Christchurch Musical Society.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7067, 20 January 1891, Page 4

Christchurch Musical Society.

THE ANNUAL MEETING,

The following is the report to be submitted at the annual meeting of members, to beheld in the Durham street schoolroom this evening :—

"The Committee of the Christchurch Musical Society have pleasure in submitting their report on the affairs of the Society for the past year. The balancesheet shows the receipts to have been £205 14s 2d, and the expenditure £220 7s sd. There are liabilities outstanding to the extent of £46 13s sd, as against which subscriptions are owing to the extent of .£34 3s, the bulk of which should be collected. Beating in mind the fact that there were heavy liabilities at the beginning of the year, the past season may be said to have been, in a financial sense, a fairly good one. The Society gave three concerts during the year, and rendered Cowen's Sleeping Beauty, Smart's Bride of Durikerron and Gaul's Joan of Arc, as well as certain instrumental music. ,The attendance at the various concerts 'was good, and, from a musical point of view, the performances were successful. Financially, the concerts have resulted in a loss, as the amount taken at the door has not been sufficient to pay [the cost of advertising. In view of this fact the Committee submit for the consideration of the members the suggestion that future concerts should be for members only, the members to be allowed to purchase extra tickets when wanted. In August the Society's conductor, Mr Wallace, very kindly gave a concert in aid of the funds of the Society, which concert produced £47 9s 6d. The members have already expressed to Mr Wallace their obligations for his kindness in this matter, and for the musical treat afforded on the occasion in question. Last year it was decided to admit performing members free of charge. The alteration had the effect of introducing a number of new members, but at the same time it led to a considerable increase in expenditure for music and other items. For these reasons the Committee recommend that the experiment be not continued, but that for the coming season performing members should pay a fee of ten shillings each, which should entitle them to one ticket for each concert. Your Committee is of opinion that admission to the final rehearsals of any but membars should be discontinued.

"In view of the wish expressed by many members of the Society, your Committee recommends that next season should open with a miscellaneous concert. There are many qualified singer 3 in the Society that have not been heard as soloists, and it is considered members would be pleased to hear them at a concert such as the one suggested. As it appears the rules of the Society are out of print, your Committee suggest that the eaid rules should again be printed and distributed among the members.

" The thanks of the Society are due to the following ladies and gentlemen, who havo kindly gratuitously given their services :— Mra H. H. Loughnan, Mrs Wilding, Miss Gardner, Messrs Izard, Day, Weir, Appleby, Normington and H. H. Loughnan; also to Miss March, who has kindly continued her valuable services as pianist to the Society, and to Miss Reeve for her services. on the organ. To the members of the orchestra, with Mr Skelton as leader, the thanks of the Society are due for their valuable services ; also to members of the Liedertafel who have assisted at various concerts. It was thought advisable to divide the duties of Secretary and Treasurer, and Mr W. Black, at the request of the Committee, kindly undertook the former duties in June last. It will be necessary for the meeting to elect a Committee and the various honorary officers connected with the Society. The Committee recommend that Rule 3 be altered, so as to increase the number of the Committee to eight."