FOXTON MUSICAL UNION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2766, 2 August 1924, Page 2

FOXTON MUSICAL UNION.

IN AUGUR A L MEETING. A meeting of residents for tho purpose of forming a musical union or choral society locally was convened by Mr -f. M. Barr, and held in the Town Hall supper-room on Thursday evening. There was an attendance of some forty persons present interested in the formation of such a society, and representative of the different local church choirs. The meeting elected Mr INI. B. Bergin as chairman. Tn outlining the object of the meeting, Mr Bergin said that the formation of such a society would be an excellent thing for Foxton. It promoted interest in the higher arts and, indeed, music was one of the highest. He also referred to the small works undertaken in the past by a few local enthusiasts and in this connection paid tribute to the work done by Messrs R. T. Betty and IT. Osborne. Their efforts in the.past were now bearing fruit. The recent choir competition with Levin had pointed ‘lie way to something belter and bad proved that there was the material and talent in Foxfon for a good society. He also complimented*" the advisory committee' set up last week for their energies in connection with the formation of a society. The scale of charges drawn up by them for membership was, in his opinion, low enough. Non-active members would be entitled to two tickets for eaeli of two concerts a»yonr and lie considered this a good return-for their money. Money obtained in this manner would he a source of revenue for the society. Everybody was welcome io join and be hoped to see a good membership obtained and the society

flourish. TTs then asked the meeting for any suggestions or ideas n< the time was opportune for suggestions. They did not want people coming to them in twelve month'’ time and pointing out bow they could have made £IOO the first year. In moving that, a society lie formed. the Mavor (Mr .T. Chrystall)

said lie was very pleased to see so much enthusiasm .shown over the formation of a musical society locally. Such a society would serve a very useful purpose. From a health point of view singing was very henelieial as it encouraged deep breathing. Binging should also he encouraged from a social point of view and it also gave vent, to expression of feeling. He urged prospective members not to become disheartened over triffles, hut to carry

Tin- Rev. W. 11. Walton, in seconding the motion, said he hoped to -.ce t he society go ahead and become a really line.hand of singers. He pointed out what a wonderful gift from God singing was. He also !i,i|u*d that members would not become dissatisfied or disappointed ~ver minor filings, hut would all pul] together for the good of the society and the keeping alive of the great gifts of the great masters now gone to their rest. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr .T. M. Barr reported on the activities of the provisional committee and read several letters of congratulation to Foxton from different choral societies on a similar society being fanned locally. The letters showed a willingness to help Foxfon in any way possible. Mr Barr complimented Messrs Betty and Osborne on the work they lmd done in the past and said the time was now opportune to do something better. He said Foxton had been too long without a choral society and he was sure this meeting had the wholehearted support of the public of Foxton. He felt sure Foxton could do as well, or even better than other towns in this connection. He suggested the local society should study “Merry England,” and “Revenge” this year. Mr K. T. Betty said he was very pleased to see so much interest taken in the formation of the society. He urged members to be regular in their attendance at practices and no trouble would be experienced. A choral society was a. splendid thing for any town, both from a health and spiritual point of view. He would lie only too pleased to do anything he could to help the society along. .Mr H. Osborne endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks and spoke of the benefits to he derived from choral singing. ERECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of officers resulted is follows: —

President, Mr J. Chrystall; vicepresidents, Messrs J. Lluklater, Esq. M.P., \V. E. Barber, W. Signal, \V. T. Jewell, F. Robiusou and J. K. Hornblow; organist, Mr Thoruber; pianist. Miss Delatiy; secretary, Mr S. Head; treasurer, Mr BergLu; committee, Messrs J. M. Barr, S. Poole, \Y. H. Walton, Mesdames Downes, and Dolauy, the president and vicepresidents being ex-officio members of the commit tee- with voting powers; librarian. Mis;, Chalk; auditor, Mi UoiTmau. A hearty vote ot thanks was accorded Mr Borgia who then transferred the chairmanship of the meeting to the ltewly-etecled president. The chairman (Mr Chrystall) said tin -oriel \ imped to hold two concerts before the end of the present year. The first practice is to be held on Monday, llt.h August. It was decided t.hal the society lie known as the ".Foxtou Musical Union," and Mr H. Osborne was elected conductor. • It was decided that membership fees he ns follows: — Active members: ladies 5/-, gents “/(.*; non-performers 10/G. - * v The chairman moved a vote of thanks to the provisional committee

for their work in connection with the formation of the society, which was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks was also accorded Messrs Betty and Osborne for their past good work in choral efforts. Matters of minor importance were discussed and the meeting terminated.

A committee meeting will be held on Monday evening next. Thirty-five members were enrolled at the conclusion of the meeting.