MARION OPERATIC SOCIETY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9392, 12 March 1909, Page 4

MARION OPERATIC SOCIETY.

A general meeting was held last evening. Dr. Skerman was in the chair, and there was a large attendance of members.

The balance-sheet, showing a credit of £9 lls, was adopted. The election of officers for ensuing year resulted President, Mr R. B. Beckett; vice-presidents, Messrs E. Newman, M.P., and U. P. Mather; secretary and treasurer, A. Way; stage manager, Dr. Skerman; conductor, Mr A. E. S. Crozier; committee, Messrs R. Young, G. Barnett, A. H. Sutcliffe, W. L. Little, S. J. Gibbons, A, E. Awdry, J. A. Bell, A. Graham, H. Sheriff, and conductor and stage-manager, ex officio. The meeting decided to put on another opera, the choice of which was left to tbe committee. PRESENTATION., Mr W. L. Little took the opportunity of complimenting Dr. Skerman for his successsfnl efforts as stage manager to the Society since its inception. They had no conception of the amount of work and trouble which his position entailed. The fact of the various productions by the Society proving so successful ’’was in a greaj: measure due to the zeal and energy of Dr. Skerman. The recent'successful production by the'Sooiety was anotner testimony to Dr. Skerman’s invaluable services .as stage-manager. The Society feltthat they should give him soma small memento as a mark of esteem and appreciation. Mr Little in asking the Doctor’s acceptance of a handsomely framed photograph of the various scenes of the “Pirates of Penzance,” expressed a hope that he would be long spared to assist tbe Sobiety. In acknowledging the presentation Dr. Skerman said he had been taken quite by surprise.- The photographs would be a pleasing memento of the Society’s recent production. He felt that be had only done bis duty and it had always been a pleasure to him to undertake such duties entrusted to him. He had received the greatest assistance from members and much of the credit was due to them for the many snooessful operas put on. Dr. Skerman then made a presentation to Mr A. E. S. Orozier, the Society’s new conductor, of a goldmounted ebony baton. He congratulated Mr Orozier on his initial effort, and said the Society was fortunate in procuring his services. That the last opera was a success f went without saying, and it must have been a proud moment that evening for their new conductor. His work waa characteristic in v two ways—thoroughness and politeness. Mr Orozier suitably returned thanks, and remarked that he was glad of the opportunity of attaining a higher position in musical 'circles, and he thanked them tor their renewed confidence in re-electing him as conductor.

Miss Armstrong, the Society’s pianist, was also the '.recipient of a lady’s dressing case. The presentation was made by Dr. Skerman, who referred to the excellent work unselfishly given to the Society by Miss Armstrong. The presentation was suitably acknowledged.