MUSIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1190, 21 December 1894, Page 33

MUSIC.

THE NEW CHORAL SOCIETY.

THE “ENCORE ’’ QUESTION,

A meeting of the chorus and orchestra of the Festival Choral Society for the purpose of laying down the basis of a permanent constitution was held last week m Thomas and Co/s Hall. There was a large attendance. . ‘ ~ , , Mr W. T. Glasgow (vice-president of the Harmonic Society) was called to the chair Upon the motion of Mr Theo. H» Ritchey. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said the great essentials• to success in an organisation of this sort were : (1) -A spirit of unity among the members ; (2) a spirit of . loyalty towards the management andtowards the conductor; as well as a spirit of enthusiasm; and (3) a;sound finance. A splendid beginning 1 ad been made at the recent musical festival, but he was sorry to say. the last two concerts had resulted in a financial loss. In order to achieve sound finance* at least 3QO sub-scribing-members would be required. In . reply to 'Mr 'Hickson, the chairman said the Harmonic Society had not dissolved, but the committee bad agreed to ita being merged in the society now proposed to be formed. , , J Mr A. Gray moved that those present form themselves into a musical society, to bd called the Wellington Choral/Society. Mr . Waterson seconded the .motion, which was carried Unanimously. ’ Mr J. S. Jameson moved, “ That the Society shall be composed of subscribing and performing members; subscribing members shall be entitled to two tickets for each concert oh payment of one guinea in advance for the' season. Payment of two guineas’ per -* season -shall entitle the member to r 'five tickets for each concert. The subscription payable by performing members shall be 10s, td be paid in advance/’ The Chairman explained that it was proposed to carry on upon the basis \of the Society providing the music required by the performing members. In answer to Mr Hickson, who seconded the motion pro forma, the Chairman said it was proposed to give at least three concerts each year, and that at least one. important work should be performed each season. In reply to a further question the Chairman said it was not intended to; give the performing members free concert tickets, Performing members, however, would be entitled to two tickets for each concert on payment of half a guinea extra to their ordinary subscription. _ The motion was carried, there being only four dissentients. ' . It ■ was next resolved, on the motion of W. J. Wratt, seconded by Mr J. G. Holdsworth, “ That the officers of the Society shall consist of a president, two vice-presi-dents, hon treasurer, hon secretary, hon assistant secretary - and librarian. _ The Committee of Management shall consist of six members, three of whom shall be ladies. The officers shall be members of the, committee ex officio.” Mr Hickson thought a conductor should also be elected. He would not be a performing member until he knew who the conductor was to be. ; The Chairman suggested tba,t the proper time to proceed to the appointment of a conductor would be at the annual meeting next month. A committee consisting of Messrs A. Gray, W. T. Glasgow, W. S. Short, A. M. Lewis and T. H. Ritchey (with power to add to their number) was appointed to draw up rules to be considered at the first meeting of members in 1895. _ ' Mr C. E. Dasent thought the duties of the conductor should be formulated. The last; two performances were in his opinion a disgrace to everyone concerned except the Moists. . ", , ~ ■ , The Chairman explained that the last two concerts had resulted in a clear loss of .£6O. He did not think it was creditable to the people of Wellington that had not better supported the enterprise of the promoters. ’ . ~ After some , desultory discussion on hhe suhiect of defining the conductor s duties, it was agreed on Mr Dasent s motion, seconded by Mr F. Holdsworth, That it be a suggestion to the committee appointed to draw up rules defining m detail the duties of the conductor." Mr J. G. Holdsworth moved, That this meeting recommend the committee to frame a rule dealing with the question o allowing or refusing to allow encores. MrTait seconded the proposition pro The Chairman deprecated the passing of such a motion, and upon the ing that, the matter

by the committee in drawing up the rules, Mr Holdsworth withdrew his proposal. A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman. ... , « w' We are requested to state that Mr H. M. Didsbury, at the New Zealand Insurance Company’s buildings, acts as interim treasurer. Mr Theo. H. Ritchey of course continues to act as secretary pro tern.