DECISION TO “CARRY ON”

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1930, Page 19

DECISION TO “CARRY ON”

OPERATIC SOCIETY’S FUTURE

REVUE OR A. LIGHT OPERA.

ENCOURAGING MEETING HELD. • The New Plymouth Operatic Society decided at a meeting last night to “carry on” and produce a light revue or light opera this season. An attendance of about 30 members was presided over by Mr. A. Mac Diarmid. The advisability of continuing was thoroughly discussed and measures of rigid economy were suggested. The cutting down of expenses by members supplying their own dresses, the lowering of admission prices, higher members’ subscriptions, and the possibility of securing guarantors or honorary members all received consideration. The committee had met, said the chairman, and had gone into the matter a little more fully, coming to the conclusion that the lowest estimate for putting on the revue was £5OO. Last time a°show had been staged the theatre takings had been £460 from the prices 6.3, 4s and 2s Gd. If it were decided to produce a show ithvould be necessary to make considerably more, and the highest charge would have to be no more than ss.

The chairman had .come to the conclusion that there were a number of essentials of which It Atas necessary to be sure before a show be produced. In the first place Mr. Theo Trezise should be producer. The chairman had received a letter from him in which he stated that he could produce a show about September. Sympathetic treatment by the picture company in New Plymouth would be needful, and possibly that could be arranged. A much larger number of members’' than‘at’present would havß to be interested, and he thought it would be necessary for members to consider themselves more financially bound to the society. Subscriptions would have to be increased or members would have to make themselves responsible for their dressing.

DECISION TO RESIGN. It would be necessary to elect a new business manager and chairman. Both Mr. Collier and he had felt that they could not continue in the positions. If the society decided to carry on he intended* to resign from the chairmanship. ’These were some of the chief problems that would have to be faced. Mr. Trczise had intimated that he could put on a revue, which he would write. In that case royalty could be avoided. The members, be felt, were all enthusiastic and keen, but it was tor them to decide whether the. aid of the public could bo elicited. Mr. C. Blake moved that in the event of a decision to carry on, the members’ fees should be increased to 10s for men and 5s for ladies. Hie motion’ was carried after a short discussion. during which Miss East suggested ’ that the fee for ladies be 5s and that each member provide one of the frocks. The increased fees, replied Mr. Blake, should provide enough to carry on. There was no need for pessimism. The property man, Mr. W. L. Ba.m6ey, asked to be relieved of his position this year, though he would help when he was able. Referring to the proposed resignation of the chairman, ilr. Blake asked that he reconsider his decision. An offer to produce the show for nothing was made by Mr. W. G. Holder, who said he would like to help the society to carry on. A dancing instructress, he sure, could be found in the town. In addition, he offered to write the revue and paint the scenery. The show could bo made a success. On one occasion, he remarked, he had produced a “Pair of Braces” and it had taken onlv three weeks to “put it on. A vote of* thanks for the offer was carried unanimously.