CHORAL SOCIETY

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1935, Page 12

CHORAL SOCIETY

WORK AT NEW PLYMOUTH SUCCESSFUL SEASON REVIEWED. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. About 30 were present on Tuesday night at the annual meeting of the New Plymouth Choral Society. Mr. R. Day presided in the absence of the patron, Mr. H. V. S. Griffiths. The first practice of the 1935 season was held after the meeting. The report for the 14th season stated the usual three concerts were presented during the season. At the first Cowen’s cantata, the “Rose Maiden,” was produced; the second consisted of a miscellaneous programme; and the season concluded with a successful presentation of Coleridge Taylor’s “Hiawatha.” The society was grateful for the assistance of the following soloists: At the first concert, Mrs. H. Bulmer, Mrs. M. J. Buchanan, Mr. W. L. Hay and Mr. L. Kerr; the second, Miss G. Greenwood and Mr. C. M. Trehey and Misses C. Leatham, V. Ross and E. Gordon Eliot; and at the third, Miss I. Campbell, Mr. H. Ackroyd and Mr. A. Galloway. The policy of rigid economy laid down two years ago had again been followed with the result that the season’s activities showed a small financial surplus. The list of subscribing members was one of the essential foundations of the society, however, and the necessity for strengthening this foundation was still urgent. A heavy loss had been sustained by the society as a result of the departure of Miss Aileen Homer from New Plymouth. Miss Horner had been a source of strength to the choir in the period of nearly four years during which she oc- ; cupied the position of pianiste and she

would be greatly missed. In addition to its ordinary activities, the society assisted during the year at the opening of Brooklands by His Excellency the Governor-General and also at the service which opened the celebration of the jubilee of the New Plymouth central school. Special thanks were due to the women’s committee which was responsible for a card party and a social evening. These, in addition to promoting the social side of the society’s activities, produced a welcome addtion of £7 10s to the funds. Thanks were also due to Mr. R. L. Cooper for his continued work as musical director and to members of the orchestra for their willing assistance. Messrs. Collier and Co. had placed their box office at the disposal of the society, and the Press had been consistently helpful. The statement of accounts showed a balance of £ll 10s lid in the bank. The chairman congratulated the society on its success, both from the financial and the musical aspect He thought it was somewhat remarkable in such difficult times for a society of its kind to “break even.” The season closed with finances in a' good position. As this year was the 250th anniversary of the birth of Handel, continued Mr. Day, the committee proposed for the first concert of the season to sing the “Messiah.” He added that, though the society regretted very deeply the loss of Miss Horner as its pianiste, it had been, foritunate in securing Miss F. Broad. Dr. P. C. Davie spoke on behalf of the audiences. He felt the community did not appreciate what was given them for nothing and in evidence pointed to the lack of support offered the society. It was due to the pugnacious tenacity of the conductor, Mr. Cooper, that the group had held together so well in spite of difficulties. Dr. Davie thanked the members for the splendid concerts they had produced and urged them to continue no matter what sort of support they received. The choral society conferred a double pleasure, on the community and on themselves. There was nothing so stimulating as taking part in music and singing. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. J. H. Sheat for his work as secretary and treasurer. The election of officers resulted: Patron, Mr. H. V. S. Griffiths; president, Dr. E. A. Walker; vice-presidents,' seven; conductor, Mr. R. L. Cooper; deputy conductor, Mr. H. C. Gatland; secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. H. Sheat; librarians, Messrs V. Ackroyd and A. Eaddy; committee, Mr. C. Morshead, Mrs. J. A. Henry, Mr. A. P. Driver, Mrs. L. Goss, Mr. T. Ward, Mr. W. McCrone, Mrs. T. Sunderland; social committee, Mrs. A. H. Avery, Miss I. Ibbotson, Mrs. C. Head, Miss M. Bottrill, Mrs. H. C. Gatland, Mrs. J. A. Henry, Mrs. R. L. Cooper, Miss L. Bruce, Miss J. Eaddy, Miss J. Boyle and Miss Sutherland; roll secretary, Mr. C. Head.