ROYAL DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 7

ROYAL DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR

ANNUAL MEETING. The forty-first, annual meeting of the Royal Dunedin Male Choir was held on the evening of May 7. Mr J. A. Hopcraft occupied the chair. .In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the Chairman stated that this was the first annual meeting held under the new name of the “ Royal Dunedin Male Choir.” The public of Dunedin had appreciated its efforts. The membership had increased, and he hoped that it would be maintained. It was hoped that when the new Town Hall was opened the choir would have 100 members to take part in the festivities which had been planned for that occasion. He members to attend practices regularly. Members bad visited various institutions during the year, and had given entertainment to those who could not attend the concerts. Dr Galway had filled the position of conductor with distinction. The loss o? the pianist, Mr C. A. Martin, was unfortunate. The club’s library' was second to none in the Dominion, and he was therefore sorry to hear of the resignation of Mr W. J. West, who had been librarian for a period o! 25 years. No one had worked harder for the choir than Mr "West. The Chairman also paid a tribute to the work of the secretary (Dlr J. G. Butler) and the treasurer (Mr D. F. Barrie). Financially the choir was sound, having a credit balance of £3l. The practice room was hardly suitable for the large membership the choir now possessed. Mr G. J. Errington. in seconding the motion, stated that the ground was being prepared for the opening of the new 'Town Hall, and it was possible that the Wellington Choir would visit Dunedin on that occasion. .He paid a tribute to the work of Dr Galway, and stated that the committee recommended that a golden lyre be presented to him. ■

Mr D. E. Theomin stated that the work of the society had been progressive, and. in the 20 odd years during which he had been connected with it, it had grown from strength to strength. The membership could never be too large. The motion was carried. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —President. Dlr 1). E. 'Theomin; vice-presidents—Dr Church, Messrs J. A. Hopcraft, G. W. DlTntosh, C. Russell Smith, H. L. Tapley, DI.P., J. Hope. 1). Phillips. A. Barimtt, •). Sutherland Ross, J. C. 11. Somerville, W. Wilson, I’. Lemon. J. M’George, and W. B. Ta.verner; conductor, Dr V. E. Galway; deputy' conductor, Dlr James A. Paterson; pianist, Dlr T. J. Kirk Brunnand; treasurer, Dlr D. F. Barrie; librarian. Dlr J._ A. Black: assistant librarian. Dlr F. H. Jones; registrar. Dlr T. S. Searle; secretary', Dlr J. T. Butler; trustees —.Messrs J. Hopcraft, G. J. Errington. and J.' M'Gem-ge; auditors. Messrs P. Lemon and T. F. Basire; committee—Dlessrs W. Ellis. J. D. DFKechnie, 11. DPAllum, J. Haig, and F. C. Cooper; associate member. Dlr A. Dv. Gunn. Dr Galway, in reviewing the work of the past year, said that members could look back on success after success. With its performance of " The Desert ” the choir had reached the high water mark for the season. In that piece the work of the choir had reached a very high standard. It was unfortunate that there were only about 30 copi-s of 90 per cent of the part songs, and in that respect the choir was seriously' handicapped. The performances- of the old English folk songs and national songs had satisfied the cry for simplicity, and were appreciated more than any other items. The choir would continue to familiarise the public with the gems of national songs. The choir also could face the incoming year with the greatest confidence. A 25-years’ seiv.ee badge was presented to Dlr A. J. Dowi.ie, and Dlessrs A. H. Williams and C. A.- Martin were r.warded 10 years’ service badges. It was decided to place on record the society’s appreciation of the work of Dlr W. J. West as librarian. A vote of thanks was also accorded the outgoing committee.