HONOURED.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1553, 24 September 1912, Page 5

HONOURED.

CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONDUCTOR. THE SOCIETY'S AIMS. At I lie conclusion of the Inst rehearsal of tlioKoyal (Jiiural Society, Sir. .1. Maiighau Harnett, the conductor, was taken somewhat by surprise by being presented with u liambomo upholstered armchair by members of the society. 'I'll*.' occasion was not at all a special one. Tlio members "just thought" (hat) they would like to show their appreciation and loyally to their conductor atter his arduous work in connection with the recent performance of "The Kedcmption," mid deemed it a rather happy idea to telect a chair in which tuo recipient could rest in. an attitude of relaxationone in which no member of the society has yet seen him. The presentation was made on behalf of the society by Jlr. li. T. Caldow (chairman of commitcee), who detailed the work of the society since its initiation, and the amount of money which had been expended on fostering its objects. He hoped that Mr. Harnett would find time now and again to take advantage of the comfort which the article of presentation implied. Mr. Harnett, in the course of his reply, anil after a few preliminary remarks, said:—"There- is no doubt that the society's work has, in a way, been phenomenal. The history of the society dates back about eight years. 1. remember that, about the end of the.second year, doubts were expressed as to whether it would be a success. From its third year, however, the society picked up, and has gradually gained, both musically and financially. 1 believe that one can do anything it one slicks to it long enough, and live long enough, and 1 am quite, sure that, in a country like this—though its appreciation of the arts cannot reasonably be expected to 1)0 so ];con as it is in older countriesit is quite possible that we can do really great things, and I know that surprise is often expressed that, in Wellington, we are able to perform works in the way wo do. 1 can say that my work in connection with the society is a trial ,lo me. It is hard work for me, and it is hard work for you, but I am sure that the results are commensurate and compensating. The conductor has to be, to a certain extent, an observer. He must know that tome may be coaxed, that others may be bullied, and it is necessary to bully some, and it is necessary to coax some,"so any of you that are built either way will know that what is done is intended specially for your benefit. (Laughter.) Wo shall no doubt continue success after success, but I will say that 1 think that there is one possible danger—ft is very difficult to keep up a standard, and it is unite easy to build it—but not so easy to keep it.- We shall have to keep up ' our present standard, and, in fact, we must improve upon it. 'J'hc chorus can rise to the occasion. I would like to add that the practice of music in this city, or all the world over—certainly amongst our British people —is ,not altogether a most encouraging occupation. There is only a small proportion of people who really seem to showparticular love, for music. If only music was "picture shows," no doubt it wouldbe quite different. Thousands of peoplo go to picture theatres, but very tew lo regular music performances. 'However, I hope that we shall have many successes in tho future, and 1 would like to say this, as one who perhaps knows something of the work of the committee, that this society could never have reached its present state had you not had such a splendid working committee. (Applause.) This work is my profession, and my means of earning something to eat, but with tho members of your committee it is a labour of lo\;e."