MUSICAL.

Press, Volume II, Issue 8704, 29 January 1894, Page 6

MUSICAL.

THE PROPOSED AMALGAMATED SOCIETY.

The annual meetings of the Musical Society and Orchestral Society take place to-morrow evening in the Durham street schoolroom. At 7.30, the Orchestral Society will meet to receive the annual report and to confirm a resolution re amalgamation. At 8 p.m , the Musical Society will hold its annual meeting, to adopt the report and also a resolution confirming the amalgamation of the two Societies. Then, at 8.30, the combined Societies will meet as one for the adoption of constitution and rules and for the election of officers.

The following are the annual reports of the two Societies. That of the Musical Societj" is as under : —" In the annual report and balance-sheet the Committee have to note that during the season just closed the Society have given the usual four concerts to subscribers. The first of a miscellaneous programme, the second ' St. John's Eve," the third ' Naaman,' and the fourth tbe usual Christmas performance of ' The Messiah.' The attendance of performing members at the ordinary rehearsals and concerts has been fairly good, and the interest exhibited by subscribers encouraging. The Committee have again to express their appreciation of the kind, assistance of the Bishop, Dean and Chapter in permitting 'The Messiah' to be given in the Cathedral, and further to record their thanks to Mr G. F. Tendall for his valued assistance at the organ upon tbat occasion. They desire also to acknowledge the valued help ot all those who have assisted during the season ; to Miss Wood, who has so ably filled the position of pianist, and to Miss Packer and members of the orchestra for their efficient aid at the concerts. The Committee have again to recognise the valued and successful work of Mr F. M. Wallace as conductor. Daring the season the Committee have had under serious consideration the ever increasing list of musical organisations in Christchurch and suburbs, with their struggle for existence, the continued call upon the limited musical public for subscriptions, and the tax upon the time of those who are actively associated in their management. Proposals were made to the Orchestral Society with the view of an amalgamation, to make one strong institution, one list of subscribers, with reduced working expenses, and a probable increased support from the general public. The Committee have now to report that the proposals have been adopted, and rules suitable for the future working will be submitted for confirmation at the combined annual meeting. It is hoped that not only all the present subscribers but others who desire that the cause of good music may be maintained, will accord their support to the new Society in the coming season. The Committee have also to record the obligations they are under to Mr Thos. Garrard for the zeal and euergy displayed by him in his position as Secretary and Treasurer, and for the efforts made by him to bring about an amalgamation with the Orchestral Society." :

The report of the Orchestral Society is as follows :—" The Committee have to report that the season just closed proved to be as successful as the previous one. The interest exhibited by subscribers, evidenced by the large attendance at the concerts, has, been very encouraging to the Committee and working members. This success has been mainly due to the painstaking care of Mr F. M. Wallace as Conductor, to whom the Committee desire to record- their warmest thanks and appreciation. They desire also to express their thanks to Miss Packer for her efficient assistance as leader, Mr A. J. Merton as aceompanyiet, Mr Turtonfor the loan of pot plants, and to those ladies and gentlemen who have assisted the Society at the various concerts during the season. Negotiations having been opened by the Christchurch Musical Society with a view of combined action in the future, the question was very carefully considered by the Committee and working members, when it was resolved that the amalgamation should be effected, and rules will be submitted at the annual meeting for the future governance of thft combined Society. The Committee would urge upon all their subscribers to give their support in the future to the new institution."