THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Issue 3510, 23 May 1874, Page 2

THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

To the Editor. 4 Sir,—l write to mention some of the reasons for the large amount of dissatisfaction now existing among the members of the Choral Society. The obief cause is the irregularity of the practices. Practices are called, but not held. This has happened several times of late, more especially towards the close of the practices for the last concert. On one occasion circulars were issued by the committee specially requesting members to attend ; there was a very large attendance in consequence, but no rehearsal because the conductor was absent. Many who were there th at night did not attend subsequent practices nor did they appear on the platform on the night of the concert, a fact which could not fail to tell on its success. Other practices have fallen through from the same cause. I repudiate the idea that the society is iu a state of collapse. The figures quoted in the report are emphatic proof to the contrary. As to tho rules, I think the present ample for our requirements, if they were only acted Upon,—l am, &c., t, ~ A Member. Dunedin, May 23.

To tha. Editor. Sir, — Give me permission publicly to express my regret for having signed the augtions read at the general meeting of the Choral Society, as having since had the honor of an interview with one of the members of the present self-constituted “unalterable ” my views on the matter are very materially modified. He represented to roe that th@ members of the present committee have always been considered by the musical public to be the patrons of musio in this town; and that if the Society had been constituted under the supervision of any other gentlemen, it would inevitably have resulted in a miserable failure, As they leave the management of the entire business of the Society to two, or at most three of their number, it is impos. -sible that much dissension oan arise; and everything is very nicely arranged, so as to give entire satisfaction to those principally interested ; and by delaying the production of the accounts till after the commencement of the meeting, the members—who are really a very stupid lot—and not to be trusted with I the election of those who are to look after I their business, will not make themselves (

obnoxious by criticising the charges, especially as they provide for bolding the meeting- while ladies are present. ' .' . I immediately saw. the "force of his reasoning, Aofl eo, no dbubt.witlyou, sir. It is clear that, if the members of committee were elected'annually by the members, they would. consist of, practically, musical people, principally, who-would be continually meddling with matters that the present committee think should he left to one or twoof their numberand by this means the present delightful unanimity with which the Society is Managed would be very much endangered. Let me, in conclusion, strongly recommend the present Committee not to give way to the clamor of a few insignificant malcontents, who are, after all, only performing - members, as they are (they know thry are) the only people who have, sufficient knowledge of music to make such a society the success they have made this one,—l am, &o. t A Performing Member. Dunedin, May 23. ;