ANNUAL REPORT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 365, 5 March 1932, Page 14

ANNUAL REPORT.

Society for Imperial i Culture. MANY ACTIVITIES. The report of the Society for Imperial Culture, which is to be presented to the annual meeting of the society on Saturday 19th, stated that the meetings during the year had been well attended, and although they had to regret the loss of some valuable members, the additions to the numbers gave good grounds for congratulation. The success of the society’s work during the year was due largely to, the energy and enthusiasm of the honorary secretary, Mrs Claude Sawtell. Before her departure for Europe she secured lecturers, and thus made the compilation of the syllabus a comparatively easy matter. She further arranged with various members to carry out the details incident to the smooth running of the society. The executive acknowledged its manifold obligations to Mrs Sawtell, and expressed its appreciation of the effective service rendered by Mi.ss M. O. Stoddart (who took charge of the decorations), Mr J. Fitzgerald, Mr C. A. Rendle, Miss Betty Ilannam, Miss Doreen Ilight, and Madame GowerBurns, in carrying out her duties during her absence. The society was deeply indebted to the various lecturers, not only for the gracious manner in which they acceded to its request, but also for the excellence of their lectures. Music had always formed an important part of the society’s monthly programmes, and the artists who performed during the year deserved high The syllabus for 1931 dealt with “ Personality ” as exemplified in various branches of human activity, and that idea was carried out with remarkable thoroughness by the lecturers. At the close of the year’s programme, the annual conversazione was held in the Chamber of Commerce. Additional enjoyment was given to a pleasant evening by the fact that members were able to welcome back their honorary secretary. During the year a donation was made to the Marjorie Alexander Fund. At the close of the session, a small presentation was made to Professor Shelley as a token of appreciation of his many and conspicuous .services as member, lecturer and president of the society. The thanks of the society were due to the lady members who had helped with the provisions for the suppers and donations of flowers for the decorations, and also to the newspapers. The balance-sheet showed an excess of assets over liabilities of £34 18s 6d. There were no outstanding liabilities. The balance in hand on March 1, 1931, was £8 12s 7d, and the balance in the bank was £lB 2,5.