HAWERA ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 23 November 1927, Page 2

HAWERA ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

WORK OF THE YEAR. Thero was an attendance of 20 members at the annual general meeting of the Hawera Orchestral Society, field last night, Mr. H. C. A. Eox being voted to the chair in the absence of the president, Mr. J. M. Townsend. The chairman said, in reviewing the work of the year, that members could look back with pleasure on the progress made. He hoped members would consider plans for carrying on for another season.

The annual report recorded that practices began on January 25, Mr. Barley acting as deputy conductor during the absence of Mr. Fox. On February 1 a social evening was held to farewell Mr. H. McLean, when lie was presented with a leather attache case. Mrs. King was appointed secretary, with Mrs. Barley as assistant. A serious effort was made in April to revive the auxiliary orchestra, but the results were not effective. Reference was made to the illness of Mr. Townsend, the president, and hopes were expressed that his trip Home would completely restore him to health.

The two concerts were a great success. At the. first the society secured the services of Mr. Hubert- Carter, while for the second it was ably aissisted by the accession of several capable new violinists. The chief of these was Miss Betty Sturroek, L.R.C.M., L.A.8.. who took the place of leader vacated by Mr. Anderson.

The list of honorary members showed consistent growth, the number at the last -concert being 130, while active members were more numerous than ever before.

Regret was expressed at the falling off in rehearsal attendances, and it was hoped something could be done to effect an improvement. There were now 3G members, exclusive of the brass section. During the year 36 rehearsals were held, several members attending all these. The executive had had a strenuous time, 10 special meetings being held in addition to discussions by the members at practice. On October 25 a general meeting was held, at which sub-committees were appointed to consider rules and various other matters, and their reports would be very helpful.

Miss Rodgers was congratulated on the success of the first social evening, and it was hoped more would be held. New music to the value of £1 1 had been a*dded to the library, and the hope was expressed that more honorary members would be secured and greater financial resources be available. Thanks were expressed to the president, the assisting artists, tlie accompanist, the Press, the honorary treaurer and auditor, to honorary members, to Miss Blake for voluntary booking work, to Mr. Hawkins, the retiring officers, and the able and entnusiastic conductor The report was adopted.

After some little discussion it was resolved, owing to the absence of the honorary treasurer, to postpone the formal business to a general meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 29. The rules as drawn up by the subcommittee were submitted to the meeting and confirmed, with some slight alterations and additions.