A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23514, 31 May 1938, Page 8

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

ROYAL DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR WELL-ATTENDED ANNUAL MEETING There was a big attendance of members of the Royal Dunedin Male Choir at the annual meeting in St. Paul’s Schoolroom last evening. Mr Walter Ibbotson presided, and he and other speakers reviewed a year which they considered very successful from every point of view. Repeated reference was made to the enthusiasm of members and their team spirit.

The annual report stated that the fifty-second season of the choir, an initiatory one in the leadership of the choir for its conductor, Mr Alfred Walmsley, had been most successful musically, . as his' live spirit, enthusiasm and skill in preparation of male voice singing had resulted in the choir winning fresh laurels during the season. The men were singing better than ever, and Mr Walmsley had won wholehearted support and loyalty from all. He had been ably assisted by Mr Colin Oliver, at the piano, and on several occasions by the deputy conductors, the late Mr John A. Haggitt and Mr W. R. Sinclair, to whom he expressed his thanks and appreciation. Twice as much new music as was usual was presented at the concerts, and this entailed heavy, work on all. but it was satisfactorily performed and favourably commented upon. Rehearsals, although at times taxing, had been thoroughly enjoyed by members. Solo singing had been engaged in during the intervals. “We have every confidence in our leader, and feel sure that when the nublic learns of the splendid musical work he is exacting from the choristers, the Town Hall will not be big enough to hold our subscribers,” it continued.

It was pleasing to record that during the year satisfactory remission of amusement tax has been arranged through the Society of Musicians, and it has been possible that other economies might be effected. Greater attention had been paid this year to enforcing attendance, 80 per cent. (60 per cent, last year) having attended 75 per cent, and over of rehearsals. An’ effective committee— Messrs J. D. McKechnie, T. S, Searle, and Dr Thomson—took this in hand. Only those who attended a sufficient number of practices were allowed to sing at the concerts, and the results spoke for the system. Four subscription concerts were held —l97th on July 17, 198th on October 18, 199th on November 2.9, all in His Majesty’s Theatre, and the 200th on April 11. 1938, in the Town Hall. Mr A. Walmsley conducting, with Mr Colin Oliver. F.T.C.L.. L.R.S.M., at the piano. Through an arrangement made with her by Mr G. J. Errington in Sydney prior to her arrival under engagement with the National Broadcasting Service, the choir sang Brahm’s “Rhapsody” with Miss Essie Ackland at a concert in the Town Hall on August 5. It had the happiest recollection of her charming personality and of the event. Concerts were also given at Seacliff on November 6 and Palmerston Sanatorium on Apri’ 22. Mr Walmsley conducting, with Miss Mavis Macdonald at the piano. The following ladies also assisted the choir at Seacliff:—Mrs C. Barnett, Miss Elma White, Miss Marjory Wallace. Mrs Falconer, and at Palmerston Miss Sarah Couper and Miss Jean Hoggans. At the invitation of its executive, a double quartet assisted at the Dunedin Orchestral Society’s jubilee concert on December 1. It was fitting to note that the first concerts of the Dunedin Liedertafel, the old name of the choir, were held in conjunction with this society. Forty-seven part-songs were prepared during the year, of which 20 were presented for the first time. The report expressed the choir’s thanks to the donors of songs. Other contributions, soloists, and many others who had assisted it in various ways. In particular, Dr V. E. Galway wgs thanked for his practical interest. Much New Music This was one of the best annual reports that had been presented to the_ choir, said Mr A. G. Fleming, chairman of the committee, who moved its adoption. The list of new songs was an interesting one, and it showed that more new music had been presented than for many years. That fact, for which credit was due to the choir’s enthusiastic conductor, had gained much support from the public. The balance sheet showed a loss on the year of £64. although there was an entry of £4l for new music to be considered against that. The society was in a healthier state than it had ever previously been, but Mr Fleming emphasised that it was essential to enrol more subscribers. He quoted comparative figures to show that more would have to be done in that direction. It was not fair that such work should be left to one or two members, and it was a duty upon every member to do his share. The quality of the choir’s work in the past year should be an encouragement to everybody connected with the choir to persuade friends to give it their active support. The motion was seconded by Mr James Haig, and carried without discussion. Number of Vice-presidents A motion that a fixed number of vice-presidents be elected was moved, according to notice of motion, by Mr T. R. Coutts. There was a tendency, he said, when vice-presidents were elected without restriction to lose some of the respect due to the office. Election as a ‘‘vice-president should be a bigger honour than it was becoming in too many organisations. In a full discussion it was stated that election as a vice-president was a reward for service given to the choir. Several speakers considered it would be a grave mistake and an injustice to reduce the present number (18), and it was decided to limit the number of vice-presidents to 20. Notice of motion to amend the rules accordingly was given. Office-bearers Office-bearers were elected as follows:—President, Mr Walter Ibbotson; vice-presidents—Sir Charles Statham, the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen), Dr V. E. Galway, Dr W. Evans, the Rev. E. T Cox. Messrs J. A. Hopcraft, D. E Phillips, A. Barnett, J. Sutherland Ross, J. C. H. Somerville, W. Wilson, Paul Lemon, Joseph McGeorgc, A. Fels, J. P. Lane, R. S. Black, J. Hope, G, J. Errington, A. Ibbotson. W. J. Strong; conductor, Mr A. Walmsley; deputyconductors. Messrs W. R. Sinclair and J, Paterson; pianist. Mr Colin Oliver; treasurer, Mr G, R. Wentworth; librarians, Messrs W. T. Haig and E. Bond; registrar, Mr T. S, Searle: auditors. Messrs T. F. Basire and G. G. Dunn; trustees—Messrs J. A. Hopcraft, J McGcorge, and G. J. Errington: secretary. Mr J. G. Butler; committee —Messrs R. W. Dunbar, W. D. McKechnie, J. Haig, E. Ellis, and A. G. Fleming. Valuable Services Mr D. F. Barrie, who had filled the office of honorary treasurer for 17 years, would not accept nomination for re-election. Members paid warm tributes to his service. A minute of appreciation was recorded, and it was recommended to the committee that the award of the Golden Lyre to Mr Barrie should be considered. Particular reference to the work ol the conductor (Mr Walmsley) was made when service to the choir was under review His ability and enthusiasm were warmly praised