CHORAL SOCIETY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 114, 25 February 1936, Page 3

CHORAL SOCIETY

REVIEW OF LAST SEASON. ELECTION OF THE OFFICERS. The annual meeting of the Ash button Choral Society was held last evening, when the president (Mr «• Woods) presided. The annual report stated that the Society had been fortunate in retaining the services of Mr Victor G. Peteis as musical director. His enthusiasm and unflagging energy had been an inspiration, and the generous support wincli •the public accorded the Society had been largely due to Mr Peters’ originality in choice of music, and the skillful arrangement of his programmes, boi the “Princess of Kensington,” included in the programme of the first concert, the soloists were Miss Lorna Acton (soprano), and Mr W instone Corbett (tenor). ‘ The Society was indebted to these two members not only for their pleasing performance, but also for then generosity in declining any remuneration for their services. The success of the second concert was assured when Miss Mary Pratt (contralto) consented to sing for the Society. She was ably assisted by Miss Ellis I raser (sopi ano) and Mr W. E. Crewes (baritone). A social gathering was held after each concert, and members of kindred societies from Christchurch and limaru were guests. The committee felt that these function were a very necessary part of the years activities, and greatly appreciated the services of the Ladies’ sub-committees responsible for their organisation. Again the Society was indebted to the orchestra, under the capable leadership of Dr. N. E. H. Fulton. Their performance of the “Weber Concerto,” with Miss Audrey Ruddock as solo-pianiste, was worthy of special mention. The departure of Mr J. W. Wood from Ashburton, was regretted and the committee placed on. record its appreciation of his sterling services. The arduous duties of accompaniste were very capably fulfilled by Mrs A. C. Williams, and her sympathetic co-operation had been greatly appreciated, not only by the conductor, but by every member. It was stated that there had heen an increase in the number of subscribing members from 99 to 205. This very satisfactory progress had been almost entirely due to the splendid efforts of a small number of enthusiastic members. In thanking those members, the committee commended their enthusiasism to other members. Although the chorus membership had increased from 71 to 87, the musical director trusted that every endeavour Avoulcl he made to fill any vacancies occurring, and so endeavour to obtain and evenly balanced chorus for the ensuing year. The report was recorded. Appreciation of the services rendered by. Mr H. A. Humphreys, as honorary deputy-conductor during tlie absence of Mr Peters. The balance sheet shows that last season ended with a credit balance of 4s lid, while the present credit balance stood at £37 0s 7d. Assets have been increased by the purchase of forms, screens, etc., Lo a value of £l2 4s 3d, while outstanding subscriptions amounted to £ls Bs. Officers were elected as follow: Patron, Sir William Nosworthy; president, Mr W H. Woods; vice-presi-dents, Messrs J. W. Bowden, H. A. Humphreys, Hunter Morris, F. W. Watt, 11. J. Tucker, E. A. Collins, W. HI. Higgins, G. E. Argylc, Drs. N. E. H. Fulton and J, R. Wells; honorary secretary, Mr W. B. Thomas; honorary treasurer, Mr W. C. Bishop-; honorary librarian, Mr W. T. Corbett; general committee, Mesdames W. Thomas, W. Barrett, Misses L. Acton and V. Townsend, Messrs A. P. Warriner, C. Bishop, Drs. N. E. H. Fulton and J. R. Wells; auditor, Mr J. W. Bowden. The selection of a variety programme for tlio opening performance instead of work which would occupy the whole of the evening’s programme was favoured.