ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1366, 17 February 1912, Page 19

ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL REPORT. During tho year (says the annual report of the ltoval Choral Society) tho society was particularly distinguished by the announcement "that his Majesty the King had been pleased to confer 011 tho society tho title of 'royal,'" the socicty being now styled "The I'oyal Choral Society, Wellington, New Zealand." It was sale to assume that this honour was a recognition of tho educational value ot tho work of the society. The committee took this opportunity of thanking the musical public for the generous support accorded to tho society in the past. The visit of tho Sheffield Choir during the year had infused new enthusiasm into the 111cmtx'rs, who had profited not a little by tho lessons derived from their renderings of the works performed. The society assisted in the combined performance ol' iMendelssohn's "Elijah." The following works were performed during the season: —Hliydn's "Tho Creation," Cowcn's

"lluth," and Handel's "The Messiah." Tho following were the soloists:—Madame Wiclaert. Mrs. Gowjr Burn's, Mrs. Kriifst Firth, Misses Nellie Castle and Gladys Watkins; Messrs. E. J. Hill, Stanley Butler, Philip Newbury, Harold K. S. firowning, C. It. Clarksou, and John Prouse. Prom a musical point of view tho society was noiv widely known throughout the Dominion, and its position and influenco was largely due to the untiring efforts of its conductor, Mr. Maughan liarnett. During the year two socials were held, both of which were well attended and highly successful.

The committee tendered their thanks to_ Mr. Horace Hunt and 'Miss Gladys Watkins as honorary accompanists, the members of the orchestra, Mr. A. T. Bate for use i.f room for committee meetings, the Dr;sden Piano Company for use of booking oliice, and to all friends who liavo assisted tho society, during the year. The committee also put on record its hearty appreciation of the consistent enthusiasm shown by tho performing members throughout tho year. During the year twelve committee meetings were held at which tho attendances wero as follow: —P. S. Pop© 12, W. E. Caldow 12, N. D. Ma'cleod 11, J. E. Perry 11, ,T. C. Young 11, F. B. Young 10, R. T Caldow 10, W. J. Hueston 10, A. E. Carver 7.

Tho balanco-shect shows that the total reoeipts for the past yea- amounted to .£O2O 14s. (inoluding £17 caxried forward). Of this active members' subscriptions amounted to i£93 10s., honorary ditto to ,£247 Ds., tho receipts of "The Creation" XSB 18s., "Ruth" £\7 195., and "Tho Messiah" w£9l 3s. The payments amounted to JE522 Bs. 4<L, including .£IOO for the musical director (Mr. J. M. Piarnett). -£111 Gs. for soloists' fees, and £iS rent of Town Hall. Music to the amount of v£3G 7s. ?d. was purchased during the year, and .£l9 os. 3d. was expended on the hire of music.

The assets of the socicty mre set down as ,£lB5 "as. (including a cash credit of X9B us. 8d.); liabilities, nil.