THE CHORAL SOCIETY

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 81, Issue 7253, 18 September 1950, Page 4

THE CHORAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING HELD REPORT AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS The annual meeting of the Te Awamutu Choral Society held last week was well attended. Those present enjoyed the .social evening which followed the formal business. Annual Report After one year’s activities, we can report considerable progress in presenting this annual report for the period endted August 31, 1950. The Society has endeavoured to interest both active members and suppoiters by varying the types of programmes, and has obtained the assistance of first-class soloists for all of the concerts presented during the year, as under: First concert, November 14, 1949: German’s “Merrie England.” Soloists: Constance Manning, Ena Myerscough, Ken Macauley, Reginald Spence. Second concert, June 17, 1950: Mendelssohn’s “St. Paul.” Soloists: Joan Bryant, Ruby Woodward, Stewart Harvey, Reginald Spence. This concert was repeated at the Cathedral, Hamilton, on June 19. Third concert, August 19, 1950: Wallace’s “Maritana.” Soloists: Sybil Phillips, Ruby Woodward, Kenneth Strong, Joseph Battersby. For the first concert, the hall was packed, and although the audience was not large for the following concerts, each presentation was received with enthusiasm. Conductor: The committee has been most appreciative of the efforts of Mr. Albert Bryant to weld our mixed talents into one useful whole, and the success attending his efforts can be gauged by the keenness of members for his training and the excellent reception of our concerts, and we trust that his services to the Society will be available for many years. Mr. E. W. White has replaced him efficiently on one or two occasions. Accompanists: The Society is also appreciative of the work of our accompanist, Mrs. E. Martin-Smith, who has carried cheerfully, patiently, and ably, the heavy load attendant upon playing for practices, rehearsals and concerts. Mr. D. Rutherford played the second piano at the “Merrie England” concert and has advised and assisted in many ways. Orchestra: For the first two concerts, an efficient orchestra, led by Mrs. Hedy Biland, assisted, and Mr. H. G. Cook acted as organist for the Cathedral performance. Committee: The .small committee elected at the last general meeting has carried a heavy burden of responsibility.. Although it is a real “working” committee, some increase in its size is desirable to. lighten the individual work somewhat. It is recommended, therefore, that the committee be enlarged by the election of two additional members, one gentleman and one lady, and that separate social and hall committees, with a convenor in each case from the general committee, be appointed. Even with these additions, it will be essential for more of our members to give practical assistance at special functions, a muchappreciated service at present given by a few members. Mr. A. B. Jennings, who left Te Awamutu on temporary tiansfer and later on promotion to London, has been greatly missed, and carried away with him the very good wishes of choir and committee. We regret that through illness, removal from the district, or other cau.ses, several members have been unable to continue their active association with the Society. To the family of jyiiss Beryl Sklenars, who passed away during the year, and to several other members who have sustained bereavements, we tender our sincere sympathy. Honorary membership: It has been our endeavour to obtain a large honorary membership. Such members are given free seats for each of the three concerts annually, priority booking, right to attend any social functions of the Society, at an annual subscription of 10s 6d. The support has been good, but the onus is on all active members to see that such support is not only maintained, but expanded, for this is most essential to financial stability. The attendance at the later concerts indicated a lack of enthusiasm on the part of some honorary members, and of the public. Music: It has been somewhat difficult to obtain suitable works for presentation, and it is only now that we are finding sources of supply for much of the suggested music. We are grateful for the assistance given by older societies. Co-ordination of activities: It has been only too evident this year that some effective co-ordination of musical activities is desirable in Te Awamutu, to ensure their being spread more regularly over the year. Subscriptions: It is recommended that there be no alteration in the present subscriptions. When the support by honorary members becomes far more extensive than at present, consideration may be given to some reduction in active members’ fees. Te Awamutu College: As an evening class of the College, we have been privileged to have the free use of the College Hall and other rooms for our practices and concerts, and are most grateful to the College committee and to their nrincipal for their ready assistance. To our auditor, Mr. Eric Laird, to the Press, ancj to others who have assisted us we offer our thanks. Balance sheet: The balance sheet shows a surplus of receipts over payments of £22. Several items of expenditure are probably non-recurring. The result is satisfactory, but it must be realised that without the assistance of the College this would not have been attained. Election of Officers Patron, Mr. H. Rochfort; president, Mr. H. A. Swarbrick; vice-president, Mr. E. White; secretary, Mr. V. B. Reid; treasurer, Mr. W. R. Mepham; committee, Mesdames Wishart, McQuire, Atkinson, Miss Fear, Messrs. R. Judd and G. D. Warring.