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Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 137, 10 June 1916, Page 12

The Royal Wellington Choral Union has lost its "Royal." A deputation, consisting of Messrs. G. Shirtcliffe, A. M. Lewis, and W. E. Caldow, representing the Royal Wellington Choral Union, was introduced to Hon. G. "W. Eussell (Minister for Internal Affairs) by Mr. R, A. Wright, M.P., with reference to the society's full title. Mr. Wright urged that the society should be permitted to retain the word "Royal" in its title. Some years ago the Wellington society obtained permission, to add the word "Royal" before Wellington, and its members were proud of the honour, the only one of its kind in the Dominion. Then came the war, and the redaction of its male choral section. The Musical Union was in similar case. Both societies amalgamated, and, to preserve the identity of the latter, the title of the fused societies was the Royal Wellington Choral Union. Then the society put itself in touch with the Minisjier of Internal Affairs with respect to official recognition of the new title; but it met with misfortune, for the Minister wrote : "It is not considered desirable to request His Majesty to sanction the retention of the wor'd 'Royal'." This was a blow t,o the society, and, in a sense, to the city of Wellington, so the Minister was asked to receive a deputation on the subject, which he did yesterday; but 1)0 was adamant. Of course, the dropping of the word "Royal" will not affect the musical value of the society to Wellington, not' make any difference to its sound financial condition. At the same time, the elimination of all regal suggestion in the title is keenly felt by the oflicers and members; biit tin' society does not purpose to appeal to .the King direct in this matter, which it regards us only another instance of the prevalence of rod tape.