A Historical Record of the NZ Federation of Operatic Societies Founded 20 February 1960
1970 - 1979

 

1960 - 1969	1970 - 1979	1980 - 1989	1990 - 1999	2000 -
Summary of Officers of NZFOS/MTFNZ/MTNZ

1970
President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice Presidents	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)  - North Island); Murray Marshall (Christchurch- South Island)
Executive	Les Goatham (Dunedin);  Austin Brasell (Wanganui); Ralph Moore (Auckland)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
On the occasion of the 1970 Annual General Meeting the Federation held a formal dinner to mark its tenth anniversary.  Organised by Mostyn Duddridge with meticulous attention to detail, this was an outstanding function.  Earlier in the day the meeting had adopted the Executive's recommendation that the Executive be five in number (including the Vice Presidents) drawn from each of the five geographical zones.  One result which was immediately to prove valuable was that the Federation once more acquired an Auckland representative in Ralph Moore - the first since Laird Thomson's final retirement three years earlier.  The new standing committee was working well and its members met eight times during the year.  The programme competition sponsored by Sovereign Woodworkers Limited entered its second year while the Executive, fortified by a second annual grant of $4,000 from the Arts Council, launched a producer subsidy scheme to assist societies, especially in the country areas, to raise their standards of production.  The major special project in the year was, however, the Federation's contest for a New Zealand musical.  When the contest closed in September there were 20 entries.  The Federation and the contestants were fortunate in the calibre of the three judges - Molly Donald, Oswald Cheesman and Roy Melford - and in the great enthusiasm and diligence which the judges applied themselves to an exacting and difficult task.  The eventual verdict was that no entry met the conditions of the contest (which called for a work suitable for a full scale presentation by an amateur operatic group in New Zealand) but nevertheless much was achieved and there did emerge some exciting possibilities for the future of our musical theatre.

1971
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Stanley Campbell, Eva Moore
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice Presidents	Ralph Moore (North Island - Auckland); Murray Marshall (South Island - Christchurch)
Executive	Jack Hancock (Tokoroa); Brian Jackson (Lower Hutt); Les Goatham (Dunedin)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	74
A reserve fund set aside by the Executive enabled the President to travel the country widely and he visited most of the South Island societies and many in the central North Island.  The Federation was grateful for the continued assistance from the QE11 Arts Council and acknowledged receipt of a $4,500 grant.  Regular meetings of the Standing Committee augmented two meetings of the full Executive and this procedure proved most beneficial in the continuation of the administration of the Federation.  The Federation subsidised operatic participants in the New Zealand Theatre Federation's school for Producers at Masterton.  Reports of the School paid tribute to the splendid organisation and the patience of the tutors especially David Tinkham.  Participants worked hard and their respective societies reaped the ultimate benefit.  Whangarei and Putaruru societies were the first to take advantage of the new Producer Subsidy Scheme and ran training schools conducted by the producers as required by the terms of the subsidy.  Under Donald Thompson's direction "Spotlight" continued to make a significant contribution to the Federation's affairs.  The Capital Assistance Fund, standing at $6,000 continued to expand and participation by societies was urged at the AGM.  The Executive examined ways and means of commissioning a musical suitable for performance by member societies generally and it was still hopeful that one could be produced.  Sovereign Woodworkers of Wanganui continued to sponsor the Programme Competition which proved popular and interesting, the reports from its judges each giving valuable commendations and criticisms for the information of future programme producers.  The imposition of a petrol tax benefited some societies as their local bodies used part of it to encourage artistic activity in their area.  The President urged societies to lobby their local bodies in respect of continuing moral and financial support in this field.

1972
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Eva Moore
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice Presidents	Ralph Moore (North Island - Auckland); Murray Marshall (South Island - Christchurch)
Executive	Jack Hancock (Tokoroa); Brian Jackson (Lower Hutt); Jim Fenton (Invercargill)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	74
The full Executive met twice during the year, and the Standing Committee comprising of Messrs McKenzie, McSkimming and Terry four times.  The balance sheet disclosed the soundness of the Federation's finances and it was noted that the Executive had continued its policy of placing funds in reserve in respect of the New Zealand Musical Competition and the Producer Subsidy Scheme.  The library continued to satisfy a very real need and Murray Marshall planned extensions to the services the library offered.  Problems with the Producer Subsidy Scheme emerges and Messrs Moore, Jackson, Fenton and Hancock were charged with looking into the whole area of training within theatre.  Costs of production of Spotlight were increasingly steadily and it was hoped to extend circulation to offset this.  The $1,100 deficit in 1971 showed that the magazine was using about a quarter of the Arts Council grant.  Mr Thompson gave notice that he would be relinquishing the position of Business Manager and Mr Simms left for Britain after 18 months service.  Circulation reached an all time high of 10,596 copies over four issues.  A pattern emerged showing considerable unevenness in societies showing a willingness to contribute copy.  The Capital Assistance Fund stood at $7,700 with all available money being out on loan.  Negotiations with the QE2 Arts Council had resulted in the Council's willingness to support directly, by suspensory loans, those societies which avail themselves of the Fund's lending facilities.  With the withdrawal of Sovereign Woodworkers from the Programme Competition sponsorship, the Federation willingly took on this task.  President Jim McKenzie urged member societies to "maintain continual pressure in an endeavor to convince local body administrators of the importance of artistic activity in the local scene and the need for all possible assistance to our movement which does so much to promote community wellbeing". At the half yearly meeting of the full Executive the proposal of the commission of a New Zealand musical was discussed.  The Arts Council is to be approached for assistance with its promotion.

1973
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Eva Moore, Donald Thompson MBE
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice President - North Island	Ralph Moore (Zone One - Auckland)
Vice President - South Island	Murray Marshall (Zone Four - Christchurch)
Executive - Zone Two	Jack Hancock (Tokoroa)
Executive - Zone Three	Brian Jackson (Lower Hutt)
Executive - Zone Five	Jim Fenton (Invercargill)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	79
During the year, Mr Marshall resigned from the Executive and as Librarian.  Mr G A Blackler of Timaru was appointed to fill the casual vacancy on the Executive and Jack Hancock offered to act as Librarian, housing the library in Tokoroa.  At the beginning of the year, the Capital Assistance Fund stood at $7,701 and there was a steady demand for loans.  Some progress had been made in respect of the NZ musical but it had of necessity been slow.  The Executive felt that proper time should be taken to ensure that the completed article would be one of the highest possible standard.  During the year the Producer Subsidy Scheme was abandoned and an endeavour was made to engender interest in regional classes.  It was hoped Zone Councillors would promote these and Executive indicated it would offer support by way of finding suitable tutors and making funds available.  As a direct response to past remits concerning rate relief for cultural organisations, the Standing Committee discussed this with the Minister of Internal Affairs who advised that there was already provision for this in legislation and societies should make representation to their local bodies.  At the AGM a remit was moved by Methven Choral Society and seconded by Invercargill concerning the possibility of holding the meeting in various parts of the country to encourage more societies to send delegates.  This was one of the first of many remits over the years which has sought a more equitable distribution of the meeting to make the Federation more evenly visible over the country and spread the cost of sending delegates.

1974
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Eva Moore, Donald Thompson MBE
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice President - North Island	Ralph Moore (Zone One - Auckland)
Vice President - South Island	Jim Fenton (Zone Five - Invercargill)
Executive - Zone Two	Jack Hancock (Tokoroa)
Executive - Zone Three	Brian Jackson (Lower Hutt)
Executive - Zone Four	G A Blackler (Timaru)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	80
The AGM was held in the South Island for the first time - Christchurch.  During the President's report, Jim McKenzie said "the operatic movement continues to flourish despite difficult economic times and member societies are to be congratulated on the standard and improvements they are achieving".  Also addressing the meeting, Dr W B Sutch, Chairman of the QE11 Arts Council said "New Zealand is tremendously well off with talented people and despite competition from radio, television and films, the performing arts in NZ continues to be very strong because of the considerable expertise in local amateur theatre the assistance required from the Council has been minimal.'  Appreciation was expressed to the QE11 Arts Council for making an additional $15,000 available for special projects.  $5,000 of this was subsequently used to subsidise freight costs between member societies.  Mrs M Reid continued as Spotlight Editor and also undertook its business management.  At a Zone meeting one speaker had said that Spotlight is soppy.  The main criticism was the volume of newspaper reviews printed in the magazine - almost all of which were "raves".  In reply the editor said it was her job to edit copy and not write it, and it was up to societies to send what they wanted to read.  Spotlight will only be as good as you, the members, make it - she said.  Sponsorship of the programme competition this year was undertaken by the BNZ.  At the AGM, Mr Murray Mitchell, NZ Manager for J C Williamson, announced that the company would mark its centenary by presenting a trophy to the Federation to be competed for annually by its member societies. It was to be for "the best production" and would be judged by Williamsons, to whose production department he would make recommendations.  Entries were to include a tape of part of the show, programme and promotional material.
1975
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Eva Moore, Donald Thompson MBE
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice President - North Island	Brian Jackson (Zone Three - Wellington)
Vice President - South Island	Jim Fenton (Zone Five - Invercargill)
Executive - Zone One	Frank Clapshaw (Hamilton)
Executive - Zone Two	Stan Ransley (Tauranga)
Executive - Zone Four	Norma Sweeney (Greymouth)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	88
During the year, Mr Clapshaw died suddenly and the Executive appointed Mrs Sandra Sewell of Auckland to fill the vacancy.  In his report to the AGM, the President expressed concern as to the future of the Federation as its application for the 1976 administration grant had been sent (along with the Theatre Federation) to the Council for Recreation and Sport.  Executive were particularly apprehensive as over the years, a good understanding and liaison had been established with the Director and staff of the QE11 Arts Council.  It appeared that its future policy was tending to cater for professionals to the detriment of the amateur movement.  Special guest at the AGM, Edward Woodward notable English actor said " ... the only different between professional and amateur performers was that the professionals got paid, and it was the enormous enthusiasm in amateur theatre that always thrilled him.  In England many professional directors and performers were getting involved with amateur theatre".  A lengthy discussion was held concerning the cost and difficulty of recruiting musicians for orchestras.  Most professional musicians would not perform with amateurs because of the Union regulations.  New ideas presented at the meeting were that Councillors should convene zone meetings during the year and that charges for hireage of lighting equipment should be standardised.  Following the resignation of Mrs M Reid as Spotlight editor, Mr John Barrett of Hamilton, was appointed.  Mrs Reid continued as business manager.  The Chairman of the Capital Assistance Fund, Mr Tim Blennerhassett resigned and Mr Denis Brown of Wanganui AMDRAM replaced him.  At this stage the fund had grown to $18,417.  The NZ musical had progressed and was being circulated to societies for their consideration.  It was written by Mr John Densem of Christchurch.  The Federations' administration manual was compiled by Frank Terry and was distributed free to all societies.  Updated pages and additional material are to be prepared and distributed as they become available.  The first winner of the JC Williamson Trophy for Best Production was Tokoroa Operatic Society's "Oliver".  The library had grown to approx 4,000 books..
1976
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Eva Moore, Donald Thompson MBE
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice President - North Island	Brian Jackson (Zone Three - Wellington)
Vice President - South Island	Jim Fenton (Zone Five - Invercargill)
Executive - Zone One	Sandra Sewell (Auckland)
Executive - Zone Two	Stan Ransley (Tauranga)
Executive - Zone Four	Norma Sweeney (Greymouth)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	90
The new method of funding the Federation caused some frustrations and adjustments in matching up to the criteria of the Council for Recreation and Sport and lack of liquidity caused by the time taken to obtain decisions on the Federation's submissions.  Membership and audience figures became the major criteria on which our administration grant was based.  In this year the Council's grant totalled $11,805.  A long established trend overseas surfaced in NZ with the development of theatre restaurant.  Revision of liquor laws added interest and ease of operation with this type of entertainment.  The NZ musical unfortunately got "bogged down" this year and efforts to set it up on a workshop basis failed.  Some re-writing was done and it was hoped that 1978 would see its production.  In association with the Playwrights Association of NZ and under the aegis of the British Council, the Federation supported a tour by Miss Ann Lee, Head of Drama at Evans Plays in London.  She conducted seminars for professional and amateur playwrights and musical theatre.  She visited ten operatic societies and was hosted privately by many of our personnel.  The tour was organised by Stanley Campbell.  CAF this year continued to grow and reached $20,063.  The increasing net loss on Spotlight to the Federation's caused considerable concern and it was decided this could no longer be tolerated as part of the Federation's expenditure.  The price had remained constant at five cents for society copies and ten cents for individuals for 15 years.  To address the widening disparity between Spotlight's income and expenditure, the price was raised to fifteen cents to societies and twenty cents to individuals including postage.  Spotlight editor John Barrett offered to compile a history of the Federation and "Operatic Operation" was launched in the June issue, requesting societies and individuals to send material relevant to such a project.  Such was the response by the next issue of Spotlight that it was realised that such a project was far too big to be contained in one book, so societies were encouraged to compile their own histories with support of the Federation towards publication if  necessary.
1977
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Eva Moore, Donald Thompson MBE
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice President - North Island	Brian Jackson (Zone Three - Wellington)
Vice President - South Island	Jim Fenton (Zone Five - Invercargill)
Executive - Zone One	Sandra Sewell (Auckland)
Executive - Zone Two	Stan Ransley (Tauranga)
Executive - Zone Four	Keith Ercalano (Nelson)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	89
The President's Annual Report mentioned the very cordial relationship the Federation enjoyed with the Council for Recreation and Sport.  Regular discussions has been held with the Chairman, Mr Lance Cross and staff to clarify policy situations.  It was noted in reports from societies, that despite economically difficult times, they were continuing to function, presenting a wide variety of entertainment.  Many of them were trying new musicals whilst keeping alive their interest in the best of the older ones.  Although contributions to the Capital Assistance Fund were less than in previous years, many societies continued their support of the scheme faithfully.  It continued to provide a source of low interest finance enabling societies  to make purchases of capital equipment.  Entries for both the programme and JC Williamson Trophy competitions were fewer this year, but the awards were made as usual for high standard of entry.  The Freight Subsidy Scheme continued to work well enabling movement of equipment for shows so audiences could see major productions in their own centres and hiring societies could get some return on their investment.  Over 1,200 additional books were donated to the library by member societies, necessitating the addition of storage space.  To date there was perusal material for 266 musical shows held in the library.  With a boost from Independent Newspapers Limited sponsorship, the second issue of Spotlight this year was a bumper 32 page edition of news, views, reviews, opinions, personalities and news of choirs, dance and orchestras.  A good deal of effort was put into the promotion of the magazine but after consideration of the costs and returns, the Standing Committee decided to continue the publication of a 24 page Spotlight six times a year.  A times since then, according to the amount of copy submitted, it has reverted to 16 or 20 pages.
1978
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Donald Thompson MBE
President	Jim McKenzie (Hamilton)
Immediate Past President	Jack McSkimming (Palmerston North)
Vice President	Jim Fenton (Invercargill - Zone Five)
Executive - Zone One	Sandra Sewell (Auckland)
Executive - Zone Two	Nola Speir (Tauranga)
Executive - Zone Three	Brian Jackson (Wellington)
Executive - Zone Four	Betty Dallas (Greymouth)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	93
With the respective rule change coming into effect, the positions of North and South Island Vice Presidents were replaced with a single Vice President.  It was with regret that the death of one of the Federation's Vice Patrons, Miss Eva Moore, was noted.  Miss Moore took a keen interest in the Federation's activities over many years and made a considerable impact as a director with wide experience and considerable ability.  The President's Annual Report noted that the operatic movement was increasing in activity with many more societies offering theatre restaurant style of entertainment and also providing classes of membership for junior members.  A remit at the AGM reflected a common concern that high royalty charges were reducing the selection of shows that societies could afford to stage and those societies who build equipment for shows were losing out on a financial return from their hireage.  The April issue of Spotlight contained an article submitted by Jim McKenzie replying to comments made by Mr David Gascoigne who spoke at the AGM on behalf of the QE11 Arts Council.  He told of proposals to set up yet another organisation for opera to replace those that had failed in the past.  Mr McKenzie said "he seemed to have overlooked the fact that the Federation with its productions of light opera, musical comedy and even occasionally opera is flourishing and making a far greater contribution to the performing arts than any other organisation in this country.  It also provides avenues for professionals and semi-professionals not otherwise available to them .... With the fall off both with the quantity and quality of imported entertainment, without us there would be little left".  With continuing additions from member societies the Federation's library numbered 5,000 books.  Movements had increased from 350 in 1977 to 1,500 in 1978.  The Capital Assistance Fund at this stage stood at $23,565.  A $12,625 grant was received from the Council for Recreation and Sport including $3,000 for Spotlight.  In recognition largely for his "services to the operatic movement", Mr Jim McKenzie was awarded the OBE by Her Majesty the Queen.
1979
Patron	Sir Arthur Harper, KCVO, CBE, JP
Vice Patrons	Tim Blennerhasset, Stanley Campbell, Donald Thompson MBE
President	Brian Jackson (Wellington)
Immediate Past President	Jim McKenzie OBE (Hamilton)
Vice President	Jim Fenton (Invercargill)
Executive - Zone One	Sandra Sewell (Auckland)
Executive - Zone Two	Nola Speir (Tauranga)
Executive - Zone Three	Colin Hendry (Masterton)
Executive - Zone Four	Betty Dallas (Greymouth)
Executive - Zone Five	Betty Bridgman (Alexandra)
Hon Secretary	Ella Duddridge
Hon Treasurer	Frank Terry
Member Societies	93
The Federation extended congratulations to the Founder President and current Treasurer, Fran Kterry on his MBE awarded in the New Year's Honours List.  The AGM meeting in Rotorua was a major move in the efforts to hold meetings in centres other than Wellington, to make it easier for some delegates to attend and also take the Federation into the field.  It was estimated that within the 93 member societies there were approximately 15,000 individual members representing a sizeable sector of the performing arts.  During the year the death occurred of a former President of the Federation, Mr Jack McSkimming of Palmerston North.  The CAF benefitted from the increased levy of two cents to five cents and continued to provide very worthwhile assistance to capital projects.  A turnover of 1,985 volumes emphasized the importance of the library facilities to societies.  At the AGM, Mr Stanley Campbell made an impassioned plea for the Fedeation to launch a "Save Spotlight Campaign". Subscriptions were doubled and Mr Murray Mitchell from JC Williamson Theatres offered the use of His Majesty's Theatre in Auckland and the Royal Theatre in Christchurch free of charge to stage shows to raise funds for the magazine.  The proposed Auckland season of Jesus Christ Superstar was cancelled because of problems with the budget.  Following its season of Jesus Christ Superstar the Palmerston North Operatic Society took their entire show to Christchurch.  Unfortunately without the support of that area, patronage was poor and the project resulted in a loss to the Federation of over $7,000.  This catastrophic result was fully discussed at the AGM the following year and all societies were levied an additional 50% of their annual subscription to offset the loss.  11 years after the Federation floated the concept of a NZ musical, the Methven Choral Society produced "Man in the Street" written by Mr John Densem of Christchurch.