THE REVEILLE.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17222, 4 October 1927, Page 9

THE REVEILLE.

(To the Editor.) Sir.—The Reveille balance sheet, which it was stated was available for public inspection some time ago but subsequently it had unfortunately to await audit, has at last been published. There are a few facts which I should like to elicit in that connection, though I do not wish it to be thought for one moment that I am offering criticism of our worthy Sunshine League, which does so much for the public good. I am merely inquiring how Mr Lints did. I should like to ascertain if the net proceeds include the donation of £4O by the Waitoa residents. I presume they do not. I wonder if the public who supported the entertainment to the extent of £483 14s were aware that they would lie contributing £lO 6s for Mrs MoKnight’s expenses and £5 5s for pianist. I was not. I think most of us were under the impression that the talent exploited by Mr Lints for the mutual benefit of the Sunshine League and himself was not being paid for; nor was it understood that an outside artist would be imported. I have heard, though I did not attach any credence to it, that the children who took part were asked to contribute several shillings each for mending and laundering of costumes supplied under agreement with Mr Lints. I do not care to criticise this item until it is confirmed by someone in authority, if it is correct, however, I consider it an iniquitous imposition on the generosity of tiie children’s parents. I should like some further information on this subject, which has not been touched upon in the balance-sheet. For how long was Mr Lints engaged to organise this entertainment? I thought it was l'or six weeks. Do his hoarding expenses cover that period only or a total of nine weeks? —I am, etc., DISGRUNTLED.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In examining the balance sheet of the Reveille recently produced by Mr Lints, I, amongst others, thought that it was a particularly good one, and it was therefore with some surprise that I read “Sunshine’s” adverse criticism. It is obvious that some contract was drawn up between Mr Lints and the Sunshine League on a fiftyfifty basis, and it is also an established fact that Mr Lints ‘delivered the goods’ and gave the Hamilton public their money’s worth. Where then is “Sunshine’s” grouch? The insinuation that the public were being exploited was entirely unreasonable. Mr Lints is a well-known professional producer and did his job thoroughly, leaving behind him a favourable impression and a great amount of experience gained by the local artists who so generously supported him. “Sunshine’s” further undignified comment that Mr Lints made his money out of the Sunshine League is certainly not in good taste and does not warrant further consideration. We pay high prices to hear the very muchboomed artists that are stumping the world to-day, who come to Hamilton, give one performance and depart plus a huge cheque, and the matter of public exploitation is forgotten. In this case a local society that is doing wonderful work engage an artist to stage a production on a percentage basis. The production is a success of its type—unprecedented one might say—thereby increasing the remuneration of the producer, and at'once a howl is raised that the public are being exploited. I ven- j ture to say that “Sunshine” is on the wrong track. If this type of exploitation enriches the Sunshine League to the tune of £IOO per time, let’s have more of it. I hope “Sunshine” will not object very much if I sign myseIf—“BROTHER GLOOM.”

(To the Editor.) Sir, —On reading Saturday’s edition of the Waikato Times I- was rather annoyed to see a letter signed by a party calling himself “Sunshine”; it should have been “Moonstruck.” I think the letter too ridiculous for words. Why class amateurs with professionals? Why do not some of these wonderful people come to light and help the Sunshine League instead of sitting back and criticising. If they think they can do the work better than the present members of the League, let them have a go at it and talk less. They say that the path to heaven is paved with thorns; the Sunshine League’s path in Hamilton has not been a path of roses, hut hard work. Cut out this pin-pricking and help, take the cup of water. 1 understand the League is satisfied with the agreement with Mr Lints. The people of Tc Aroha thought it worth coming a long way to see. I am pleased to see the Waikato Times taking an interest. “Peter Pan” is doing good work for the Sunshine Ward, and I hope to sec him get all the support he deserves. —I am, etc., EX-PATIENT.