DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2292, 3 February 1898, Page 15

DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

The fir«t annual meeting of the Dunedin Choral Society w*s held in the Choral Hall o>i the 28">h ulfc. The Hon. R Oliver (tbe piesideut) occupied the chair, and there was a large atteadance, fully 150 members being present. 1 ANNUAL EEPORT. The report for the year stated thab the society closed the year's work with a balance in bund of £63 0s 2d. The eonim ttee wished to take the opportunity of placing on recoid thtir apprf ciation of the generoas acton of the trustees of the late Dunedni Musical Assoeiatiou in handing over to the society the cum of £8 9s Bd, representing the balance remaining to the credit of the association when it discontinued. The committee urgod members of the socieby to u-e their best efforts to secure subscribers. They bad mnde arrangements to secure the Agricultural Hr.ll for future performanc«s. This would enable a much larger number to altetid, and as the expenses would necessarily be heavier, ib was most desirable that the membership should be increased. Tho present cojiimttee retire from office at this meeting, but are eligible for re-election.

Mr W. Manson, the treasurer, read the balauca sht-eb, which showed receipts £101 183 5d and a cred't balance of £63 0s 2d.

The Chairman, in moving tho adoption of the report and balance sheet, said that those present would no doubt agree with him that the society had every reason in t^e world to congratulate itself on the s^attment x^l-iced before them, which afforded full justification for the opinion which he had expressed when the society wag formed, thnb there was a need in Dunedin for the existence of a Choral Society, and that a society could easily be formed owing to the number of talented instrumentalists and vocalists amongst them.

Mr W. A. W. Watiien seconded the motion, and congratulated the committee on the excellence of their work.

fcfr G. C. Israel supported the adoption of the report, which he considered very creditable and satisfactory to all concerned. He, however, thought that the fact that there were 400 performing members was not a *nabt«r for congratulation. It bcerned to him that the danger to the society lay in its strength. Ho was afraid that the committee, which was composed of most estimable people, had been too araiablo, and had nob shown sufficicut backbone in setting tho test for membership. Tho adoption of the report was carried unanimously.

] ELECTION OF ORTXCE-'ny'.Tt::! <» ! On the motion of Mr J Buovv\- s colhl-J ! by Mr W. Wills, the oifice-b-.ite).-. « i\; r^elected, with the exception of Sir W Maiiso.vi, who withdrew from the treasurers Lip iv favour of Mr P. E. Brittain. A vacancy having boeu caused in the viej-p'-e&i.leucy by the daath of Frofesßor Parker, hia Honor Me Justice Williams was elected to fill tho same. Tho committee were also re-elected, with tha exception of Mr H B. Smith, who i« leaving Danedin, aud whose place was taken by Mr W. Blangou. The officers for the coming year ara thei&fire: — P-esidsnt, Kou. R. Oliver; vicepreciiicei.g — Mr Justice Williams, Very Rev. D-'an Fitchett, Professor Sale, Messrs G. M. Thotusau, and P. R. Sargood ; committee — Messrs A. S. Puterson, W. Wikou. W Wills, l-\ L. Jones, W. Hanson, D. S. Jolly, aud W. If. Hale ; hon. librarian, Mr 11. &i. 1" <l'->;'f r ; hoc. secretary, Mr N. A. Gc;mt; hon. treasurer, Mr F. B Britt&in. ELECTION Or CONDUCTOR. Mr J. H. Cootnbs was re-elected conductor, the motion being carried with acclamation. COMTLIMKNTARY. Mr Grant caeulioneil that Mr H. B. Smith, ■who h/id been of much ssrvice to the society as a member of the committee and aa a soloist, was about to leave Dunedin for Wellington, anil mov«jd a vote of thanks to him for his services. Thiq was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr Israel, a vote of thanks was accorded to the president, officers, and committee ot the society ; and after a short discussion, in which Mr W. B. Smith warmly supported the idea of the society producing opera, and ifc was as strongly opposed by Mr Israel and Mr W. Wills, the procaedings were declared •closed.