss Welsby, Messrs H. C. Milne, J. K. Mackay and G. Norton; hon. competition secretary, Mr E. T. Robson; hon. librarian, Miss Welsby; hon. reporter. Miss Fitchett; hon. treasurer, Miss H. Johnson; hon. auditor, Mr H. B. Appleyard; hon. trustee of the society’s property, Mr G. Norton.

As it wag felt bv the president that it would be impossible for him to attend all the meetings during the year, Mr G. Norton was elected as acting-chairman in Mr Mitchell’s absence at any time. Votes of thanks were passed to the Y.W.C.A. for the use of the room for mootings, to the dealers in photographic apparatus for past assistance and trophies from time to time, and to all those gentlemen who had given demonstrations during the year. These demonstrations had proved of great interest and value to photographers of all grades. That numbers were not slow to adopt Mr A. H. Eaton’s methods of "preparing the exhibition print” is shown.by the result of this year’s inter-club competition, the AY.A.P. Society scoring only a fow points less than, the "Circle,” which won third place. INTERESTING ADDRESSES.

Mr J. K. Mackay chose for his subject "The Trans-ferotypc Process,” an interesting and simple method of transferring one’s favourite photographs to glass, opal, ivory, wood, metal and all manner of supports. Mr EL T. Robeon’s lecture® are always practical andi popular, and his demonstration of tho "Dry Mounting Process,” so much used nowadays, was no exception.

A most interring lecture to those priviledged to hear it was that given by Mr P. N. Denton (past president of the society) on "India”—a country in which Mr Denton has travelled extensively. Hia reminiscences were profusely illustrated with lantern slides, which depicted much of the splendour of the Orient and made one realise indeed that "one half of the world knows not how the other lives.” Mr H., B. Appleyard showed how to make "crystoleums”—a fascinating method of combining photography with oil painting, perhaps better known to tbe last generation Most workers have had to abandon this beautiful process pwing to the difficulty of obtaining the "silver Erint” base that was originally required, ut by adapting the "transferotype” principle, the demonstrator proved that "crystoleum” painting is well worthy of being revived. This demonstration will be repoated by request during the coming year. The final demonstration of the year was provided by Mr A. S. Mitchell, president, who was perfectly "at home” with his hobby—" Portraiture.” Admittedly one of the most interesting branches of the photographic ar*\ tlie practical aDrvlication of its main principles by Mr Mitchell proved verr instructive indeed. The syllabus for tho year just entered includes many excellent features and promises a very successful season.