FAREWELL FUNCTION

Southland Times, Issue 20664, 20 April 1929, Page 8

FAREWELL FUNCTION

MR INGLIS TODD LEAVES GORE.

MANY' TOKENS OF APPRECIATION.

At a very large social gathering held at. Gore last evening, many sincere expressions of appreciation were made of the services rendered to the town in a musical way by Mr Inglis Todd, who has accepted the position of leader of the Timaru Orchestral Society and who leaves for the north on Monday. Since 1919, Mr Todd has been conductor of the Gore Orchestral Society’s orchestra, and in that capacity as well as in his association with other musical organizations has given excellent service to the community. Last night’s gathering was a very representative one and was a striking tribute to his work. Mr E. C. Smith, chairman of the Gore Competitions Society, presided and expressed pleasure at the large number of people who had assembled to do honour to an esteemed citizen of the town and to one who for many years had been associated with its musical activities.

Mr W. D. Shelton, president of the Gore Orchestral Society, said that, when it became known that Mr Todd had decided to accept a position as leader of the orchestra in Timaru, there was a very general feeling of regret among the members that they were to lose his services. Mr Todd took over the orchestra in 1919 and since then had produced many fine programmes, notwithstanding the handicap under which he had been placed owing to the frequent changes in the personnel of the orchestra. He had carried out his duties as conductor most efficiently and was held in very real affection by the members. Mr Todd would also be missed by the honorary members, who had been very loyal to the society and had assisted the orchestra in every way possible. Mr Shelton also made appreciative reference to the assistance given to Mr Todd by Mrs Todd and Miss Todd, and on behalf of the members, expressed the hope that they would prosper and enjoy life in their new home.

Mr G. F. Mirams, speaking on behalf of the professional musicians of the town, also made appreciative reference to the valuable work carried on by Mr Todd in connection with the orchestra, and stated that the one characteristic above all others which had struck him in connection with Mr Todd had been the great enthusiasm shown by him for his work.

Mr W. B. Johnston, the local representative of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music, also paid a tribute to the interest taken by Mr Todd in the work of the board, not only in a professional Way as a teacher of music, but in every other way possible. He did not think that anyone realized more than Mr Todd the humanizing cultural influences of music, and this was shown by the enthusiasm which he displayed in connection with the orchestra and other musical organizations of the town.

The Mayor, Mr D. McDougall, in wishing Mr Todd every success and happiness in his new sphere, said there would be very general regret among the citizens of Gore at the departure of one who had taken such a keen and enthusiastic interest in all its musical activities.

Mr M. Roche, on behalf of the country residents, also joined in wishing Mr Todd success in his new position. The chairman, in asking Mr Todd’s acceptance of a substantial roll of'notes as a token of their appreciation, mentioned that the readiness with which the, people had responded to ; an invitation to subscribe to the farewell function was indicative of Mr Todd’s popularity and of the esteem in which he was held. Mr Smith, also took the opportunity of thanking Mr Todd on behalf of the Competitions Society for his valuable assistance both as. a member of the executive and in preparing competitors for its annual festivals. Mr. Todd suitably acknowledged the gift and expressed his appreciation of the complimentary references made to his work in connection with the orchestra. During the evening an enjoyable musical programme was given.