Timaru Operatic Society.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13892, 1 May 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

Timaru Operatic Society.

s&NXUAL REPORT. (April 27th, 1909.) The following is the full text of the report presented at the Timaru Operatic Society's annual meeting on Monday evening last. Mr Chairman* Ladies and Gentlemen, — Our Society commenced their last season under somewhat disheartening circumstances. "We had to contend against an apparently powerful opposition Society, 'which threatened •to rob us of many old members, and we had to face old debts amounting to some £lO. How one and all loyally put their shoulder to the wheel; and with the help of " Good Old Pinafore" sailed triumphantly on the waves of success into the safe harbour of a sound financial position—is now a matter of. history. Our Society last season had as business manager and lion, secretary, possibly the finest official in that capacity that ever a Society was blessed with, and our present excellent position is in a great measure due to the untiring efforts and keen enthusiasm displayed, by Mr Bennett. Mr Bennett has now gone to reside in Dunedin, and both he and Mrs Bennett (who was also a great worker and consistent supporter of the Society), will carry our best wishes for their future welfare. Your old committee felfc that some small token of our regard should be sent to Sir Bennett in Dunedin, taking the shape of a- framed "address, and this matter will be dealt with by the new committee to be elected to-night, with, I feel sure, the hearty sanction of tliis general meeting. Our thanks are also due io the worthy hon. musical conductor, Mr talis Wood, for his untiring patient jcork and assidious attention. We are also grateful to Mr Herbert IWebb for his preliminary work with the chorus. " The stage management and committee, as usual, worked conscientiously and well. Captain Clarkson's and Sergeant Major Jones' kind assistance was also much appreciated. Last but not least the kindly notices and criticisms of the local Press have been most encouraging to our members. A vote 'of tbanfeg is due to those members of our orchestra who so generously gave their services—special mention must be made of Messrs Ryan and Metson, who for the last five years have assisted the Society's orchestra without one penny of remuneration. And as both these gentlemen belong to the Garrison Band the Society may possibly be able in some way to assist this kindred body of musicians on the occasion of their trip to the Invercargill contest. Gilbert and Sullivan's popular comic opera, the Pirates of Penzance, will be the next production to be staged, and next Monday week. May 10, the first rehearsal will be held at Budd's Arcade Cafe at 8 o'clock sharp. By this time vocal scores and books of the words will be ready for our company. Mr Gunn, the proprietor of the Theatre, has made a liberal offer for, renting the Theatre next Show Week, and your new committee will deal with this matter as soon as possible. Last season witnessed, what may be described as an "historical event." I allude to the trip to Waimate. It was indeed a great compliment to our Society to be thus invited down and engaged as we were by the Waimate Cale doniaii Society. The excursion was a huge success both financially and otherwise, and our Society has made a splendid name for itself, and many friends an the pleasant and hospitable town of IWaimate. There is every probability that we shall be asked to stage ' lirates" there this season, if so, our arrangements will have to be somewhat altered, as the return journey by -drags the same night was wearisome in the extreme, more especially in those drags where the commissariat department had failed to do its duty. In conclusion as stage manager and ton. secretary pro tem, I wish to thank you all individually and collectively for the loyal support accorded the manage- , ment last season. The casting of the principals for the new opera will be a difficult and delicate task for the committee, new blood must be introduced to sustain the public interest, but wherever possible old deserving members will be promoted from the chorus. To new members we extend a most hearty welcome. As for the old members who have left, or are leaving _ limaru, it is with a deep regret that we part with them, that farewells have to be extended to such good comrades and enthusiastic supported as the Misses Annie, Ethel, and Belle. Graham, Mr Graham (one of our late vice-pre-sidents?, and Messrs Ted. Millichamp, Arthur Scott, Moody and Spaven. May they always carry with them pleasant memories of. the Timaru - Operatic Society.—Harry S. Moore, hon. sec. pro. tenu -