MALE CHOIR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16466, 19 June 1919, Page 6

MALE CHOIR.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the New Plymouth' Male Choir was 'held in the Soldiers’ Club on Wednesday evening, the chair being occupied by Mr. W. Ambury. About 30 members were present. ANNUAL REPORT. It is most regrettable to have to report for the opening incident, of our second year, the tragic loss of one of our faithful members, Mr. Arthur Ambury, who met his death on June 3, in an heroic attempt to rescue another climber on the slopes of Mount Eigmont. The funeral was a most impressive one, and was attended by a large number of members of the choir. “Lead Kindly Light’’ was sung at the, graveside, as last respect, to our late friend and members . Three concerts were given during the year, in the months of August, March, , and June. The March concert was arranged bur ricdly, on resuming after the summer vacation, to supersede the November concert, which had to be postponed on account of the influenza, epidemic. We were unfortunate in. losing one of our members, Mr. J. J. Dwyer, who sue combed to the disease. The choir bad assisted at the Cafe rChantaut (organised by the N.P.H.5.0.G.A.), on July 11; farewelled several members at the railway station on September 16; visited Stratford on October 17 for patriotic purposes; visited Inglewood on October 31 for a. similar purpose; and gave a social to the returned soldiers and veterans at the Good Templar Hall on April 23. The register of attendance for the past year is worthy of close observation. From the opening of the season, for the August concert, an average attendance of 47 members each night was maintained. For the second concert the attendance dropped to an average of 33 members each night, and for the third concert, to 31. In explanation of the sudden fall in attendance, it must be remembered thac eight of out- members left for camp early in the season, and a number of otbeir, who were under notice could not sue their way to attend in view of their early departure. However, it is a matter of congratulation that the choir plodded along so well as it did. It is pleasing also to recollect how the members rallied again after the postpone n-ent, caused by the epidemic, and put on such a successful concert in March, at a month’s notice. There is an urgent need for reconstruction and a .good policy to be formed during the year. The choir has good material in its ranks, a capable conductor, and a public which manifests a cordial interest in its activities. It remains with us to provide more individual enthusiasm and co-operative effort to ensure success.

The statement of receipts and expenditure showed that during tho year the revenue totalled £lßl 11s lid, including concerts, £4l 13s, £2B 5s 6d, £2B 15s—£100 11; honorary members, £49 0s 6d; active, £2B 19s. Expenditure totalled £173 12s 9d, leaving cash in hand £8 19s 2d.

The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that it was not intended to adopt the balance-sheet that evening, as the figures were not quite complete. While the report was not altogether satisfactory, it was surprising t]iat thev had got on so well as they did. when they took into consideration tho many difficulties that they had faced. The concerts generally had proved very successful under tho adverse circumstances, as they had lost members through death and removal. The object of the society was not so much to make money as to raise the standard of music, and in that direction he considered they had been successful. Ho urged upon members to put their best into the society to take the best out of it. and if they did that, every member would bo benefitted. (Ap plause). In reply to Air. G. H. ‘White, the secretary said that the expenses in connection with the last concert were increased owing to the fact that it was got up hurriedly and, to make it attractive some professional talent was engaged. Air. K. G. Johnston said that he was of opinion that greater efforts should ho made to secure honorary members. The choir was just going throtigh the same vicissitudes which other choirs had experienced. The society should endeavour to be independent of the general public as regards tho proceeds of concerts. The society should endeavour to be self supporting. There was not much to criticise in the matter of expenditure, as lie did not think it was at all excessive. Air. N. Fulton considered that the question of practice should be taken into serious consideration. Personally ho did not think they did justice to the conductor. Also a little more of the comic element introduced into the programmes would prove attractive to the general public. He would also like to sec more advantage taken in securing the services of the best local talent, and more energy displayed in securing members. The matter of engaging professional services could be very easily overdone, and probably had been. Mr. Davis, treasurer,' after explaining the items of tho balance-sheet in detail, said that the year had proved a very good one. There were, however, many people in tho town who might assist the choir, but had refrained from doing SO. The report was then adopted. ELECTION OP OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follows; Patron, Air. O. H. Burgess (re-elected): president, Dr. Walker (re-elected) . vice-presidents, Archdeacon Evans, Col. AVeston, A. J. Morton, and A. S. Frooker; committee, Alcssrs. G. White. N. Fulton, R. Day, J. J. Powell, H. J. Waktius; conductor, F. W. G. AFLeod (re-elected); secretary, H. Bullen (re-elected); treasurer, F. T. Davis (re-elected); librarian, W. H. Reader (re-elected). Votes of thanks to the retiring officers and to the chairman concluded the meeting.