THE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20098, 3 May 1935, Page 6

THE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

♦ ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

A DIFFICULT YEAR The tenth annual meeting of the Timaru Orchestral Society held on Wednesday, was largely attended. Mr G. H. Andrews presided. The annual report stated that in previous years, two subscribers’ concerts were given and the Hon. Conductor (Mr W. H. Osborne) and the orchestra were to be congratulated upon the high musical standard attained; the quality of the programmes I - ad been maintained and the playing of the orcnestra had kept at a hign level. Great interest continued to be taken by the general public in the work of the Society as was shown by the large audiences which attended each concert. The membership of the orchestra was 44. and room could be found for fresh instrumentalists who wished to become members. Diuing the year, the Society was fortunate in securing some outstanding soloists for the two concerts. Miss Lillian Hanham, and Mr Hubert Carter, of Christchurch appeared at. the first concert, when also Miss Bernadette Mangos played the solo pianoforte in a concerto with full orchestra, an innovation which proved very popular. For the second concert Madame Winnie Fraser, of Dunedin, made a very welcome reappearance on the Society’s platform. The last three years of depression had caused serious losses in the subscribers’ list, many resignations having been received: but now that conditions are definitely improving it was hoped that many of Ibe subscribers would join up again, and so assist the Society to cany on. Musical Societies throughout New Zealand and Australia had been very adversely affected and a number of them had also experienced financial difficulties. From a financial point of view the year had been the most difficult- one in the Society’s history. Owing to the loss of subscribers, and the difficulty of collecting outstanding subscriptions the balance sheet showed a small debit balance of £7/7/6 and a balance of assets over liabilities of £95/15 It was proposed to have a special membership drive early this season to help to retrieve the position. The Society was indebted to one of the patrons, Mr J. P. Newman, who had generously given the complete orchestral score and parts of “Peer Gynt Suite No. 2.” This would be put into immediate rehearsal for the first concert. This concert would be a special request programme arranged as a result of a ballot paper issued to subscribers at the last concert of last year. Quite a number of replies were received and it was expected that a very interesting and enjoyable programme of music would be presented. Special thanks were due to Mrs G. A. Martin who has acted as an accompanist during the year, also to Messrs. Chas Begg and Co. for the loan of pianos, and to the staffs of Beggs and the Bristol for their assistance willingly given at all times. The thanks of the Society were due also to the hon. librarian, Mr M. Applegarth and to Mr W. I. Tait for his work as hon. auditor. The success of the year’s work had been largely due to the untiring efforts of the capable conductor. Mr W. H. Osborne and to the excellent work done by Mr P. W. Jtule who has carried out the onerous duties of secretary and treasurer with tact and ability.

In moving the adoption of the report the chairman said he regretted that the financial position was not better, but this was largely due to the fallingoff in the number of subscribers during the last two years. He was pleased however, that a number of new subscribers were already coming forward and it was proposed to have a membership drive early this season. The motion was seconded by Mr A. S. Williamson.

Mr J. P. Newman expressed appreciation of the good work being done by the Society in the interests of music in the town, and the excellence of the two concerts which had been given during the last year. He felt that the Society was filling a very important part in the musical life of the town. Mr W. H. Walton emphasised the necessity for members of the ororchestra to attend practices regularly and support their conductor in his efforts to maintain a high standard of efficiency. Election of Officers The election of offiers resulted: President, Mr G. H. Andrews; Patrons, Messrs F. J. Rolleston, J. P. Newman, and W. H. Walton; voce-presidents, Mrs H. Hall, Mrs E. J. Mirams, Messrs T. P. Crowe. H. Holdgate, H. S. Moore, and A. J. Allport; hon conductor, Mr W. H. Osborne; hon accompanist, Mrs G. A. Martin; hon librarians, Mr M. Applegarth and Mr A. G. Hornsey; committee, Mrs W. D. Campbell, Miss D. Ransome, Messrs G. Berryman, E. Budd, G. A. Hornsey, A. G. Williamson and A. G. Tait;; house manager, Mr A. G. Williamson; stage manager, Mr E. Budd; hon secretary and treasurer. Mr P. W. Rule; hon auditol*, Mr W. I. Tait.

Messrs T. P. Crowe and J. P. Newman spoke of the good work of Mr Andrews in the interests of the Society for many years.

Mr Walton proposed a vote of thanks to the conductor (Mr Osborne), end the secretary (Mr Rule), this being carried by acclamation. A comprehensive vote of thanks was passed to Mrs G. A. Martin, acccmpianist; Mr M. Applegarth, hon. librarian; Messrs C. Begg and Co., for loan of pianos; Mr T. P. Crowe, house manager; Mr E. Budd, stage manager; Mr W. I Tait hon auditor and to the newspapers.

It was decided that the opening rehearsal be held in the Carlton Cafe next Wednesday.