HARMONIC SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 39, 15 February 1930, Page 11

HARMONIC SOCIETY

A GRATIFYING REPORT

The fifteenth annual report of the Wellington Harmonic Society, to be presented to members next Wednesday, records the past season as the most successful and probably the busiest season in the history of the society. Tho membership for last year reached a record of 223 subscribing members and u'3 active members.

Three subscription concerts were given during tho year, and the high standard of work for which the choir had becomo known, to music lovers was not only maintained, but had been improved upon. For the first subscription concert it was something of a venture for the Society to take the large Town Hall and go to the expense of bringing a party of Maoris to Wellington to assist in an "all Maori" programme, including Alfred Hill's>"Hinemoa," but the signal success of this effort was responsible for relieving your committee of financial worries for the rest of the season. Our second and third subscription concerts, given in the Concert Chamber were most favourably received by the large audience present on each occasion.

In addition to keeping faith with subscribers, the report continues, the society had been busy during the year assisting in various worthy objects. As a result of a rendering of "The Messiah" on Good Friday of last year £81 lo's was handed over to tho National Art Gallery and Museum. Fund, ana £57 was taken at a repeat performance of "Hinemoa" in aid of the Earthquake Fund. On each occasion everyone connected with the productions willingly gave their services. .

The year was the best .financially to date and the position was now very satisfactory; ten guineas had been spent in new music and the bank balance stood at £44 11s 10d, while the statement of assets and liabilities showed a very satisfactory position. The committee expresses its warmest thanks to the conductor, Mr. H. Temple White, the deputy conductor, Mr. P. Catforth, the hon, pianist, Mr. piement Howe, and the hon. librarian, Mrs. V. R. Bennett; those who have assisted financially and at the concerts; "The Bristol" for booking facilities, and the Press; the hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. V. R. Bennett, is specially thanked for his good work, and in conclusion the committee thanks members for their loyalty and support, making for a record year. '