OPOTIKI CHORAL SOCIETY

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 147, 17 February 1939, Page 3

OPOTIKI CHORAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING - SUCCESSFUL NEAR The annual meting. *of the Opotiki Choral Society was held in St. John’s Hall on Wednesday night, the president, Air, H. S. Holmes,' occupying the chair. Tho secretary, Mr. G. W r . Button, read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were confirmed as read. The annual report was then read by the secretary and the) balancesheet was also presented. This financial statement showed that the society finished the year with a sin all creditha lance of 15/8. The value of music was stated to be approximately £'27. this comprising almost the whole of the assets. On the motion -of Miss AlcCallum, seconded by Air. Thomson, the report and balance-sheet were ad'opted. Officers. Patron, Air. G. S. Moody. President, Air. Ji. S. Holmes. Vice-presidents, Messrs J- 1). Clark. L. D. Duff, W. Sinton, H. Rowland, J. T). Dicker. G. A. Dawson, H. G. Reeves, F. W. Bridger. Secretary, Air. Thomson. Assistantsecretary, Air. Button. Treasurer, Airs. L. D. Duff. Librarian, Ali.ss AlcCallum. Committee, Airs. C lark, AJiss AleLean, Airs. Holmes, Ali.ss Thompson, Mrs. Jackson, Mis. Fleming, Air. Seville, Air. Jackson, Airs. Dicker. Conductor, Air. Puryer. Auditor. Air. Reeves.

Pianist.—The resignation of Airs. Auld, who will be leaving the district, was received with regret. Airs. Auld offered her services as ’long as she remained in Opotiki, and the appointment of a new pianist was left to the incoming committee. Subscriptions.—lt was proposed by Aiiss AlcCallum that the annual subscription be of- each for ladies and gentlemen.; 7/(3 lor two in a family. Seconded by Air. Puryer and carried. Practice Night.—Lt was decided to hold weekly practices on Alonday nights at 7.30 o’clock.

New Rule.—On the motion of Airs. Duff, seconded by Aiiss A [organ, it was decided that in future all officers automatically resign at the end of each year. General. In connection with a proposed visit to F.dgecumbe. it was decided to hold practices before deciding on anything definite. The first practice will take place on Alonday night. Members were urged to make every endeavour to secure new members. Thanks.—Air. Holmes thanked the members for their attendance and declared the meeting closed. Votes of thanks were accorded the outgoing officers and the press. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.

ANNUAL IMifPOilT The annual report was presented as follow .• : Once again I am pleased to report a very successful season a licit year of prog'Fess. Although the society was formed less than two years ago it is now firmly established and has become one of the most important organisations in the town. The enthusiasm Juts grown and the membership lias-incieased steadily; there being 49 names on the roll for the year. The society was most unfortunate in regard to members having to resign owing to their leaving the district, tins being the case in no fewer than six instances. A pleasing featu.v m "he year was the increased male membership. Under the most capable conductorship of Professor Puryer the society reached a high standard of efficiency and the quality of the 1 ' concerts presented was something of which the society should he proud. The society is highly honoured and fortunate in retaining the proficient services of Air. Purycr. His all-round ability was revealed in the way in which he held the choir together.

The weekly practices, held in St. John’s Hall, were well attended. Uortunatelv only two practices were postponed on account of wet. weather. The society gave two successful concerts during the year. „ The first cue was held on July 6th. and the other one at the end of October. The first performance wa&, particularly well attended but owing to a strong counter-attraction the attendance at the final concert was not so good. The

last entertainment was considered the best the socie-Fy lias -yet presented, which no doubt shows that , the society is progressing. During the year the society was most unfortunate in losing its pianist, Mrs. Efilford, who left the district to reside at TJauranga. Before her •departure a, farewell social was held and a handsome presentation \was made to Mr. and Airs. Hilford. Air. Holmes, president, and! Air. Puryer, conductor, spoke of Airs. Hi 1 ford’s good qualities and of the invaluable assistance she had rendered the society since its inception. Airs. Auld was elected as Mrs. Hilfofd’s successor and she carried out her duties in a most creditable manner. Airs. Auld gave a lot of her time and put. in hard work in preparation for the last concert and it was mainly due to her efforts that it was such a success. Although the balance sheet does not show a very large credit balance I think; the society is in a sound financial position, considering the expenses it lias had to face. The takings at the,, concerts have been very good but owing toi the cost cf music and other charges there is only a small profit, on each performance. In conclusion I would like to thank the committee for their co-operation during the past year which I think you will all agree has been a most successful one. The prospects for the coming season seem to lie bright and 1 think we can all look forward to another successful season.