CHORAL SOCIETY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 101, 28 March 1929, Page 4

CHORAL SOCIETY

EFFORTS AT RESUSCITATION

The decision to carry on for a further three months was made at the annual meeting of the Palmerston North Choral Society last evening, when a proposal that the society go into i-ecess was lost, membei-s present discussing fully the matter of cai-rying on. As a result, an active canvass is to be made for new members in order to place the finances in a satisfactory position. In the interim, “Merrie England” will be practised. STANDARD OF WORKS. Mr W. B. Tennent, who pi-esided, reported that the matter of the amusement tax had been satisfactorily adjusted, stating that, with Mr Rapley, he had interviewed the Commissioner of Stamps, who had decided to assess the society’s amusement tax on the honorai-y membership, which _ the speaker maintained was most satisfactory. After making allowance for the amount payable to the Government, the balance-sheet showed a debit of £6 Is 6d. It was for members, proceeded Mr Tennent, to decide if the society was to carx-y on. Mr H. L. Thirtle stated that in view of the present unsatisfactory position, he very reluctantly moved that the society ,go into recess for the year. The speaker held that the public of Palmerston North had demonstrated quite plainly that the high class music rendered by the society was not wanted. He felt that they should not lower their standard to catch the public. While savings could be effected in some directions, there would be the amusement tax to be paid. The standard of the works which the society sought to E reduce required outside ax-tists of the ighest standard, whom the society could not afford to pay. The public had not supported the society, but he felt that if its position were made known, the townspeople might rally around. AN AMENDMENT SUGGESTED. An amendment suggested by Mr J. Holmes Runnicles was that the society should suspend activities only. If an effort were made to interest businessmen, as had been done with the band, there was every reason why the society should carry on. Mr Runnicles then moved in the direction indicated. In speaking to the amendment, Mr Tennent asked if the mover could make any suggestions as to the method to be followed in arousing interest. Personally, he felt that it was impossible to carry on and keep ahead financially. If the society went into recess, the outcry from those interested in good music would arouse the needed public attention. The object mentioned by the president, stated Mr Kershaw, could - be reached by the society abstaining from performing in public. It would be better to keep the society extant than go into reces9. The amendment was ruled to be a direct negative to the motion before the meeting, and the chairmaii accordingly put Mr Thirtle’s motion which was not accepted. Mr Kershaw thereupon moved that the society carry on actively without giving any concerts and this was carried. In the discussion following, members agreed to practise as usual and make every effort to put the society in such a . position that at the end of three months it would have passed its present perilous position. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers . were elected as l follow: Patron, Mr G. H. Bennett; px - esident, Mr W. B. Tennent; vice-presidents, Mesdames.F. J. Nathan., A. J. Graham, J. Fisher, Messi - s J. A. Nash, M.P., J. Linklater, M.P., J. Wallace, A. Grigor, iN. H. Sinclair, J. P. lnnes, and Dr. IFoiTest; hon. librarian, Mrs Borreson; lion, treasurer, Mr H. L. Thirtle; hon. secretai-y, MT. C. Bowkar; committee, Mesdames F. J. Leydon, H. M. Phillips, N.H. Sinclair, Hunt and Messrs A. Kershaw, W. G. Wilby, P. Wilson, W. A. Baldwin and P. E. Tapp: hon. auditor, Mr R. A. Fuller; hon soiicitoi - Mr S. W. Rapley. Mr J. Holmes Runnicles was appointed conductor, subject to his acceptance.