DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 70

DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of this society was held on th<3 Ist in the Art Gallery Hall, there being a very good gathering of members present. Mr G. M. Thomson, M.P. (president), occupied the chair. The annual report was as follows: — " Three ordinary concerts were held during the season—namely: May 25. Mendelssohn's 'Elijah.' Soloists, Mrs A C. Orr-Loring, Mrs R. A. Power, Mr A. A. Binnie, and Mr James Jago. September 7, ' Lord of the Isles' (Gadsby). Soloists, Miss Helen Gardiner, Miss Kathleen Lawlor, Messrs A. Harrison, C. J. Gray, W. T. Reid, and Geo. Gurr. November 16, Haydn's ' Spring, and miscellaneous items. Soloists, Miss Frances Grant, Miss Violet Eraser, Madame Von Look, and Mr David Hutton. The usual performance of the ' Messiah' was also given on Christmas night, and proved remarkably successful. The soloists were Mrs A. C Orr-Loring, Miss Violet M'lntosh, Mr A. A. Binnie, and Mr David Hutton. The thanks of the society are due to the ladies and gentlemen who have given their services as soloists during the year. The present financial position is even more satisfactory than at the end of last season, mainly owing to the satisfactory at ; tendance of the public at the performance of the ' Messiah.' The amount owing, as per the last balance sheet, was £77 17s 6d, and this year's statement shows a reduction to £43 19s Id. The committee would emphasise the necessity of members takingmore interest in the society in the way of introducing new members, so thao the strength of the list of performing members may justify the committee in putting standards works into rehearsal. Mr W E. C. Reid, whose excellent work as secretary in 1908 was the means of vastly improving the position of the society, found himself unable to carry on as secretary. Mr Jas. Livingston very kindly offered his services, and has given a great deal of iime and attention to the duties. The thanks of the committee was again due to Miss Agnes Dawson, whose services as honorary pianist have been highly aowreciated."

In moving the adoption of the report the Chairman said he considered the prospects of the society, although they did not have a large membership turning up at the beginning of the season, were really very favourable. It would be remembered that two years ago the society was in considerable financial straits, but their excellent secretary (Mr Reid) pulled it together, and put it on a secure footing. Last year they were left with a debit balance of nearly £7B, but this year that had been reduced to al,yt £44, and with energy and cooperatioa he expected to see it wiped out before the end of the year, and the society placed on a clear footing, as far as current expenses were concerned. Mr G. C. Israel seconded the motion, which was carried after Mr Moody had expressed the gratification of the members at the work done by the conductor, Mr Coombs.

The election of office-bearers resulted as foliows:—President, Mr G. M. Thomson, M.P. (re-elected); vice-presidents—Very Rev. Dean Fitchett, Mr A. S. Paterson, Mr H. B. Curtis, Mr W. Wilson, Mr W. Wills, Mr G. C. Israel, Mr W. E. C. Reid. Professor White, Mr W. J. Morrell, Mr R S Black, and Mr Jas. Livingston; committee—Misses Frances, Grant, and J. D Hooper, Messrs Stewart Thomson, W. A. Dune, J. S. Moody, J. L. Salmond, and T W. Slater- honorary conductor, Mr James Coombs (re-elected); honorary librarian, Mr W. T. Wallace (re-elected); honorary pianist, Miss Agnes Dawson (reelected) ; honorary treasurer, Mr A. B Stewart; honorary secretary, Mr Stewart Wright The retiring treasurer, Mr C. D. Arlidge, was elected a vice-president as a special compliment.