CHORAL UNION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 130, 19 February 1918, Page 3

CHORAL UNION

ANNUAL REPORT. The Teport of the Wellington Choral Union, to be submitted to member/3 at the annunl meeting, details that during the last, season four concerts were given— "Maritana," "A Tale of Old Japan," "The Messiah," and "Maritana" (repeated for the Red Cross and Y.M.C.A. Trench Comforts Fund). "It is to be regretted," says the report, "thai the amount handed over (,£lO 12s. to each fund) was not so large as expected, owing principally to the bad weather affecting the attendance and* the additional expense of having to bring Mr. Duff from Dunedin to sing the tenor part, Mr. Ernest Drake being unable at the last minute to obtain the necessary leave, and further, in having to pay full rate'for the hall."

The following are the several artists who took the principal parts in the various works during the season;— Madame Elsie Paries, Misses 'Helen Gard'ner, Minn Caldow, Mrs. Maurice .Tones. Messrs. Ernest Drake Mnrtin Duff. G.'- W. Eiby, Frank Charlton, Hamilton Hodges, and Chas. Moore.

"Tho union, from a musical standpoint, is 'making its influence felt in the city, and its success in this connection i* due in a very large, measure to its conductor, Mr. Rr'< n i't Park°r, and the deputyconductor, Mr. H. Temple White." In spite of adverse conditions, the committee Teport that tho year has ended willi a credit balance of .Clfi Ifls. 2d.

"Early in the year Mr. F. B. Tonne-, chairman of committee, having joined tho Colours, tendered his resignation. Mr. Young has been a member of the union and committee since its inception; he has rendered most valuable services at all times, and has contributed in no small degree to the society's welfare. Mr. W. .T. Lankshear was elected chairman, ajid Mr. ,T. R. Barley was- appointed to the committee. In September last Mr. W. ,T. Cbartres (assistant secretary) also resigned to go into camp. Mr. E. A. Tanner, was appointed to fill the vacancy. At the last annual meeting Mr. F. W. Rowley was appointed aceom'panist, but, owing to pressure of business, was unable to act. The vacancy lias been most capably filled by Miss Dorothy Mills, whose services have been greatly appreciated by the union. "In view of the. probable restricted income of the union, Hie committee deems it inadvisable to recommend the appointment of a deputy-conductor for the ensuing year. The committee has again to report that, owing to the large number who' have answered their country's cnll, Hie male section of Hin chorus has been further considerably weakened.' The committee recommends lliaf Mr. R. Parker be invited b accept the position of mii'dcnl conductor for (lie ensuing year. In this connection they would like ■tn mention that "IMS cnn-.nletes the fnrtiMh year of Mr. Parker's work as n conductor. The committee also suggests, as Mr. Pnrknr has expressed a wish f" cn-"Wt Tiliieh' duri"* his final year. Hint it be a recommendation In iht incoming coim»ilfee lo arrange for the ivrTiduction of that wnrlc as a complimentary performance to him."