PATEA HARMONIC SOCIETY.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1058, 11 July 1883, Page 2

PATEA HARMONIC SOCIETY.

The sixth annual meeting of the above Society was held on Friday evening. Present about 20 members, Mr G H Norman in the chair. The report of the Committee was read and adopted as fol-. lows : “ Since - the last ■ report was presented, to'the members your committee regret to say that the financial success of the society.has not been so great, : especially compared with: previous years, which shewed unanticipated results. This deficiency is principally attributable to the very depressing financial crisis through which- we .have passed, thus preventing the Hall being let so frequently as could be wished to local-societies, and) the lack of professional companies .visiting Patea. During the latter part of the year, however, matters have been more brisk, and the committee anticipate a successful period during the winter months. . “As you • are aware, the committee recommended that honorary memberships should be abolished, it being considered inadvisable to continue the system formerly adopted, for many reasons— That the working were bound to give concerts once every three months (whether properly practised or no.) 2nd. That too many friend’s tickets were available to make concerts a pecuniary success; and 3rd. That more time might be devoted to practising superior music, and thus increase interest and musical taste amongst the members. Other reasons were brought forward which might be mentioned, and a general, meeting of members unanimously adopted. the suggestion of the committee. The scheme has not yet been tried, but the result your committee feel sure will be successful, ;i “ Since the last report we have been enabled to add two dressing-rooms to the Hall, which have been found of great service, and have no doubt been the means of the Hall being let more often than would otherwise have been the case, ‘‘ Four concerts have been giyen—the first of miscellaneous music, the second of the operetta .‘Pinafore,’ which was an immense success, and which was soon afterward re-demanded ; the _ cantata ‘ Holden Harvest,’ and miscellaneous music. .The latter cantata was not very much appreciated by either performers or audience. ’ It is, however, found extremely difficult to obtain suitable music, which will both interest: and: educate. The Committee have done, and are doing, their utmost to this greatly desired end ; and, moreover, feel (although loth in a great measure, to ...encourage the-idea too far) that dramatic cantatas, &o"., of medium difficulty, yet full of variation as regards sparkling and pathetic passages, do afford the most enjoyment to the public, and interest-performers alike. :

“ Your committee are sorry to say that although endeavours were made to form a : class for tuition on the violin, &c, by Mr 'Wildraan, of New Plymouth, they were iunsuccessful .' It must be noticeable to all ithat orchestral assistance is urgently required, and every effort should be. made and even present sacrifice to attain this most desirable end. ■ : “In conclusion, your committee would wish to thank members and the public for their hearty co-operation and assistance which has encouraged their efforts even though at times almost disheartening ; and need not, they feel sure, ask for a continuance of that unanimity which has hitherto existed, and spite of adverse circumstances still makes the Patea Harmonic Society a leading institution of the district “For,and on behalf of the Committee. “ Edwd C. Horner, Hon. Sec.” The election of officers was then proceeded with,‘.with the following result: Mr Tennent, - conductor ; Mi E, 0. Horner, Secretary and Treasurer ; Mr Heron, librarian { Messrs Taplin, Hamerton, and Norman, committee ; Mr Smart, auditor. Mr Taplin was re-nominated for the troasurership but declined office owing to pressure of business. On the motion of Mr Horner seconded by Mr Norman, it was resolved “That Captain laplin and Mr T. E; Hamerton be requested to use their efforts to induce as many members of the band as possible to join the society and state terms required, and that an advertisement be inserted in the paper asking for the assistance of any instrumentalists stating that they would be admitted free to the society.” Votes of thanks to the ladies; the-late office bearers of .the society and the chairman, .concluded the proceedings. j