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STORY OF NEW ZEALAND’S CONVENTION 1952
NORMAN HADLER
“There is a brotherhood in photography” were the words of Mr. E.R. Bartlett, of Dunedin, when he was addressing the New Zealand Convention of Photographic Societies at Queenstown on the 26th April. The following five days only served to confirm and strengthen this sentiment for, at the Convention of the Photographic Societies of New Zealand held at Queenstown, in Southland, and sponsored by the Christchurch Photographic Society (Inc.), were cemented numerous friendships among workers who previously had been no more than mere names on prints. The password was 'photography' and the sign one or more cameras hanging from the neck.
To appreciate more fully the complete picture of the Convention, probably the first of its kind to be held in the British Commonwealth outside England, let us look back some eighteen months when the Christchurch Photographic Society calmly enthusiastic Fred Bowron visited the United States of America on business but fully determined to make the acquaintance of the well-known figures in photography in that country. Never did he expect to be so taken to the hearts of the American photographic fraternity. This is not the place to describe all his photographic exploits, let it be sufficient to say that he attended the Photographic Society of America Convention at Baltimore and returned to New Zealand full of enthusiasm for the idea and its adoption here. Fred lost no time and, accompanied by our old friend Len Casbolt, President of Christchurch Photographic Society, traveled the length of the South Island spreading the gospel of conventions and sounding all the Societies regarding the likelihood of support. The other clubs and societies liked the idea and the Christchurch Photographic Society was empowered to form a committee to explore the possibilities. Thus came into being the combination of F. Leonard Casbolt ARPS, President; Fred L. Bowron, Convention Secretary; Ron L. Sparrow, Salon Secretary; Albert H. Marker, Entertainment Officer, and Roy H. Truscott, Hon. Treasurer.
It would take more space than this whole article to trace the work done by this committee. Let us take it for granted and merely say that the Convention was arranged to take place at Queenstown in the heart of the southern lakes and mountains and a blaze of autumn color in the period from 24th to 30th of April, that accommodation houses were interviewed, the help of the Tourist Department enlisted, a hall inspected and booked, catering arrangements made, the steamer “Earnslaw” chartered, a bus engaged and attention given to a multitude of small but important details.
Convention Committee: Start reading front row fourth from the left
Albert Marker (Entertainment), Roy Truscott (Treasurer), Fred Bowron (Organising Secretary),
Len Casbolt ARPS, APSA (President), Ron Sparrow (Salon Secretary).
Thus did the scene change to the town of Queenstown, nestling among the hills on the eastern shore of lovely Lake Wakatipu, on Thursday 24th April. Private cars and buses began to arrive, hotels began to fill with guests, and a common sight in the streets was a group of people all carrying cameras and the inevitable gadget bags. After a hurried dinner and a brush-up, all roads led to the "House of Friendship", the Anglican Church Hall and the headquarters of the Convention. As the hall rapidly filled it could be truly said that Fred Bowron’s dream had come to reality, he had every reason to be what he obviously was, the happiest and proudest man in Queenstown. Gathered together were over a hundred representatives of Photographic Societies Camera Clubs from all over New Zealand — Rotorua, Waikato, Hawera, Wanganui, Nelson, Christchurch, Rangiora, Ash burton, Timaru, Omaru, Dunedin and Southland (Invercargill) — bent on furthering their interests in that grandest of hobbies, photography.
We left the steamer “Earnslaw” in Elfin Bay and tramped to Lake Rere, two miles inland.
(Photograph by G.C. Wood, Nelson.)
Justice can best be done to the proceedings of the Convention by adopting diary form, so here it is without further ado:
Thursday 24th April: At 7.45pm, Treasurer Roy Truscott was very busily issuing badges for the modest registration fee of 25/- to cover catering expenses and other incidentals, while the visitors were quickly making introductions and immediately passing into the use of Christian names a sure sign that the spirit of true friendship was abroad. Soon, before a packed hall, the opening ceremonies began, with introduction by Organizing Secretary Fred Bowron and President Len Casbolt, followed by the inaugural speech by the Mayor of Queenstown, Mr. D.W. Thompson, who stressed the great pleasure it gave him to have the Convention held in his town. There followed greetings sent by tape-recording from the Photographic Society of America, the speakers, Norris Harkness (President of the Photographic Society of America), Phil Maples, Gene Chase and Ray Miess, thrilling the gathering with their personal greetings made possible only by this modern development of recording. Some Australian members of the Photographic Society of America, headed by Keast Burke, added their words of greeting and encouragement by the same means, and another pleasure was the company of an Australian amateur photographer, Mr. McLeod, who happened to be staying in Queenstown at the time. Loud applause demonstrated the audience’s appreciation of this fine achievement in the field of international goodwill.
A feature of the opening evening was the display of the First National Salon, consisting of fifty-five prints which had been selected from a large number submitted by the country’s top workers. It is the first time in New Zealand that a national salon of this type has been exhibited, and it certainly set a very high standard. The whole Salon has been film-stripped and will be circulated among the various clubs, together with a record of the comments of the judges Messrs. F.L. Casbolt, Harold Larsen and F.L. Bowron. The prints were hung on the walls of the "House of Friendship", where they remained for the duration of the Convention. To conclude the evening there was what was described on the program for this and all succeeding nights as “Supper and Natter", the popularity of which was never left in doubt by the fact that the lights had to be switched off every night in order to empty the hall before the hour of midnight. Surely the spirit of brotherhood is amply demonstrated by this one fact alone.
Friday 25th April: As this was Anzac Day, there were no organized activities during the day, members taking the opportunity of exploring the shores of the lake for photographic possibilities, while the afternoon was spent round Arthur’s Point and the Shot over Bridge, where color subjects were particularly brilliant. Small groups of camera enthusiasts could be seen in every direction choosing the most satisfying compositions and recording them for the production of masterpieces in the coming winter season.
One of the highlights of the Convention was presented during the evening, the recorded commentary by J. Elwood Armstrong on prints from the Permanent Print Collection of the Photographic Society of America, slides of which were projected on the screen. This was an education to many of the representatives attending, especially as the comments of an expert were applied to specimens of some of the finest work in the world, and stress laid upon the factors which contributed to the making of these successful pictures.
Harold Larsen APSA, and
Photographic Society of America
Hon. Representative in New Zealand, finds a target.
A “frame-up”, by Vic Browne.
(Photographs by G.C. Wood, Nelson).
Saturday 26th April: In the morning an organized excursion to Arrowtown was held. Pages could be written about this picturesque little village, steeped in the history of the early gold mining days of New Zealand, complete with a museum of ancient mining tools and a sprinkling of bewhiskered old hands who knew the town in its roaring days. But, no words can convey to the reader the feeling of an aura of past days which seems to pervade the winding, undulating streets. Color in plenty was there, too, for the poplar trees which abound seem to possess a richness of hue that is unique. All too soon came the return journey and many 'shots' were left behind, which, had there been time to fossick about, could have been 'slipped in the bag'.
Beautiful Lake Hayes, the Lake of a Thousand Pictures, was the rendezvous for the afternoon and, although it did not choose to turn on its mirror placidity for which it is famed, the slanting afternoon sun sparkled on a surface ever so lightly rippled by a gentle breeze. Once again the poplars played mannequin in their cloaks of gold and a flock of sheep obligingly posed under the trunks, their backs rimmed with a brilliant back-light. No wonder sup plies of film, both color and monochrome, became scarce long before the last day of the Convention.
'Kodak Entertains' was the title of the evening session which was ably conducted by Mr. E.R. Bartlett, of Dunedin, who screened an informational film entitled “Functional Photography”, showing many of the uses, strange and varied, to which photography is put today. Unfortunately, the sound was not up to the usual standard and, in a film of thus nature, much of the value is lost if the explanations are not clearly audible to all. This was followed by a newsreel and a comedy which served to put everyone in the right mood for the 'Supper and Natter' to follow. Kodak Ltd. very kindly supplied the supper on this occasion.
Norm Hadler and Oscar shadow-sparring.
(Photograph by G.C. Wood).
Convention President, Len Casbolt ARPS, APSA, poses for the camera.
Note: This photograph was made from a Kodachrome color transparency.
Ron Sparrow poses whilst Len Fransman and Harold Larsen get busy.
(Photograph by G.C. Wood).
Sunday 27th April: A fine but cold morning greeted the members as they boarded the s.s. “Earnslaw” for a trip to Elfin Bay, some twenty-five miles up the north arm of the lake. At 9.30am, the lines were cast off and the ship slowly headed for the open water. Suddenly an alarm sounded, the engine-room telegraph pealed wildly and the ship gently returned to the wharf. Mr. George Chance FRPS, the well known landscape king of New Zealand, had ‘missed the boat'. With him safely on board, where he was greeted with hearty cheers and mercilessly chaffed about the cocktail party he had given for members of the executives of visiting societies the previous evening, the journey was resumed.
By 11.45am, nearly a hundred people had disembarked at Elfin Bay and were following the path which led through a forest of towering native trees up a stiff climb on the way to Lake Rere, a distance of one and a half miles. At this beautiful spot lunches were eaten and once more our shutters clicked. All too soon came the return journey. Here it is interesting to note that the trip was made by an enthusiastic lady whose eightieth birthday was celebrated a few days later. On the way home the skipper of the ship shaped a zig-zag course and produced on the now glass-like surface of the lake a magnificent effect. For miles astern of the ship the water lay in oily rolls with the westering sun tipping each with liquid fire. Needless to say, this sight was recorded by nearly every camera on board — monochrome, color and movie. It was a happily tired party which trailed from the jetty about 5.30pm, to prepare for the evening session.
An illustrated lecture from the Photographic Society of America, “New Prints from Old”, by Barbara Green, was the main attraction. It was amazing to see what pictures could be made from small portions of one negative and, in one case, no less than fourteen had been produced from a quarter-plate. The bright and informal recorded commentary which accompanied the slides added the final touch to an extremely interesting and instructive lecture. Some color slides presented by members of the Christchurch Photographic Society completed the evening.
From left to right: Albert Marker (Committee Member),
Leonard Casbolt ARPS, APSA (President),
Fred L. Bowron (Organizing Secretary).
Dr. Raymond Kirk (Lecturer) and
Jim Simpson (Projectionist) left, unravel a knot.
Aboard lake steamer “Earnslaw".
(Photographs by G.C. Wood).
Monday 28th April: Members were free to follow their own desires, and some took advantage of the local air facilities for flights over the mountainous country, while others traveled by service bus to Skippers over a road with a reputation. However, the majority explored the shores and some of the numerous valleys quite close to the town. It was even rumored that some had a sleep during the afternoon.
By 8pm, the 'House of Friendship' was full to overflowing ready for the presentation of the entertainment by members of the Dunedin Photographic Society. First, Dr. Raymond Kirk told of his “Fifteen Years of Photography”, producing from the pockets of his jacket the whole of his field equipment — miniature camera, lens hood, filter and exposure meter. He described how he first became attracted to photography on a trip to England, and of his later exploits during the second World War when the small camera allowed of many exposures other wise impossible. A print made from one of these was hung in the National Salon. After twenty minutes of meandering in his inimitable chatty style, Dr. Kirk displayed a couple of dozen of his prints, most of which have gained acceptance in various salons.
There followed Mr. Richard Ratcliff, more commonly known as Dick, with a more robust but no less amusing type of humor, who asked the question, “Why Join a Photographic Society?” and proceeded to answer it, quoting his own experience as proof of the advantages of taking this step. A sound and analytical discourse was punctuated here and there with amusing anecdotes told in his own vigorous and often forthright manner. The final clinching of his argument came with the presentation of about one hundred color slides of the Southern Lakes district, each one displaying a delicate appreciation of pictorialism in color, a rich harvest from the cameras of Ray and Dick.
Tuesday 29th April: Another fine day and more than twenty private cars conveyed the members to Lake Wanaka and the town of Pembroke. The route lay over the Crown Range and the highest formed road in New Zealand, nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. The day was spent by small parties at various spots round the shore of the lake, each car-load traveling independently of the rest. A few even ventured further north to Lake Hawea, with some of the cars totaling 160 miles for the day.
Once again the evening session provided what had now come to be expected, something 'out of the box'. Another well-known photographic firm, Messrs. H. E. Perry Ltd., acted as hosts through its representative, Mr. F. Lennard Casbolt ARPS, APSA. The first presentation was “High Speed Photography of Birds (Electronic Flash)”, by Ronald Thorpe, B.Sc., F.I.B.P., FRPS. This was an Ilford illustrated lecture containing a number of excellent slides in monochrome of the activities of nesting birds in Britain, together with a printed commentary which was read by Mr. Casbolt.
Mr. Casbolt himself provided Part Two of the program, entitled “Roving with the Robot”. It consisted of color slides obtained while he was testing, on various trips far and near, one of these fascinating little automatic cameras loaded with the new Ilford color film. Len himself was at the top of his form and kept up a quick-fire running commentary, quite impromptu, that greatly amused the audience.
Wednesday 30th April: After five days of glorious weather, the skies opened up and the scheduled trip by the s.s. “Earnslaw” to the head of the lake and by bus through the Routeburn Valley was abandoned except by a hardy two or three who braved the elements and traveled by the normal steamer service to photograph in the rain. Those who remained at home gathered in the afternoon in the ‘House of Friendship', where Mr. R.A. Evans screened two films: “From Springfield to Arthur’s Pass”, filmed by Mr. Evans himself, and “Enough and for All", a trade production tracing the modern developments in methods of farming and its scientific control which have enabled mankind to produce three or even four pounds of foodstuffs where only one grew before. Both these films were excellent fare. For good measure, the judges reviewed the prints which had been hung in the National Salon, showing why these prints had been accepted and giving hints as to what should be done by those who aspire to similar honors. Messrs. Ilford Ltd., London, very kindly presented four silver medallions to be given to the makers of the four prints selected from the Salon, and these prints were given special mention in the remarks. The winners were: “Ballet”, by Richard Blick (Nelson); an untitled print by Clifton Firth (Auckland); an untitled print by F. Hoffman (Auckland); and “Prelude”, by J.F. Hinchcliff (Nelson).
The Grand Finale, a social evening at the ‘House of Friendship', formed a contrast to all the previous functions. Though there existed the same jollity and good fellowship, each could sense in the other a deeper feeling of regret that it was all but over. Even the singing, conducted by our able leader Norman Hadler, which had opened most of the earlier meetings, now had a deeper, more sincere ring, despite a set of verses specially composed by Mr. E.R. Hopwood, of Queenstown, telling the 'inside story' of a number of prominent people at the Convention. Mr. Hopwood and his violinist and Miss O’Connor earned the thanks of all the members for their kindness in coming along and playing accompaniments for the singing, while special recognition is due to Norman Hadler for his good performance as song leader.
There followed the screening of a number of very beautiful color slides by three members of the Christchurch Photographic Society. Finally came the magnificent supper, far outdoing all previous efforts. Under the able direction of Albert Marker, numerous toasts were honored, a presentation made to Mrs. Bianchi, who had so kindly handled all the supper arrangements for the week, and valedictory speeches were made by all the officials and the chief delegates from the visiting clubs. Into the capable and willing hands of Mr. H.A. Larsen, of the Waikato Photographic Society, was passed the responsibility of organizing and conducting the 1953 Convention.
Thus ended the formalities and there remained only the saying of personal farewells which were carried on into the small hours of the morning with solemn promises to “see you at the Convention next year”.
Sincere thanks are due to all who contributed in any way to the success of this, the first of many Conventions to be held, but a number of names stand out as deserving of special mention. The Convention Committee, Messrs. Casbolt, Bowron, Marker, Sparrow and Truscott, Mr. Larsen, representative of the Photographic Society of America, and especially the Rev. and Mrs. Bianchi, who worked whole-heartedly that the functions held in their own Church Hall should be most happy memories for all those who attended. Let us mention, too, Jim Simpson and Roy Evans, both of Christchurch, who were the still and movie projectionists respectively.
DISCUSSING THE SALON
From left: Harold Larsen, APSA,
Lennard Casbolt ARPS, APSA,
Fred Bowron — Salon Judges.
1st February 1953
Volume 60 Number 2 - Page 122
The Australasian Photographic Review
THE 1953 NEW ZEALAND CONVENTION IS A “MUST”
WAIKATO PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
"SNAPSHOTS”, November, 1952
You know how it is, when you meet someone with similar tastes, you find it easy to get on with that person. Well, in Rotorua we’ll all be assured of meeting the very people whose interests are our own. Photography is more than an art, it’s a fraternity. Queens town was a revelation to those who were fortunate enough to attend, come to Rotorua in April and help yourself to a wonderful time, and bring your wives and families, they’ll enjoy it, too.
As you see from the draft program, each day is planned to be a glorious one: field trips, fotography, and friendship. The evenings will yield high entertainment value in illustrated lectures by top-ranking photographers of England and America, i.e., the Royal Photographic Society and Photographic Society of America, as well as New Zealand’s own greatest.
For color enthusiasts there will be a color slide evening, and an excellent lecture on the nature of color and color in photography. And colorful subjects abound for your color-conscious cameras. For pictorialists in black-and-white, good pictures are to be found everywhere, and Rotorua is far from being an exception. Bring your seeing eye and plenty of film.
1st March 1953
Volume 60 Number 3 - Page 187
The Australasian Photographic Review
1953 CONVENTION
NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETIES
PRESIDENT:
Arthur L. Fow
Waikato Photographic Society
VICE-PRESIDENT AND ORGANIZER:
Harold A. Larsen APSA
Waikato Photographic Society
VICE-PRESIDENT AND ACCOMMODATION OFFICER:
Alan D. Warren
Rotorua Camera Club.
ENTERTAINMENT OFFICER:
Russell W. Cooper,
Waikato Photographic Society
SALON SECRETARY, CONVENTION RECORDS:
Irene A. Cooper,
Waikato Photographic Society
TREASURER:
Ray D. Finn
Rotorua Camera Club.
LIAISON OFFICER:
Douglas Allan
Rotorua Camera Club.
DRAFT PROGRAM |
|
| THURSDAY 16th APRIL | |
| EVENING: | Assemble at the “House of Friendship," Municipal Concert Chamber at Rotorua. Issue of Badges, which must be worn on all occasions. Official Opening of Convention by the President, and welcome to all. Greetings from the Royal Photographic Society, from the Photographic Society of America, and from Australia. Exhibition of National Salon. Supper and natter. |
| FRIDAY 17th April | |
| MORNING: | Meet at the “House of Friendship” and ramble through Rotorua—parks and gardens, round the lake shore to Ohinemutu. |
| AFTERNOON: | Ramble through Whakawerawera. Guide Rangi and Maori models. |
| EVENING: | Color slide exhibition. Supper and natter. |
| SATURDAY 18th APRIL | |
| MORNING: | Leave “House of Friendship” for trip to Maraetai and Whakamaru—hydro-electric schemes. Lunch at Mangakino. |
| EVENING: | Photographic Society of America Illustrated Lecture. Supper and natter. |
| SUNDAY 19th APRIL | |
| MORNING: | Assemble at the “House of Friendship” for a Field Day, leaving Rotorua for Blue and Green Lakes, Buried Village, Lake Tarawera, Okaraka. Lunch at Te Wairoa, and passing Lakes Rotoehu and Rotoma, see Hongi’s Track, returning through Hamarana Springs and Ngongathaha. |
| EVENING: | “Royal” Illustrated Lecture. Supper and natter. |
| MONDAY 20th APRIL | |
| MORNING: | Leave the “House of Friendship” for a day at Tauranga by the Sea. |
| EVENING: | Lecture and Demonstration, “Nature of Color, and Color in Photography”. Supper and natter. |
| TUESDAY 21st APRIL | |
| MORNING: | Assemble at the “House of Friendship”, leaving for a trip through the rolling Waikato; see Lake Karapiro and see Hamilton. |
| EVENING: | The Waikato Photographic Society entertains in the Art Gallery, Hamilton. Early supper, natter, and return to Rotorua. |
| WEDNESDAY 22nd APRIL | |
| MORNING: | Meet at the “House of Friendship” for a tour to Wairakei Geothermal Area, Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo. |
| EVENING: | Grand Finale in the “House of Friendship”. |
Times for meetings of official delegates will be included in the program when finalized.
1st June 1953
Volume 60 Number 6 - Page 366
The Australasian Photographic Review
THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE
SECOND NEW ZEALAND CONVENTION
IRENE A. COOPER
ENCORE!
That the Second New Zealand Photographic Convention was an outstanding success was the unanimous decision of the one hundred and fifty photographers who enjoyed every minute in Rotorua from 16th to 22nd April 1953. Two great visions emerged from this week of fraternization. First, and surely the most humanly important, was the recognition of the wonderful spirit of friendship that is as much a part of photography as light and lenses.
A number of us have known and preached this over a long period, but realization of its truth came home for the first time to many Conventioneers. Already an attractive hobby, photography became more than just that when people discovered that because of it they made new friends in every corner of their country. True to promise, the Convention was the greatest experience of many a lifetime.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
The most outstanding forward step ever taken in this country for the advancement of photography was the formation of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, on April 17, 1953. The objects of this parent Society are briefly: to promote the fuller and wider enjoyment of photography as an art, science, and activity; to promote closer co-operation, friendship and under standing amongst photographers and photographic clubs both in this country and overseas; to improve the standard of photography here and the standing of New Zealand photography overseas; to supervise and control the New Zealand National Inter-club Com petitions, the New Zealand International Salon, the National Salon and Photographic Convention; to arrange New Zealand participation in overseas Salons, Exhibitions, and competitions; to provide a service whereby larger clubs can be of greater assistance to their smaller brethren.
Already arrangements are in train for this latter aim, while the Convention itself was responsible for creating and cementing many friendships, and for closer co-operation between clubs.
At the Inaugural Meeting the first Council of the Photographic Society of New Zealand was elected: President, Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA, Waikato Photographic Society; Vice-President, Fred L. Bowron Christchurch Photographic Society; Secretary-Treasurer, Irene A. Cooper Waikato Photographic Society; Councillors, E. Robinson Auckland Camera Club, R. Pearson Gisborne Camera Club, L. Tucker Manawatu Photographic Society, J. Whitehead Wellington Camera Club, G. Wood Nelson Photographic Society, George Chance FRPS Dunedin Photographic Society.
Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA, Hon. Photographic Society of America Representative to New Zealand, is well known at home and overseas for his skill in the art of photography, and for his devotion and energy in furthering the interests of photography, while Fred L. Bowron, Vice-President of Christchurch Photographic Society, is the author of many superb pictures in monochrome, as well as in color. To him we shall always be indebted for his work in organizing the First New Zealand Convention.
Irene A. Cooper, an energetic officer of the Waikato Photographic Society, has had prints and slides accepted for National Inter-club Competitions and Salons, and looks forward with enthusiasm to this work for Photographic Society of New Zealand, George Chance FRPS, who ranks amongst the world’s finest photographers, has been making pictures in monochrome for over fifty years, and in color for the last two. He says that the Conventions have given him more than another ten years enthusiasm.
Len Tucker and Reg Pearson found a new world at the Convention and will make valuable contributions to the work of the Council. Men of energy and ideas, whose experience will be of great value, are Mannie Robinson, Jack Whitehead, and Geoff Wood; and their work has gained recognition in Inter-club Com petitions as well as in many Salons.
THE CONVENTION
The Convention itself opened on the evening of Thursday 16th April, in the “House of Friendship”, the Rotorua Municipal Concert Chamber, with speeches of welcome from Arthur L. Fow Waikato Photographic Society President 1953 Convention, Noel G. Brown, President, Rotorua Camera Club, and Russell W. Cooper, President Waikato Photographic Society. The Mayor of Rotorua, Mr. A.F. Moncur, expressed his pleasure in welcoming to his town visitors from so many different parts of New Zealand.
Delegates and members were present from Southland Photographic Society, Dunedin Photographic Society, North Otago Photographic Society, Christchurch Photographic Society, Nelson Photographic Society, Wellington Camera Club, Hutt Valley Photographic Society, Manawatu Photographic Society, Wanganui Camera Club, Hawera Camera Club, New Plymouth Camera Club, Taumaranui Camera Club, Hastings Camera Club, Hawkes Bay Camera Club, Gisborne Camera Club, Whakatane Camera Club, Rotorua Camera Club, Matamata Camera Club, Morrinsville Camera Club, Waikato Photographic Society, Franklin Camera Club, Auckland Camera Club and Whangarei Camera Club.
COUNCIL
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
Front row — left to right, Fred L. Bowron (Vice-President), Harold A. Larsen (President), Irene A. Cooper (Secretary), E. Robinson.
Back row: R. Pearson, J. Whitehead, L. Tucker, G. Wood, and G. Chance FRPS
(Photo, by Russell Cooper)
President 1953 Convention
Arthur L. Fow
1953 Convention Committee
Left to right: Alan Warren, Irene and Russell Cooper, Harold Larsen, Ray Finn.
(Photograph by Brian Brake ARPS)
Greetings recorded on tape were heard from the Royal Photographic Society, the speakers being the President, Mr. I.D. Wratten FRPS, President-Elect, Mr. B. Sinkinson, and the Curator of the Permanent Collection, Mr. J. Dudley Johnston; and from the Photographic Society of America as represented by the President, Mr. Norris Harkness APSA, Mr. Phil Maples APSA, and Mr. Ray Miess APSA.
The Second National Salon which was hung in the “House of Friendship” during the Convention, maintained the high standard set by its predecessor at Queenstown. Forty-eight prints selected by judges Harold A. Larsen and Russell W. Cooper from over twice that number submitted by the country’s top ranking workers, comprised this Exhibition.
Supper was preceded, accompanied, and followed by the Natter which was truly one of the most enjoy able phases of the Convention. During program planning the question was raised by one who ought to know better, as to whether this word 'Natter' was dignified enough; he suggested Conversazione but it was ruled out of court very firmly. Conversazione may be conventional but Natter is more Conventional and get-together-ish. Even on the very first evening when members were rather uneasy about peering at identification badges, the spirit was there. Old friends from the Queenstown show hailed each other and were as eager to meet all the “new” faces, as the new Conventioneers were to know them and each other.
Friday 17th April, was the historic occasion of the inauguration of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.
In the afternoon Whakawerawera was photographed by an estimated £20,000 of equipment. Parties were conducted around by well-known Maori guides, and if the legends related by each at the various hot pools and hot mud-pools were different, who could care? Each spot has its name and its story.
The insight into Maori cooking methods, and bathing and laundry arrangements taking advantage of the thermal activity was interesting, as was the tour of the model old time Pah, while descriptions and interpretations of the carvings were no less so. So temperamental is Pohutu that many people have visited Rotoura for years without seeing this famous geyser play, but on that day it displayed itself nobly.
Later in the afternoon the first meeting of the Council of Photographic Society of New Zealand was held, and plans formulated for the work to be done in its first year.
A recorded lecture from the Photographic Society of America was the main attraction on Friday evening. This consisted of a series of slide reproductions of successful Still Life prints, most ably commented upon and described by Anne Pilger Dewey, and which presented many new ideas to those attending.
On Saturday 18th April, in lovely weather, course was set for Whakamaru, everyone being accommodated in private cars. Whakamaru and Maraetai Hydro Electric Schemes were full of interest, according many opportunities for shots in monochrome and color, and not only as record shots. There, as every where, the pictorial aspect was present and just waiting to be caught by the seeing eye. A group from Morrinsville Camera Club, was able to join in for this trip and was a welcome addition to the main Convention party.
In the evening a second recorded lecture from Photographic Society of America was featured, this one illustrated by slides of recognized salon prints with a masterly commentary by Ragnar Hedenvall. He analyzed each picture, pointing out the various components which contributed to its success. Of particular interest was that two of the pictures chosen to form part of this lecture were made by New Zealanders in the audience that evening, Harold Larsen, and Len Franzman, Christchurch worker of repute.
Sunday 19th April, dawned not so fair, in fact raining just enough to cancel the trip scheduled, but the Entertainment Committee was ready with an alternative program. Therefore, an interested audience was able to forget the weather while listening to a lecture by Russell W. Cooper on “Photo Finish”, which, of course, means photographing race finishes. He explained the principle of the cameras used, and described the procedure during the minute and a half which elapses between the actual race finish and the judge receiving an 8" x 10" print of it. This entails working at extremely high temperatures and with great speed and accuracy.
Although not brilliant, the afternoon fortunately was fine enough to resume the planned outing to the Blue and Green Lakes, the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, Lake Tarawera and Lake Okareka, and certainly bright enough at times to coax out all the color cameras wherever poplars sent their golden thrust into the sky. For a few who remained at the Te Wairoa Tea-Rooms for the whole afternoon, this was a grand opportunity to meet and chat with each carload as it came and went.
All that day, while the Conventioneers were listening to the morning lecture, lunching, and exploring the Lake country, the evening’s entertainment and its author were driving all the way from Wellington. Certainly one of the highlights of the week was the screening on Sunday evening of a series of color slides exposed and presented by Brian Brake ARPS, (Wellington Camera Club) of the National Film Unit. These very beautiful slides took us via Singapore and Egypt to Rome, from thence through Switzerland and Paris to England. The English slides, characterized by lovely soft color, depicted some of the London scene; several made in a London fog at different times of day were superb.
After supper Brian Brake gave a showing of movies, one an early film of his own, plus several from Canada. The first of these extremely clever Canadian films was “Fiddle-de-dee”, in which the “picture” was painted on clear film to synchronize with music; the second, “Dots”, was not only hand painted but the sound track had been added by hand also. So popular were these that a third was demanded, which like “Fiddle de-dee” had the pictures of sound and music movement painted on by hand.
Brian Brake, while receiving great applause for his contribution to the entertainment, nevertheless did suffer one defeat that evening. Thereby hangs a tale.
At the First Convention the colorful attire and accessories of its President Len Casbolt of Christchurch, easily won the color competition for the owner. Later, when coming to Hamilton he issued a challenge to Russell Cooper, Waikato Photographic Society, but the latter’s ties visibly wilted him, and Russell’s sox curled up the bloom on Len’s lens.
Undaunted, Len declared a challenge for the next Convention, and Brian hearing tell of this, entered the lists with every confidence as he had a waistcoat.
And so to Rotorua 1953. Len had to retire “because his wife hadn’t packed his”, Russell’s ties were monochrome in comparison with those of Ron Woolf, Wellington Camera Club, although the Cooper purple sox and the scarlet ties attracted some attention. Brian arrived Sunday evening wearing his waistcoat, a lovely trifle in wine brocade; he inspected Russell, quietly clad in greys and blues, and thought he 'had it in the bag'.
After his introduction Brian was persuaded to show his waistcoat to the assembly and was already assuming the suitably modest look of the conqueror, when on the platform beside him, Russell opened his coat to reveal his own waistcoat, a riot of color which almost overwhelmed even the backbenchers, and public acclaim declared him the victor.
Monday’s organized Field Trip took most of the party to Lake Taupo, visiting en route such notable places as Waiotapu, the Wairakei Valley (where geothermal experiments are in progress), Aratiatia Rapids and Huka Falls. Although cloudy at times, the weather was kind enough to withhold rain until late afternoon as the visitors returned. Other Conventioneers made a round trip to Mount Maunganui and Tauranga via Whakatane, reporting a lovely day and a most enjoyable run.
Supper Scene
Front table — left to right: Ray Finn, Allan Warren, Maisie Smith, Irene and Len Casbolt.
Opposite—left to right: Mrs. Ray Finn, Mrs. Alan Warren, Mrs. Fred Bowron, Fred Bowron, Mrs. Freeth.
(Photograph by Bob Gaylard)
George Chance FRPS, responding to the toast to the
Royal Photographic Society and Photographic Society of America
(Photograph: by Russell Cooper)
Fred Bowron, 'father' of the New Zealand Conventions, with Guide Ema.
(Photograph: by Russell Cooper)
The evening lecture by Allan Bryce (Waikato Photographic Society), explained the Nature of Color and Color in Photography. Most interesting and instructive were the diagrams and color illustrations showing the difference between the additive and subtractive processes. Using three projectors, each projecting the color of one layer of emulsion through cut-out masks, Mr. Bryce was able, when the three images were subsequently projected simultaneously onto one screen, to give a complete and true color picture.
After a night of heavy rain Tuesday came in wet with a high wind, and a phone call to Hamilton disclosing that the same conditions prevailed there, the proposed trip through the Waikato with an evening with the Waikato Photographic Society, was reluctantly canceled. Disappointment was expressed by many who had looked forward to this, but it just couldn’t be helped, and a Free Day was announced.
Most took the risk of a wetting and dispersed in groups to the varied attractions of this Thermal Wonderland. Some encircled Lake Rotorua, calling at the beautiful Hamarana, Taniwha, Rainbow and Fairy Springs, where unbelievably large trout feed out of the hand. Paradise Valley was visited, and the Maori village of Ohinemutu with its lovely church. The beauty of the gardens surrounding the bath houses and famed Blue Baths drew photographers back again and again. At least one party took a flight round the district, while another of over twenty, motored out to Hongi’s Track, calling at the Wishing Tree Tea Rooms where they took charge and had fun with cameras and models.
A further excellent presentation of color slides and movies was given on Tuesday evening by Brian Brake ARPS. His slides took us into and around the Festival of Britain, gave us an unforgettable glimpse of Cornwall, and through many lovely cathedrals; then to Holland, Norway, and back to the mountains of our own country. Of particular note amongst the films shown were Marlborough Sound and the Legend of the Wanganui River.
Fortunately, the skies smiled again on Wednesday for the excursion by launch up Lake Rotoiti, and boarding the motor vessels Rotoiti and Princess at Okere Landing, the party was away. Every care had been taken to ensure that George Chance did not repeat his last year’s frolic of missing the boat, but for awhile it seemed as though trigger-happy Naden Matthews) (Whakatane Camera Club), Harold Larsen and Russell Cooper were out to steal his thunder by deliberately being left behind. However after the departure had been realistically filmed, the launches gracefully curved round to pick them up, and this time we were really away.
The wind, which announced itself to be on the rough side of playful once out on the lake proper, wrapped Jack Whitehead up in the Ensign at least seven times, but did not mar the enjoyment of seeing the many pretty little bays, the opportunity of more 'Natter', and having morning tea on board. Of special interest to us all was passing slowly by “Moose Lodge” where the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will stay next year.
A ramble along the shore from jetty to the Wishing Tree Tea-Rooms put everyone in good form for lunch, and afterwards a cheerful period was spent photographing different groups. First the main group; then the group photographing the main group photo graphed by the main group; all those reflex owners present and still functioning; members of Photographic Society of America; members of Photographic Society of America Portfolios; last but definitely not least, Fred Bowron, father of the New Zealand Conventions, with as many cameras as could be hung on without causing him to sag too much at the knees; and Fred again with Guide Ema.
Back on the launches along the other side of the Lake proved just as pleasurable, and afternoon tea before disembarking completed a good voyage. Most of the party waited back to visit Okere Falls, but Councilors of Photographic Society of New Zealand returned to the “House of Friendship” for another meeting.
Aboard the “Rotoiti”.
(Photograph by Russell Cooper)
Brian Brake ARPS, (To his left) Kay Cooper; (extreme right) Fred Bowron with Graeme McKechnie (kneeling).
(Photograph by Irene A. Cooper)
Some of the New Zealand members of Photographic Society of America present.
Seated: Bob Gaylard, Rana Cooper, Jack Whitehead, Ron Woolf, Kay Cooper.
Standing—from left to right: Cyril Clark, Alan Warren, Ray Finn (behind), Irene Cooper,
Fred Bowron (behind), Maisie Smith, Harold Larsen, Russell Cooper (behind) John Gibson.
Convention Group outside “House of Friendship”
(Photograph by Harold Larsen).
Before describing the last evening of this highly successful and enjoyable Convention, one or two items of interest must be noted. Displayed in turn during the week were: a collection of distinguished prints by George Chance FRPS, master of landscape photography; a selection of his own Salon Prints by Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA; one of the Photographic Society of America Portfolios containing ten fine prints from American workers, and ten equally fine works by New Zealand and Australian members; and a collection of original prints from all over the world which have won awards in the competitions conducted by the U.S.A. magazine Camera. These exhibitions were very popular.
What was surely the greatest number of New Zealand members of Photographic Society of America ever to be assembled together were present. They were:
Harold A, Larsen ARPS, APSA, President Photographic Society of New Zealand, Hon. Photographic Society of America Representative to New Zealand;
Russell W. Cooper, President Waikato Photographic Society, Australasian General Secretary for Photographic Society of America International Portfolios;
Irene A. Cooper, Secretary Photographic Society of New Zealand, Editor Waikato Photographic Society Journal;
Rana M. Cooper, Secretary Circle 5 Photographic Society of America Portfolios;
Kay L. Cooper, youngest Photographic Society of America member;
Bob Gaylard and Allan Bryce, all from Waikato Photographic Society;
F. Leonard Casbolt ARPS, APSA, President Christchurch Photographic Society, Secretary Circle 1 Photographic Society of America Portfolios:
Fred L. Bowron, Vice-President Photographic Society of New Zealand, Vice-President Christchurch Photographic Society; and Ronald L. Sparrow, all from Christchurch Photographic Society;
Jack Whitehead, Council Photographic Society of New Zealand, Secretary Wellington Camera Club;
Brian Brake ARPS; Ronald D, Woolf and Cyril C. Clark, from Wellington Camera Club;
Alan D. Warren, Secretary Circle 4 Photographic Society of America Portfolios, and Ray D. Finn, Secretary, from Rotorua Camera Club:
H.A. Teasdale and Robert G. Newell, Secretary, from Hastings Camera Club:
Bruce Parker, Whakatane Camera Club:
Maisie Smith, North Otago Photographic Society:
J.G. Rosser, Morrinsville Camera Club:
John Gibson, Secretary Hawera Camera Club.
Also worthy of note is that Jock, Convention Dog, enjoyed his Rotorua stay as much as he did Queens town. Jock, owner of Irene and Len Casbolt, was last seen looking quite delirious with autumn leaves in his hair and counting on his claws the months until the next Convention. First claimant for the Office of Convention Bird was also present, not a bird, photographers, for the getting of, but a well-spoken cheerful 'budgie' who owns his own camera and intends going to Nelson even if he has to fly! Actually he’s hoping to travel in the bosom of his family, the other Coopers.
Incredibly soon, the last evening had arrived. During the first half of the program some beautiful color slides taken at the First Convention were shown by George Chance and by Harold Larsen. Then followed a splendid sit-down supper completed with toasts, etc. A vote of thanks for the work entailed in organizing this happy photographic holiday was accorded the Officers: President, Arthur L. Fow (Waikato Photographic Society); Vice-President and Organizer, Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA; Vice-President and Registration, Alan D. Warren, (Rotorua Camera Club); Entertainment Officer, Russell W. Cooper (Waikato Photographic Society); Salon Secretary and Convention Records, Irene A. Cooper (Waikato Photographic Society); Treasurer, Ray D. Finn (Rotorua Camera Club); Liaison Officer, Douglas Allan (Rotorua Camera Club).
The announcement of Nelson as the venue for the 1954 Photographic Convention was very popularly received, and before leaving, Geoff Wood had over thirty registrations down in his little book. All then that remained was to bid farewell to all the friends whose very good company had made the past week so happy. However, most preferred to make it Au Revoir; see you in Nelson, and so the Convention ended on a high and hopeful note.
Yet, for some, it had not quite ended. Members of the Photographic Society of America International Portfolios adjourned to the home of Ray Finn, where his wife’s gracious hospitality was much appreciated. Here a recorded “letter” from Joe — Colonel Charles J. Perry, Director Photographic Society of America International Portfolios, to Russell Cooper, General Secretary for “down-under”, was played to members: Alan Warren, George Chance, Len Franzman, Ray Finn, Len Casbolt, Harold Larsen, Jack Whitehead, Geoff Wood, Reg Pearson, Irene, Rana and Kay Cooper. Joe’s letter was most entertaining, full of humor and good fellowship, definitely a highlight, and the New Zealanders enjoyed recording a reply as each was introduced in turn by the General Secretary.
One thing is certain, whether their greetings were short or long, they were all full of that really wonderful spirit of friendship which gives life to photography whether in Club work, in the portfolios, at the Conventions, amongst Clubs and amongst nations.
1st March 1954
Volume 61 Number 3 - Page 187
The Australasian Photographic Review
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
1954 CONVENTION
NELSON, NEW ZEALAND
DAY PROGRAM
30th April; Registration and Official Welcome.
1st May; Day trip to Motueka area and Coastal area near Kaiteriteri Beach.
2nd May: Day trip to Lake Rotoiti.
3rd May: Nelson City, Cathedral, Parks and Gardens and Maitai Valley.
4th May: Trip to Golden Bay, Takaka, Pu Pu Springs, Pohara Beach, Tarekohe coast.
5th May: Afternoon trip to Tahunanui Beach and Nelson’s waterfront.
6th May: Day Trip to Pelorus Valley.
7th May: Motueka Valley.
EVENING PROGRAM
1. To be selected from the following:
2. The Nation’s Tribute to Harold Cazneaux, Hon. FRPS. (Recorded Program from Australia).
BUSINESS SESSION
1. Illustrated Tape-recorded Lectures from the Photographic Society of America.
2. The Fifty-six Best from the Third Kodachrome Contest (organized by the A.P.-R.).
3. The Wiltshire Cup (Club Entry for Color Slides).
4. The Photographic Society of New Zealand National Salon.
5. The Davies Trophy (for individual entries in color and black-and-white).
6. A Program from the Royal Photographic Society.
7. A Screening of motion pictures made during the 1953 Convention.
8. A Demonstration and Talk on Portraiture.
9. The Concluding Session of the Convention.
NOTE: The above is a summary only of Convention activities. Further details are obtainable from the Editorial Office.
1st June 1954
Volume 61 Number 6 - Page 366
The Australasian Photographic Review
THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE
THIRD NEW ZEALAND CONVENTION
IRENE A. COOPER
The true Spirit of Convention, that happy getting together of friends, was again the most enjoyed feature. Friendships were more closely knit when members from many clubs met again, and the circle was gladly widened to include those who were experiencing for the first time the great Convention comradeship.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
Held on 3rd May, this was well attended, there being representatives from the Photographic Societies of Dunedin, North Otago, South Canterbury, Christchurch, Rangiora, Marlborough, Nelson, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Wanganui, Hawera, Marton, Taumaranui, Hastings, Gisborne, Whakatane, Rotorua, Matamata, Morrinsville, Waikato, Franklin, and Auckland.
Apologies were received from Councilors George Chance FRPS, (Dunedin Photographic Society); R. Pearson, (Gisborne); A.D. Warren, (Rotorua Camera Club) and Russell Cook, (Wellington Camera Club).
In his Presidential address, Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA, spoke of the wonderful achievements made in photography during the past twelve months, briefly; The highest picture that will ever be taken while standing on earth, when New Zealand’s Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Everest; the successful photographic coverage of the Coronation for television and cinema in the face of tremendous difficulties; first use of the photographic process in making postage stamps, namely the English 1/6; new wonders in astro-photography from Mt. Palomar; great advances in color and infra-red film; the introduction of Cinemascope; wider knowledge of photographic chemicals and significant improvements in equipment.
He thanked the Vice-President, Council, and Secretary for loyal help during his term of office, and clubs everywhere for their support; for their assistance his thanks also went to his wife Mrs. Trix Larsen, and several members of the Waikato Photographic Society.
The Secretary’s Report fully covered the activities of Photographic Society of New Zealand during a very successful year, items of particular note being that 29 clubs out of 33 had joined the Society, and that 20 programs had been shown on 45 separate occasions to different clubs. Recorded lectures and programs had been contributed by;
| Harold A. Larsen APRS, APSA Waikato Photographic Society |
Russell W. Cooper Waikato Photographic Society |
J. Thomas ARPS Wellington Camera Club |
George Chance FRPS Dunedin Photographic Society |
J.G. Johnston FRPS Dunedin Photographic Society |
R.G. Ratcliff Dunedin Photographic Society |
| N.M. Beaumont Dunedin Photographic Society |
Dr. R. Kirk Dunedin Photographic Society |
F.L. Bowron APSA Christchurch Photographic Society |
F.L. Casbolt ARPS, APSA Christchurch Photographic Society |
L. Forsman Auckland Camera Club |
J. Lesnie Auckland Camera Club |
Especial thanks, in connection with lecture recordings, were accorded to |
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Elected to the |
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| PRESIDENT: Fred. L. Bowron APSA Christchurch Photographic Society |
PAST PRESIDENT: Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA Waikato Photographic Society |
VICE-PRESIDENT: J. Whitehead Wellington Camera Club |
COUNCIL: George Chance FRPS Dunedin Photographic Society |
COUNCIL: |
|
| COUNCIL: F. Leonard Casbolt ARPS, APSA Christchurch Photographic Society |
COUNCIL: L. Tucker Manawatu Camera Club |
COUNCIL: A.D. Warren Rotorua Camera Club |
COUNCIL: E. Robinson Auckland Camera Club |
SECRETARY-TREASURER: |
|
(From the left) Fred. Bowron APSA, President Photographic Society of New Zealand;
Geoffrey Wood, Convention Organizing Secretary; Brian Brake ARPS;
Russell Cooper, New Zealand General Secretary Photographic Society of America International Portfolios.
(Photographs: Russell and Kay L. Cooper.)
The 1954 Convention Committee.
Sunlit Council Meeting
From the left: Jack Whitehead, Harold Larsen, Geoff. Wood,
Irene A. Cooper, Len. Casbolt, Fred. Bowron, Mannie Robinson
(Photographs: Ronald Woolf)
Group at Pelorus
“BACK TO THE HILLS"
Champion Color Slide in the Wiltshire Inter-Club Competition and
National Salon, 1954,
by Fred. L. Bowron APSA
Both newly elected Councilors are well-known. The skill and artistry of F. Leonard Casbolt, who has been President of Christchurch Photographic Society for some twenty-three years, is recognized here and overseas. He has long been a successful Salon exhibitor and his work for photography is widely appreciated. Alan D. Warren will make ah energetic and enterprising Councilor. He gave valuable assistance on the Organizing Committee of the 1953 Convention; his list of Salon acceptances is a growing one, and he is a Secretary of Circle 4, Photographic Society of America Portfolios.
Several alterations to Constitution were made, the most far-reaching of which was that the Society shall accept a limited number of individual Foundation Memberships (New Zealanders or overseas photographers). It was unanimously agreed that Council be recommended to declare the Secretary, Irene A. Cooper, an Honorary Foundation Member. Council appointed Russell W. Cooper in charge of Photographic Society of New Zealand Recorded Programs, an increasing number of which will be available to clubs.
THE CONVENTION:
This opened on April 30 in the “House of Friendship” (National Party Centre), with a speech by Dr. F. Stenhouse, Deputy Mayor, welcoming visitors to the City. Russell H. Knapp, President of Nelson Photographic Society, expressed his pleasure and that of his society in welcoming members to the Convention, and Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA, President of Photographic Society of New Zealand, voiced the thanks of those attending.
The remainder of the evening was spent enjoying reunions and greeting new friends, with supper providing a further and much appreciated opportunity for more of the 'natter' which is such an essential part of Convention pleasure. During the whole delightful week the suppers came and the suppers went, but the ‘natter” went on forever.
Saturday, May 1, dawned bright and fair, and the whole party moved off through the glorious Nelson countryside on its first Field Trip. The beauty of autumn there was a feast of joy to all eyes, and provided opportunity unlimited to photographers. Everywhere we went throughout the Convention, there was the constant delight of coming up over one gently curving hill after another, to find yet one more lovely valley, its winding stream sliding through burnished willows, elms and poplars, opulent in gold, gracing the landscape.
Kaiteriteri Beach was an inviting spot, its amazingly golden sands warming in the sun, and although some of the party lazed off the effects of journeying to the Convention, most of the visitors seized the chance of giving their cameras their first real exercise.
In the evening, entries in the Wiltshire Cup Inter-Club Competition for Color Slides (controlled in 1954 by Wellington Camera Club and judged by L.V. Smith), were screened. The winning entry was by Dunedin Photographic Society, with Nelson and Auckland close behind. "Back to the Hills", Champion Slide by Fred L. Bowron APSA, won the acclaim of the audience. Even at that early stage, it was not really necessary for Conventioneers to see Colorful Nelson in a set of slides by Nelson members, to believe what they had heard concerning this beautiful country side, but the exhibition was very much enjoyed nevertheless.
A sample of “Sunny Nelson” at its best was Sunday, May 2, when the organized outing took us all to Lake Rotoiti. Those who followed the hill road through the Golden Downs State Forest were diverted to come upon Bill Docherty, one of the tenderest buds of Christchurch Photographic Society, stuck in a ford. Sympathy (?) was loudly expressed by all, while he bared his feet to the torrent, clambering over the stony bed and rescued his camera, family and car. However, a veil must be discreetly drawn over the method by which other car-owners crossed to the farther side.
At Lake Rotoiti we took great pleasure in the crisp, clear air, mountain scenery, distribution of orchard fresh apples, launch trips, lunch and friendly ‘natter; and films slipped through the cameras all the day.
To open the evening’s entertainment, back at the “House of Friendship”, we enjoyed a presentation of color slides by Jack Davys (Waikato Photographic Society), taken on his Coronation trip. The Australian Program was next featured. "The Nation’s Tribute to Harold Cazneaux", a tape recording illustrated with slides, was much appreciated, while the Fifty-Six Best slides from the Third A.P.-R. Kodachrome Contest drew spontaneous applause from all present, particularly A.J. Anderson's “Dune Symphony”. These two items were forwarded by Keast Burke.
Mrs. (Dr.) King, of Auckland Camera Club, and
Norris Brocklebank, Secretary, North Otago Photographic Society.
Ken Newton, President, Wanganui Camera Club
E. Pryor, of Marlborough Camera Club, with Russell Knapp
Through the Golden Downs Forest
Seeking another one for the Bag
Across Lake Rotoiti
(Photographs: Russell Cooper)
Print Analysis
(From the left) T.K. Winter, Brian Brake, Ronald Woolf, Kay L Cooper
“The Weaker Sex!”
Don Young
Waikato Photographic Society
“One of the Tenderest Buds of the
Christchurch Photographic Society”
Bill Docherty
By 7am Monday 3rd May, the light had fled, or so reported one of a party who had planned to meet at 6am to catch the mood of morning on the waterfront ... ‘the early worm eludes the dozing bird'. It was a day of changing light, but many fine shots were slipped in the bag when members explored the City and gardens; while Maitai Valley, its gold spilling down from the trees to lavish the ground, will live long in our memories.
The Annual General Meeting of Photographic Society of New Zealand was held in the evening.
A ring through to Takaka having advised of bad weather there, the organized trip was postponed, but Conventioneers cheerfully roamed the City during the morning, taking advantage of every break in the clouds. After lunch, rain kept everyone inside the ‘House of Friendship”, but with no regrets, since Brian Brake ARPS, (Wellington Camera Club), demonstrated portrait lighting with models Miss Kay L. Cooper, (Waikato Photographic Society) and Len. Franzman and Jimmy Simpson, (Christchurch Photographic Society); and cameras fairly sizzled. Brian made 12 by 15 prints which were shown later in the week, autographed and given to the models. Prints of Len and Jimmy were much admired, but the portrait of Kay, entitled Mood or Convention Bulb drew roars of applause, and showed you can’t stick models in place with chewing-gum.
Recorded greetings from Photographic Society of America President Norris Harkness APSA, Phil Maples APSA, and Ray Miess APSA, commenced the evening, and these were followed by a particularly good Photographic Society of America recorded lecture. Entitled "Pictures I Wouldn’t Send to Salon", it was given in masterly fashion by George Hoxie, and the talk was illustrated with slide reproductions.
Jimmy Simpson
(Photograph: Brian Brake ARPS)
So entertaining and informative was it that when Fred. Bowron announced its availability to Photographic Society of New Zealand clubs, he was besieged by requests.
Wednesday 5th May, came in overcast, but not to be deterred the cheerful Conventioneers quickly dispersed in chosen directions. Takaka and Golden Bay heard the snip of clicking shutters; several carloads swished along Pelorus Valley using every gleam of light to capture the beauties of bush and river; while another party combed the Motueka Valley, bumper to bumper and jungle law prevailing. Thou shall do all in thy power by means {even fair) to discourage thy fellow photographer from standing where thou stoodst or shooting the scene thou covetest to thyself (Christchurch Photographic Society Brass: don’t look round now!)
Many a good laugh was laughed on Wednesday evening when we enjoyed "Convention Candids", the film taken at Rotorua by Naden Matthews (Whakatane). In the midst of this year’s Convention pleasures it was good to look back at the jolly times of last year. After seeing two professional films, we were again entertained with a selection of slides by Jack Davys of Waikato. A welcome visit was made that evening by a party from Marlborough Camera Club (Blenheim). They were observed making great efforts at catching up on the 'natter', and some sound advice about attending next year’s Convention full-time was given them by Photographic Society of New Zealand Secretary!
Thursday’s sky was lively with clouds, but the sun shone while all those who had previously missed out on the Golden Bay trip journeyed there. Somewhere up the hill a wonderful view unfolded itself to all who looked back towards Nelson, and other pictures come to mind of climbing higher and looking down into mist enshrouded valleys and again higher into the clouds, where glimpses of marble outcroppings are seen bizarrely through the mist; then going down and down into another wide, beautiful, autumn garlanded valley.
Outstanding memories belong to those who ventured past Pohara Beach, of interesting rock formations, the large cement works, offering material for industrial shots complete with atmosphere, and the view from the Abel Tasman Memorial across the Bay to Farewell Spit, the northernmost point of the South Island. On the return, there was plenty of atmosphere too — literally bucketing down — but nevertheless this was voted the best trip of all.
Meanwhile other Conventioneers were visiting places they had missed before; quite a party climbed up the hill hard by the city which marks the geographical center of New Zealand, and all met pleasantly together to enjoy the evening’s program. First we saw the slides accepted for the National Salon (Judges R.T.J. Blick and I. Reid, of Nelson), slides entered in the Natural History Competition for the Davies Trophy, and another fine Photographic Society of America recorded program. This time a Commentary on Recognized Salon Prints was given by Morris Currie, and the point he made was most interesting — the effect of the modern way of life on our thinking and therefore on our pictures. Applause greeted one slide reproduction of a print by Conventioneer Len Franzman.
Another satisfying day ended, but there was yet just a little loss of flavor as the first farewells had to be made to several who were departing in the morning.
The sparkling sun of Friday 7th May, was greeted with mixed feelings. It was grand to see its promise of a good day’s shooting, yet the prospect of leaving Nelson so soon would have been easier contemplated on a gloomier day. The main party moved out to Motueka Valley where the road winds pleasantly along with the river, the typical autumn splendor alive against the surrounding greens. Color film must have been singed as it sped through the cameras.
Did these visitors have pointed out to them the Devil’s Thumb? This hill, bearing a distinct resemblance to a huge thumb, is remarkable in that when all other surrounding hills are snow-covered it remains clear, hence the story that it must be a Mephistophelian digit. (There is an explanation, but the legend is better).
Back in Nelson City one encountered photographers everywhere wearing the Convention blue, gold and red, bent on seeking out the last fragments of pictorial beauty; and the Maitai Valley saw many farewell visits made in hopes of finding pictures no one else had seen. It was a day pleasurably crowded with color.
Space must be taken here to record that several print exhibitions were enjoyed during the week. Chief of these was, of course, the National Salon for which 39 prints had been accepted by Judges E.F. Lord, H.F. Hinchcliff and C.S. Collier; and a good standard was attained. The Kiwi Challenge Cup for Champion Print was awarded to Martin Barriball, Christchurch Photographic Society, for his very pleasing "Night Fantasy".
Prints entered into the Davies Natural History Competition were displayed. This trophy is intended to be awarded for six months to the winner in the Print Section and for six months to the winner of the Color Slides, but this year both sections were won by G.H. Moon, of Warkworth who will therefore retain the cup until next Convention.
Some very fine Camera Paintings by Ellis Dudgeon ARPS, and an appealing set of Child Studies by Forbes E. Robinson, (both of Nelson), were shown, as well as a number of excellent dye transfer prints by T. Metcalfe, (Wanganui). Entries for the Most Humorous Photo taken at the 1953 Convention were put up, the prize going to Jack Whitehead. Again the Photographic Society of America was well represented by its New Zealand members who were:
Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA |
Fred. L. Bowron APSA |
Russell W. Cooper |
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F. Leonard Casbolt ARPS, APSA |
Irene A. Cooper |
Jack Whitehead |
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Mrs. A.R. Brown |
Kay L. Cooper | Mrs. I. E. Walmsley | Albert Marker | Ronald Sparrow | Ray O’Daniels |
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Edgar R. Williams |
Brian Brake ARPS |
Ronald Woolf Wellington Camera Club |
John T. Gibson |
Maisie Smith |
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Members of Photographic Society of America International Portfolios, Mesdames S.C. Webber, Isabel Walmsley, Eleanor Desgranges (Waikato), Irene A. Cooper, Kay Cooper, Len Franzman, Len Casbolt, Jack Whitehead and Harold Larsen, joined their General Secretary in recording greetings to their friends and opposite numbers in the 'States'.
Unfortunately Convention Bird, “K. of Coopers”, was unable to attend as he cannot afford to fly, but a promise that he would be in Auckland was extracted from his family. Another certainty for 1955 is “Jock”, Convention Dog, who so much enjoyed Queenstown and Rotorua that he brought Irene and Len Casbolt along with him to Nelson. When asked about next year Jock’s whiskers quivered, his nose twitched, and he gravely closed one eye ... a highly significant reply.
A popular visitor was young, “Mr. F. Mouse”, who came to see Kay Cooper, youngest Conventioneer — receiving end practical jokes for the use of, natural victim for teasing — being dragged on her back along hotel corridors by her long hair, etc. Several Convention blades enquired of her mother if she would be frightened by a mouse, and despite a doubting reply — after all women’s wiles are wilier in this enlightened age — the City was scoured for one.
He proved to be a most charming little fellow, who, after running up her sleeve to see what she had up it, sat up in her palm eating cake, washed his face carefully, and regarded the spectators with bright and knowing eyes. There’s no sad end to this tale, as all become so fond of him he was very properly liberated.
Real disappointment was expressed by Russell Knapp who had heard so much about the rainbow 'tams’, gay ties, vivid sox, riotously-hued waistcoats of previous Convention Color Caperers Len Casbolt and Russell Cooper, to find the only bright things about them were their wives. In desperation he had worn his own scarlet foot attire, and the immediate audience reaction distinguished him as Color Champion 1954.
And so the last night was reached, however reluctantly. Harold Larsen invited Fred Bowron to take the Chair, and after mutual expressions of thanks and goodwill the latter was duly installed.
Another Convention highlight was the exhibition of color slides by Brian Brake ARPS, who took us to Tonga and Fiji for the Royal Visit and gave us a very good idea of facts and places. His slides of Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were viewed with special pleasure. Returning to our own country, Brian carried us to many scenes of great beauty, particularly in the High Country, while slides depicting The Maori People To-day proved as interesting to us as they will to overseas audiences during his coming travels aboard. In voicing his conviction that Brian is one of New Zealand’s great camera artists, Fred Bowron spoke for us all.
From Councilor Mannie Robinson we had a word concerning the 1955 Convention to be held in Auckland during the May holidays. He promised us another Good Convention, and we know that a large city like Auckland is brimful of interest, offering a wide selection of subject material-industrial, architectural, pattern, genre, marine, mood and the countryside is not so far away it cannot be explored also.
Most Third Conventioneers plan to be at the Fourth and with the organizing for 1956 tentatively offered to Southland Photographic Society and the venue suggested as Queenstown or Wanaka, the few who were doubtful for Auckland could say, “... but we’ll see you at the Fifth”.
In appreciation of all the work she put into making the Third Convention such a happy success, Mrs. S.C. Webber, Nelson Photographic Society Secretary, was presented by Conventioneers with a very fine linen table-set, and the House of Friendship” echoed to the applause.
After speeches of thanks for work done for photography and photographers during her first term as Photographic Society of New Zealand Secretary were made by Fred Bowron and Harold Larsen, Irene A. Cooper was presented with a handsome leather satchel from Conventioneers and again the applause rang out. Both ladies were surprised and delighted with these gifts and very much appreciated the thought that prompted them.
Miss J. Dodd received the Wiltshire Cup on behalf of Dunedin Photographic Society, F. L. Casbolt the Kiwi Challenge Cup for Martin Barriball, and E. Robinson the Davies Trophy for G. H. Moon.
Following the Loyal Toast, a toast to the Royal Photographic Society was proposed by F. Leonard Casbolt ARPS, APSA, who reminded us that the Royal PhotographicSociety, now over 100 years in existence, was our pattern. He expressed the general regret that their greetings and program, especially made, had not arrived in time, and his suggestion that we take the will for the deed and tender our sincere gratitude was heartily acclaimed. Brian Brake ARPS, replied for the Royal Photographic Society.
When toasting the Photographic Society of America, Fred Bowron APSA, related his heart warming experiences with Photographic Society of America members when visiting the 'States', and their genuine desire to help us there; while in his reply Harold A. Larsen ARPS, APSA, Hon. Photographic Society of America representative to New Zealand, affirmed again the sincere and warm friendship extended across the Pacific from Photographic Society of America.
A very popular toast was that to Nelson Photographic Society, our host club, whose members had made us welcome, given us a wonderful holiday, and enabled us to enjoy the friendship of photography in most beautiful surroundings; and thanks in particular were accorded Convention Officers as follows.
CONVENTION OFFICERS |
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| CHAIRMAN Russell H. Knapp |
SECRETARY Geoffrey C. Wood |
ACCOMMODATION Mrs. S.C. Webber |
TREASURER Clive S. Collier |
SALON SECRETARY H. Frank Hinchcliff |
TRANSPORT A.L. Frost |
TRANSPORT R.M. Webber |
Nelson Photographic Society |
Reply was made by Russell Knapp.
In toasting “Absent Friends”, Russell Cooper had this to say, that we all very greatly miss the presence of Councilor George Chance FRPS, Reg. Pearson, Councilor Alan Warren, Vice-President Jack Whitehead, (who had to leave earlier in the week), as well as all those others who would have wished to be with us.
At last came the hour to say goodbye, but Convention farewells are flavored with the enjoyment of each other’s company, and with the pleasurable anticipation of coming meetings. Conventions not only take us to see many different parts of our own land and inspire our photographic work, but have a profound influence on our lives by opening wide the door to many sincere and lasting friendships. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” was not the end, but a starting point from which to look forward to many future Conventions.
(NOTE; It is regretted that, owing to technical difficulties, we were unable effectively to reproduce Martin Barriball’s fine pictorial study, “Night Fantasy”, which was the Champion Print of the National Salon and winner of the Kiwi Challenge Cup, 1954).
1st July 1954
Volume 61 Number 7 - Page 450
The Australasian Photographic Review
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
1955 CONVENTION
FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
will be held in Auckland from 11th to 17th May 1955 inclusive.
CONVENTION OFFICERS |
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| Dr. C.H. King PRESIDENT |
E. Robinson |
Dr. J. Baffin ACCOMMODATION OFFICER |
E. Robinson PROGRAM AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE |
Dr. C. H. King PROGRAM AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE |
E. Driver PROGRAM AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE |
|
| Miss Peck LADIES REPRESENTATIVE |
J.B. Scott PUBLICITY |
G. McKechnie PUBLICITY |
G. Woodward REGISTRATION |
E. Driver TRANSPORT |
J. Murdoch TAPE RECORDER OPERATOR |
L. Forsman PROJECTIONIST |
Programs have already been tentatively arranged to include recorded lectures from the
ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF AMERICA
National Salon, 9th New Zealand International Salon, Wiltshire Inter-club Color Competition, city and waterfront
trips, day on the harbour, the Auckland Zoo with the Curator, and a full alternative program for wet days.