OPERATIC SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 19822, 19 March 1926, Page 6

OPERATIC SOCIETY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Invercargill Amateur Operatic Society (incorporated) was held in the society’s rooms in the Arcade last night. The annual report was presented which read as follows: Your Committee has. pleasure in submitting this its first annual report and bal-ance-sheet and recording that the 1925-26 season has been a successful one. The roll now contains the names of 55 active members and 67 monorary members which must be considered satisfactory. The society is fortunate in having such a capable musical directress as Mrs J. W. A. Prentice and also Mrs A E. H. Bath as honorary accompanist. The society also prides itself in having the services of the finest orchestra in town. A second production of “Our Mis ~jbs” had been decided on, but owing to the scores not being obtainable in New Zealand, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance” was chosen. Scores were kindly lent by the Winton Society and for payment of same a concert was given at Winton in aid of the local school funds. The Timaru Society produced “Pirates of Penzance” during September last and your committee decided to send Mrs Prentice to Timaru to witness the production and also inquire about hiring scenery, costumes, etc. As a result of the visit arrangements were made to purchase the costumes and hire the scenery, and Miss Edith Johnson (late J. C. Williamson, Ltd.) was engaged as producer. The opera was successfully staged at the Municipal Theatre on November 30, December 1 and 2, 1925, and showed a profit of £136 4/5. The committee regrets to report, however, tfiat the visit to Gore showed a loss of £26 14/- and it is a question whether country trips are worth while. Your committee has recommended that “Floradora” be produced and inquiries are being made from other societies as to hiring scenery, costumes, scores, etc. The balance-sheet shows a credit balance of £7O 7/8, which must be considered satisfactory. The thanks of the society are due to Mr J. D. Campbell and Miss Crofts for gifts to the rooms, to Messrs G. Corbett P. Shaw, J. R. Haigh and Miss Beatson for services rendered. ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEAiRERS. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—Patron: His Worship the Mayor, Mr Andrew Bain; President: Mr R. A. Anderson; Vice-Presidents: Messrs W. W. Millar, P. Shaw and J. D. Campbell; Committee: Messrs W. Drummond, A. F. Grenfell, A. W. Kummert, D. French and Meedames J. D. Campbell, J. Halliday and Miss Pryde. Secretary, Mr J. Hamilton. Librarian: Miss Dorothy Domigan. Auditor: Mr A. H. Courtis. A business committee was also elected consisting of Messrs J. D. Campbell, P. Shaw and G. Corbett to deal with the advertising, purchases, etc., or any matter that might require attention while a production was being carried out.