WELLINGTON CHORAL UNION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 122, 17 February 1919, Page 9

WELLINGTON CHORAL UNION

ANNUAL REPORT. .The annual report of- the Wellington Choral Union, to bo -presented at the annual meeting to be held on. February 25, summarises the union's activities as lollow:— •

"Owing to the unusual conditions existing, the year lias been one of great anxiety, and at times it seemed doubtful whether we would be unable'to continue our work un account of the demand made on the male section of the chorus. The difficulty was overcome/ however, by persuading xonio ictired members to come to our. assistance, and by selecting works that were known to the majority of the members.. .

"During. the. year wo suffered., .lusa -through, death of four active members, viz., Miss Emily Segrief, Messrs. W. N. Hawkhead, W. J. Hueston,. and C- T. Loader. Miss Segrief was an active member of many years' standing, and will be greatly missed, especially by her old associates, with whom she was very popular. Mr. Hawkhead had only recently returned from the- front, and his early demise will be regretted by his late fellow members. Mr. Hueston, although comparatively a new member, took n great interest in the. work of the union, and by his regular attendance at practices lent valuable-assistance at a time w'hen most needed. Mr. Loader, one limo hon. assistant secretary, died from sickness contracted while serving ■ hit) -country iu France. Ho was granted ■leave in September, • WIS, in order to enlist, and took-part in several engagements before 'goiiig West/ 'We regret also having'to record the death of Mr.. F. V. Waters. Mr. Waters had been, connected with musjc in Wellington fci very many years, and was a great enthusiast. Although not i'n active member of the union, he was always willing -.';. assist the. chorus .when possible, ami hil- - help on various occasions w;k greatly appreciated.' The uummittee extend, their sympathy to all those who now mourn their loss.

.. "The committee desires, to thank Mr.. S. H._ Underwood, and greatly appreciates his generous action in donating tin ; suni of ,£S .towards new ihusic, aim aiei..to Miss Graeo Kennedy for a donatioi of one guinea to (he fnuls of the "union ! Thanks-are due to"Miss Dorothy Mili=, 'as. accompanist, luorabers of the orchestra the Bristol- Piano Co. for booking ai rangements, and to nil who assisted tin union during the year, particularly thosv who gave their services in connection' Kith the performance of 'Elijah,' I): conclusion, wo feel that members of tlu; union have every reason to he satisiiw. with the result of the year's work, especially when we take ii.to consideration the difficulties under 'which wo laboured. The concerts given during the year were very ijiicewffii!, and we thank the public for their very liberal support, which enabled us to sp'cnd the. sum of ,£lO5 on •purchasing new music. With the tor•mination of tho war, nr.d the return of our male members, we expect that .the chorus will regain its former strength, and we will look forward with , confidence to a successful season. It is the intention., of the...nnion. to' purchase new works from time to'time,'and in order to do this it is necessary' that our ' Jist' of honorary members should bo increased. We again'.appeal i." <um.friends,tnassist us by handing in the names of all those willing to become honorary bers, and possibly some may desire ■ to' follow tho laudable .example set'by.two supporters of the union, and make a donation to tho funds."

The balance-sheet shews a cash balance on the year's working of ,£2O 13s. 2d., but during the year the union has spent ,£lO5 10s. Id. on new music. The excess of assets over liabilities is i'3SO 10s. sd.