CHRISTCHURCH HARMONIC SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 30, 4 July 1874, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH HARMONIC SOCIETY.

At the conclusion of the first rehearsal of Handel's Oratorio of " Samson" last evening the annual meeting of the Christchurch Harmonic Society was held. Mr A. Lean was voted to the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, after which the hon secretary (Mr A. R. Inwood) read the following report : " Report of the committee of the Christchurch Harmonic Society. " The committee in presenting their report are pleased to be able to state that, although in the face of many serious difficulties, causing the delay of one concert for a con - siderable time, the society has kept faith with its subscribers. " During the year the following works have been rehearsed —Mendelssohn's " Hymn of Praise," and "St Paul," Spohr's " God, Thou art Great,"' Romberg's " Lay of the Bell," with a miscellaneous selection, and Handel's " Messiah." " At a general meeting of the society held in February last the original officers and committee resigned, and the present commitee took office, Mr Knox being elected conductor. " A new code of rules prepared by the committee, was. adopted with slight alterations, by the society on the 20th February. "At the last concert of the society Mr Walcot kindly consented to act as conductor, as the services of Mr Knox were urgently required as a solo vocalist on that occasion. "In financial matters the receipts from honorary and performing members, and from the sale of tickets to the friends of members, amount to £95 15s 3d, and the expenditure to £95 5s 5d which shows a surplus of 9s lOd, but against this there is a sum of £25 due for rent of hall to the 30th June last. The society is therefore so much in debt. This is owing in a great measure to the very heavy printing and other expenses incurred in organising the society, including the cost of arranging the amalgamation of the Mendelsohn and Musical societies. Ic is hoped that the deficiency will be paid off during the new year, by obtaining extra honorary members ; and the assistance of performing members is earnestly requested for this object, as a much larger number than we have at present is needed for financial success. " The assets of the society, consisting of music and musical instruments, are valued at £l5O "The following works are recommended to the new committee for future rehearsal—- " Samson," " Walpurgis Night," " Last Judgment," " Elijah," and, if practicable, a new work to be obtained from England, and " The Messiah" as an extra concert at Christmas." Tbe balance sheet was read by Mr J. S. Jameson, hon treasurer. On the motion of Mr Alport, seconded by Mr Carrick, the report and balance sheet were adopted. Mr George Inwood moved the re-election of the officers and committee of the previous year as follow : —President. Mr Geo. Bowron; vice-presidents, Messrs J. W. Hamilton and W. H. Lane ; librarian, Mr R. Davis ; treasurer, Mr J. S. Jameson ; secretary, Mr A. R. Inwood; committee, MessrsKnox,Stephens, and Feldwick; Mr A. Ollivier seconded the motion. Mr Carrick would support the resolution. These officers had taken up the management of the society at a time when its affairs were in a very critical position, and they deserved to be re-elected. The motion was put and carried unanimously. Mr Feldwick had great pleasure in proposing Mr Knox as conductor. He believed Mr Knox had given satisfaction, and had done the society good service. Mr Jameson seconded the nomination. Carried unanimously. Mr A. R. Inwood proposed Mr C. Bonnington as leader. Mr Stevens seconded the resolution, which was carried.

Mr Carrick moved a cordial vote of thanks to the officers for the services rendered by them during the past year. Mr A. Ollivier seconded the proposition. Through the interest taken by them the affairs of the society were looking better every day, and if they continued to improve in the manner they had been doing, they would soon again have a prosperous society. The resolution was carried. Mr Alport moved a vote of thanks to Mr Bonnington and Knox for their services as leader and conductor, and to Mr Walcot for filling the position of conductor as he had done. The motion was seconded by Mr Jameson, and carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminate! the meeting. At the conclusion of the general meeting a committee meeting was held, Mr Feldwick in the chair. Mr IT. H. Loughnau was elected a member of the committee in place of fllr Knox, who had been elected conductor of the society. Ten new members were elected, and the meeting adjourned.