CHORAL SOCIETY.

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 42, 27 March 1930, Page 10

CHORAL SOCIETY.

The annual general meeting of the Hutt Choral Society was held in the Weslcyan Hall on Monday, 10th March, the president (Mr D. A. Ewen) occupying the chair, and some 40 members were present. ■ The meeting was formally opened by the President and th 6 Secretary's report was then read. It was noted that at the 3rd and-final concert of the season there were only 85 in the audience, but as tftie expenses had been cut to a minimum, even this concert paid a profit. Concerts had all been broadcast and Teports from listeners-in from various places had been highly gratifying— yet the public of the Lower Hutt remained apathetic and uninterested. In consideration of the Society's concerts being broadcast, the 2YA Orchestra 'had not cost anything at all—a great consideration, and it was reported that the Broadcasting Company had intimated j that they would make a grant to societies wihich had collaborated witlh the

Radio dompanlyto assist tliei^ to carryon but this, however, was not official. Attendance at rehearsals had been Teasonably good but* it was to be deplored that the niemiberaihip did not increase, The honorary members remained about tihe sanfe numerically.

The treasuTer in reading out the balance sheet for the year reported that the Society was in a letter financial position than it had been for years

It was then reported that at a meeting of tihe committee held at the home of Mr. Ewen (president), on 17tli February, 1930, matters had been entered into and on a finding that the public attendance had been so inadequate and the active membership so ridiculously small, Mr. Kidson moved a

resolution "that the Society cease to function as a Choral Society.

The meeting then opened for discussion, and it was_moved and seconded that the Society wind up its ffairs.

At this point Mr. Assheton HaTbord, Producer of the Hutt Valley Dramatic and Operatiee Societly, asked permission to address a few remarks to the meeting. Mr. HarboTd after explaining with a touch -of 2iumour, how he had been associated with amateur theatricals from the very day of his arrival in New Zealand, continued to make a sruggestoin for the amalgamation of the C&oral Society and all other such societies in the Hutt Valley. to form one large.and' strong society of Fine Arts. Mr. Harbord had evidently considered the matter well and spoke with, a -complete understanding of his subject, and an enthusiasm that was quite infectious. At the conclusion of his remarks, several members of .the Ohoral Society put questions which were answered to satisfaction,.^ and the chairman thereupon asked Mr Harbord to Tetire while the meeting discussed his proposition.

After no little discussion it was decided that as tjhe Choral Society had officially ceased to exist as an active body, it could not enter into the amalgamation, "but'recommended that the individual members join up with any society formed.

Begarding the funds of the ChoTal Society it was carried unanimously that these be placed in Trust for a "period not exceeding tSiree year, at the 'end of which time, if the Society .had not re-organised, the funds to be donated to some worthy cause sudh as the Plunket Society.

lAnd so the career of the Choral Society terminated—whether temporarily I or peTmanently, who can tell?

But at least the Society finished with "colours flying" and it-is to be deeply regretted that such an impasse should have arisen. Compliments were.paid to the various officers of the Bociefcy: Mr. Ewen, president, Mr. Douglas Taylor, conductor, Mr. Jenner, deputy conductor ', Mr. Gieson, secretary; Mr Donald, treasurer; Mr. Horman and many others, all of whom had contributed a great deal in work, talent and energy - for the benefit' of the Society.

. The meeting then closed and the Hutt Valley Choral Society ptrt " Finis " to a seven years' chapter of its Book of Activity. How soon or when the next •chapter will be started is a matter for speculation, but it is to be hoped that the Society will, Pfhoenix-like, rise in glory from these ashes j and fhe long looked for society of Fine Arts be established to be a credit to the Hutt, and a shining example to the re3t of New Zealand.