Welcoming Dr. Thomas.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XV, 13 October 1900, Page 686

Welcoming Dr. Thomas.

Great interest was taken in the rehearsal of the Auckland Choral Society last week owing to the fact that the new conductor, Dr. Thomas, commenced his duties. As the outcome of this there was an unusually large attendance of both honorary and working members, fully 250 being seated in the body of the hall, while the orchestral benches were occupied by fifty instrumentalists and 150 vocalists. Shortly after 7.30 o’clock the new conductor ascended the platform amidst applause, being accompanied by Messrs G. A. Paque, who has so ably tilled the position since the death of Herr Carl Schmitt, and the following members of the committee of the Society: Hon. .1. A. Tole, G. Harker. 11. Bunby, J. A. Beale, J. XV. Tibbs. J. Henderson. .1. B. Maefarlane, Dr. Cox, H. .1. Edmiston, secretary, and also, by invitation. Mr Vincent Rice, the only living ex-conductor of the Choral Society. The Hon. J. A. Tole said the warmth and hospitality -of the greeting which had so manifestly been accorded to Dr. Thomas had anticipated, and had done, and done well, what was one of the pleasurable duties he (Mr Tole) had to jterform. In ordinary course that pleasurable duty would have been performed by the worthy chairman of the committee, but Mr Brett was unfortunately unable to be present from a slight indisposition, which, of course, was sufficient reason, but also from a gratifying reason of delicacy which would presently be explained. In Mr Brett’s absence it had been thought appropriate that, as a connecting link between the University College Council and the committee of the Choral Society, he (Mr Tole) being a member of both should be the honoured medium

of introducing Dr. Thomas to the society, including both performing and subscribing members, which he now

had pleasure in doing (Applause.) He hailed with pleasure the advent of Dr. Thomas to the colony. Just as the ripple in the pool extended its influence over the whoie waters, so there

was always an influence of betterment to the community by the addition of another who came from one of the great and ancient seats of learning in the arts and sciences. Dr. Thomas would be pleased to know that he assumed the conductorship of a society some forty years old, and whose repertoire and performances had succeeded in maintaining an elevated musical taste and appreciation throughout all classes of the citizens of Auckland. It was worthy of remark that Dr. Thomas’ immediate and able predecessor, Herr Schmitt, wielded the baton for over twenty years, which argued, beyond the popularity of Herr Schmitt, "not only the cordial relations that ever existed between the committee of the society and its conductor, but also the loyalty of every performing member of the orchestra and choir to their musical chief. He (Mr Tole) had not had opportunity of consulting every member, but he was sure he would have their assent when he said he could tender on their behalf the same pledge of loyalty to Dr. Thomas. (Applause.) There was one word of praise also due to another gentleman, who in a moment of emergency tilled the position left vacant by the death of their late conductor. He referred to their worthy friend, Mr (1. A. Paque —(prolonged and enthusiastic applause)—who during the interregnum between the loss of one conductor and arrival of his successor unselfishly took up the duties of the position and fulfilled them in a most able manner. (Applause.) Mr Tole said he had no doubt they were inaugurating a. new era, as it were, and that for the future the same cordial relationship between the society and its conductor that had existed in the past would continue, and from that night’s eventful mile stone in its history the society would

with renewed vigour continue on a career of many, many years of advancement in music and of pleasure to the members and to the public generally. (Applause.) Mr Tole then handed to Dr. Thomas the baton, and said he did so feeling confident that it descended into able hands, where he hoped sincerely it would beat a long measure of time.