DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 7

DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

I AST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES The annual meeting of the Dunedin Competitions Society was held in the secretary’s board loom on Wednesday, (Mr J. L. Sauxiond occupying the chair. 'the twenty-second annual report stated that the past year had been a most successful one. _ The festival had created a great deal cf interest, and the various sessions throughout had attracted large audiences, while the entries had again exceeded those of the previous year. An all-round improvement in the work of the competitions was noticeable, especially in the vocal sections, while the pianoforte section, though, not up to the standard of prewar days, showed an improvement in the junior sections, though the senior sections were net so good as they' were some years ago. there was plenty of room for improvement in the elocution sections, especially amongst the male competitors. This had always been a very strong section in the past, but of late years the standard had dropped very much, and it was hoped that great improvement would be seen at the next festival, both in the number of competitors and the’standard of the work, the committee expressed its thanks and appreciation at the capable manner in which the judges had carried out their dulies. The dancing section again attracted a largo entry, and the various competitions proved very popular with the audiences. It was pleasing to note that the entries for both elocution and vocal music showed a decided increase on the previous year, and it was anticipated that a still larger entry would be received in the coming year. The fife and drum band contests had been keenly contested. The school choir contest had proved very popular, and, while the entry was not so large as the committee would have liked, still, the contest had provided some excellent singing. The committee hoped in the coming year to arrange for an adult choir contest. Mr G. Martin was again the official accompanist, and he had carried out his duties to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and Air W. Ferenc, the stage manager, also carried out his duties in a most satisfactory manner. The year commenced with a credit balance of £519 13s Bd, and the balance sheet, as submitted, showed a credit balance of £604 7s Bd. While the society's position was very satisfactory it would be seen that each year the receipts just met the expenditure, and, as the expenses of the society had always a tendency to increase, it would be seen that if for any reason the attendances at the annual festival showed a failing off it would mean that the annual festival would show a loss. The society had always endeavoured to obtain the services of tho most competent judges available, but judges’ fees, like everything else, had shown a tendency to increase of late years, and ithad always been the wish of the society to obtain an expert vocal judge and an expert instrumental judge, but this, of course, would mean a decided increase in the judges’ fees. The committee deeplyregretted the loss which the society had suffered by the death of Air R. A. Ewing, the hon. treasurer, who had been one of the most enthusiastic members. The committee had also lost- the services of another valuable member in All- G. W. Al'lntosh owing to his transfer to Wellington. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, expressed regret that the president (Air E. C. Reynolds) was not present to perform that duty himself owing to ill-health, and he expressed the hope that All- Reynolds would soon be able to take his usual interest in the society's affairs. Air Salmond then read the following letter from Air Reynolds:"I regret exceedingly rny inability to be present to-night. I would like to congratulate the members upon the satisfactory state of affairs as disclosed by the balance sheet presented, and would esteem it a favour if you would allow me to compare this year’s working with that of the previous year. Receipts from all sources were £IOB 11s 3d better —£1552 11s 3d, compared with £1444. The expenditure was greater by £B7 19s 2d —£1467 17s 2d, compared with £1379 18s. The principal items of additional expenditure were : Judges’ fees £72 7s, prize money £l3 19s 6d, rents £l6 Ss 6d, and wages £26 6s 2d. Sundry expenses, however, were lighter by £49 12s IOcI. The money now on " deposit and in current account amounts to £604 7s 9d compared with £519 13s Bd, an improvement of £B4 14s Id, but the actual mi in is £BS 15s, and the committee has every reason to be proud of the successful financial results of the year's working. The season was thoroughly successful also, and, though tho committee would like to have seen more entries and better performances in certain of the higher standards both in the musical and elocutionary sections still, taking the competitions all round, tiiey were interest-

ing, entertaining, and instructive, and there is no doubt that the competitors derived benefit from their efforts, and that confidence, which is necessary to enable them to go forward, and from tlie young talent displayed, I do not think 1 am unduly optimistic in saying that we shall this year reap the benefits in better all round performances. ’ ’ Continuing, Air Salmond said that the society could congratulate itself on the very satisfactory financial position, but it must be remembered that in previous years when the society liad a similar balance it had experienced difficult years and the money had been spent in tiding them over. It was not possible to tell what the future years would bring forth, and the present balance should be put to some useful purpose. The society did a good work in helping those who possessed musical or elocutionary talent to further that talent by study, and the committee hoped that the Scholarship Fund would be the means of sending somo competitors further afield to receive training and knowledge. The public recognised that the competitions were a valuable asset to the community, and he hoped that still further assistance would be forthcoming. The society sciiolarstiips were of great benefit and the competitors appreciated that form of prize more than any other. Mr J. 11. Walker, who seconded the motion, said that the society owed a deep debt of gratitude to the secretary (Air E. S. Wilson), who had occupied that position since the inception of the competitions. Tho work went on methodically and the committee did not have to deal with details at all. In referring; to the society’s activities Mr Walker said that the competitions did a great work as they brought on competitors who otherwise might not have the opportunity of furthering their studies. The Chairman also added his tribute lo the worth of the secretary, and said that his services were rendered more valuable as he possessed an intimate knowledge of the society's affairs. The report was adopted. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by All- Walker, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Air Wilson. Air Walker moved, and Air A. Alarshall seconded —“That the society record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Air G. W. Al’lntosh, now of Wellington.” Mr Walker expressed regret that Air AlTntosh had been transferred to Wellington, but he was pleased that his ability had been appreciated and recognised. Air APlniosh had been a very active member of the society, and, during the period he had Occupied the presidential chair, he had done a great deal of work.—The motion was carried unanimously. The following retiring members of the committee were re-elected :—Alessrs J. Rennie. A. Alarshall, J. Park, and B. Solomon. All- W. T. Alonkman was re-elected auditor. At the committee meeting which followed the annual meeting the following officers were elected: —President, Mr E. C. Reynolds (re-electecl) - vice-presidents, I)r Hall and Air J. L. Salmond ; honorary treasurer, Mr J. H. Walker; and secretary, Air E. S. Wilson. The resignation of Air J. W. Smith as a member of the committee was held over till he knows definiiely that he will leave Dunedin. The secretary was granted a bonus of £4O, in addition to his salary, in recognition of his services during the past year.