DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5695, 21 May 1880, Page 3

DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of tbe Dunedin Choral Society was held at the Garrison Hall on Tuesday evening. The Vice-president (Mr James Smith) occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance of members1 The annual report was as follow .:— - "The Committee have the pleasure to present to the members and subscribers their annual report and statement of accounts for the season 1879-1880. ' ! : ." At-the commencement of the season the Committee entered into negotiations with the authorities of the new Garrison Hall which resulted in the leasing of that building for purposes.of concerts arid rehearsals for a period of one year from sth August. Though this arrangement added greatly to the Society's annual expenditure, the Committee felt .themselves justified in.their actions by the anticipation that with a building at their command so comfortable and commodious many more subscribers would be induced to join. It is to be regretted, however, that this anticipation has not been realised, for ■ while by their exertions .59 new names were added to the list, there have been 54 withdrawals; leaving a total number of 215. When it was fully ascertained that the income of the year was not to be so great as; had been expected, the Committee used every endeavour to keep down working expenses, and also sought to attract as large a number as possible- of non-subscribers to the concerts, in order to swell the receipts. In this latter task the Committee have not, as will be seen by comparing the present balancesheet with previous ones, been supported by the' working members. . ; "During the year the following works were given:— . . - "First Concert, 6th August—'AthahV and 12th Mass. . . " Second concert, 17th October—Miscellaneous and ' Paradise and the Peri.' . . "Third Concert, 25th December—'Messiah.' "Fourth concert, 7th May—'St. Paul.' "'"•'•; "The Society's standard of excellence has been well maintained under Mr West's baton. Rehearsals have been regularly held, and from a roll of 92 working, members there has been an average attendance of 58. It is a matter of surprise that in the largest centre of' population in New Zealand, and with such opportunities, a much greater number do not join the Society.; "The present Committee took into full considera-. tion the suggestions made by their predecessors in office; but as the 'ample treasury' has not been forthcoming, they have been! unable to purchase; either a complete platform or a piano. But these" would be undoubted advantages, and it is hoped, intbe interests of the Society, that; before long such purchases may be made. ; -'-'-'• ; ; ■ " Though the Garrison (main) Hall has been found unsurpassable for purposes of concerts,.the library has proved quite unsuited for rehearsals.; It will'devolve upon' the; new Committee to make other and " The question of the former Choral Society's library. of music is still open. The collection, which is of con-i siderable value, is at present in Mr West's custody,.. • kindly held by him on behalf of the trustees appointed by the late Society. As this present Society has paid ■ "a large sum of money on account of its predecessor, it i is recommended that your Committee be represented; upon the list of trustees, to which, it is believed, the., remaining trustees would have no"objection. } " Mr West having, three months since, tendered his.i resignation, it was, after, some correspondence,.-' accepted, on the understanding that he should: continue his duties to the close of the Society's; financial' year. The time having now arrived, the office hecomes vacant, and it rests with the members to elect • their conductor for the ensuing season. - .--... • " The Committee, on behalf of the Society, beg to record their hearty thanks for the willing and ableassistance at the piano rendered by Miss Jennie West, both at rehearsals and concerts." - "' ; The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £21 10s 6d. - . " ~- }.. . ~ .. :.. .• ;., The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the re port and balance-sheet, congratulated members on the satisfactory termination of the season. The thanks of the Society were due to Mr G. E. West for his ; conductorship, and it was to be regretted that that gentleman was no longer able to perform the duties of theoffice. "■ "' " The Yen. Archdeacon Edwards seconded the motion. Mr Jaoo, while admitting that the report was satis- j factory, thought that the Society had been worked too expensively, and hoped that economy would be a little more studied in the future. He objected to payment for professional assistance, urging that the Society should be generally supported as it fostered the love of high-class music, and he thought that there might be found a gentleman who would act as conductor gratuitously. ■■:-.. • The report was after some discussion adopted. ; The following gentlemen were elected a committee for the ensuing year :—Messrs E. P. Truman, O. Coote, A. H. Norman, G. Brown, W. A. W. Wathen, F. M'Carthyj and T. Iveson. : : • Mr West was proposed as conducter, but he assured the meeting he would hot be able to act. ; It was resolved—"That the appointment of a con. ductorbe referred to the Committee to report to a special meeting." - ~ The Committee was instructed to revise the rules of the Society with a view to alteration. :. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. . ■ '■-