DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR.

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 64

DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Royal Dunedin Male Choir yvas held in the Bristol Concert Chamber on Monday evening, Mr J. Hopcraft presiding over a large attendance of members. The annual report stated, inter alia, that in the early part of the year a rally’ by members for neyv subscribers resulted in a record being atained, 409 extra tickets being placed, equal to 2044 halfguinea subscribers —a very’ fine effort indeed. Compared with the list of members and subscribers eight years ago it yvas found that out of the then membership of 400, 175 people of that date still maintained an active interest in the choir, and the total membership at the close of the year yvas over 600. Ayvards of gold bars for long and honourable service were made to Messrs G. W. Herrich (20 y’ears), D. C. Stark (15 years), R. Walls (10 years), H. M‘Allum (10 years), R. Paterson (10 years), T. M'Gregor (10 years), and W. E. Mills (10 years). Dr F. S. Mac Lean, now in Napier, yvas_ made an associate member of the choir in recognition of his yvork on the committee. Mr Paterson’s work as deputy conductor was no sinecure, and the committee congratulated him upon the success achieved at both the concerts at which

he officiated as conductor. In Mr Martin, Mus.Bac., the choir had a brilliant pianist and accompanist. He yvas an invaluable associate of Dr Galway and of the choir. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the chairman stated that the result of the year’s working showed that over £77 had been netted, placing the choir in a very satisfactory financial position. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following office-bearers yvere elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr D. E. Theomin; vice-presidents—Dr Church, Sir Charles Statham, Messrs J. Hopcraft, C. Russell Smith, W. Ibbotson, J. Hope, D. Phillips, Arthur Barnett, J. Sutherland Ross, J. C. H. Somerville, W. Wilson, W. B. Taverner, P. Lemon, J. M'George, R. S. Black, A. E. Ansell, Dr Evans; conductor, Dr V. E. Galway; deputy-conductors. Messrs J. Paterson and J. A. Haggitt; pianist. Mr C. A. Martin; treasurer, Mr D. F. Barrie; joint librararians, Messrs J. A. Black and F. H. Jones; registrar, Mr T. S. Searle; auditors, Messrs T. F. Basire and G. Dunn; secretary, Mr J. G. Butler; committee —■ Messrs J. Haig, J. D. M'Kechnie, W. ’Ellis, A. Fleming, and Dr Thomson. In returning thanks for his re-election to the position of conductor, Dr Galway urged members to practise at home and not confine all their singing to rehearsal nights. In times of depression good music yvas needed, and many found comfort and consolation in music.