MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11000, 12 February 1914, Page 3

MUSICAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report - of the committee of the Christ-church.' Musical Society, to be submitted at the Society's annual meeting this evening states that during the last year eight concerts had been given, five for subscribers and three open to the public. The committee had felt that: at any cost special efforts must be made to raise the standard of the work of the Society,-and this has involved additional expenditure. The committee now approaches members with every confidence that the necessary.funds will be immediately forthcoming to enable the Society to achieve the highest standard of- musical efficiency in this city. Great progress was made during the season, more especially in the vocal performances, and the conductor, Mr Alfred Worsleyj was entitled to the warmest praise for the excellent results he obtained.

The committee expresses its thanks to Mrs Twyneham, leader of the orchestra, and to Miss Rima Young, honorary pianist, for their valuable services during an exceptionally arduous season, and thanks are also given to many members of the orchestra, who, at inconvenience and pecuniary loss, have assisted, also to the Christchurch Orchestral Society for affording facilities to its members to attend practices and assist in the concerts given, which, in the opinion of the committee, is conclusive proof of good fellowship and love of music. During the year the Society lost a true friend through the death of Mr Thomas Garrard,' wno for many years was its capable 1 and enthusiastic secretary, and under whose guidance some of the best work was done. ■ The committee states that for several years pa,sfc the income has not been sufficient to meet current expenses. The year started with a deficiency of over £SO, and the loss on the past year's working was about £IBO. This deficiency must be • met. The committee" wishes to remove the impression which exists in the minds of some members that the public concerts are a tax upon the Society's income. Such is not the case. •

The programme of the coming season will comprise the oratorio "Elijah," followed by a miscellaneous concert, and concluding with a concert opera. The committee estimates that at least four hundred honorary members, subscribing £1 Is, with the usual booking fees and the payment of _ 10s 6d by each performing member, will be required to provide sufficient funds to carry on the work, but then only by the observance of strict economy and the hearty co-operation of every branch of the Society. It has been proposed that the Society -should discharge its present liabilities by the issue of not more than fifty life memberships, at £5 5s each, and the consent of members to this proposal is required.

The resignations of Miss Rima Young (honorary pianist), Mr J. Young (assistant librarian), owing to their removal from Christchurch, Mr Alfred Worsley (conductor) and the secretary (Mr C. M. Parker) had been accepted with regret. Mr A. Bunz had met the committee generously by offering his services as conductor in an honorary capacity, which necessitated his cancelling his arrangements for an extended tour to Europe. The committee expresses the hope that every branch of the Society will recognise the sacrifice Mr Bunz is making in the interest of music, and that he will receive the whole-hearted support of not only the performing members already enrolled, but a large addition of members who, being lovers of music, will bo willing to do what they can to promote its best interests.