MALE CHOIR SOCIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1918, Page 6

MALE CHOIR SOCIAL.

FAREWELL TO XIXE MEMBERS. The Xew Plymouth Male Choir held & social gathering 011 Wednesday night at the Hygienic Rooms, for the purpose of fare well inc: the following nine members of the society, who are shortly leaving for camp: Messrs E. C 4. Johnson. A. W- Morrison, JT- .J. Gilbert, J. Walker, L. J. Blauchett, 11. J, Johnston, \V, 11. Reader, P. A. Matheson, and M. J. Armstrong. The latter apologised for his unavoidable absence. There was an attendance of about 50.

Mr- W Ambury, a vice-president of the society, presided, and in proposing the toast of "The Guests/' referred to the difficulty under which an organisation such as theirs had to carry 011 at the present time- The loss of the men who wre going away would be very much felt, numerically, musically, and fociallly.

The toast was enthusiastically honored and each of the guests replied, expressing appreciation of the benefits received under the training of Mr. F. W. G. McT-eod.

"The Boys at the Front" was proposed by Mr. R. Day and responded to by the Ven. Archdeacon Evans, who praised the choir for the success achieved in its short history. The organisation was a distinct advantage to the town, and should be the means of encouraging good music, which, next to religion, was the most elevating force in life. Referring to the boys at the front, the speaker said it was just as essential for those at home to do their duly as faithfully as the men at the front were doing the-ir part. Archdeacon 'Evans then proposed the toa=t of "The Conductor,'' which was drunlc with enthusiasm. In his reply Mr. MoLeod referred to what hail been done in the past, and to his hopes for the future. He said wholesome criticism should be welcomed, and members should not take too much to heart criticism which was somewhat adverse to them. Personally he bad had a good deal of criticism, which w r as not always favorable. but he considered it, had been of advantage to him. He felt keenly the departure of so many members of the cho : r almost at once, but his confidence in the future was not shaken. He stated that it was hoped next season to get some qualified and unbiased person to attend some of the practices and give them a little chat and some friendly criticism- (Applause.)

Other toasts honored were "Tlio Host and Hostess" ami "TV AwHrrwnist.'' which were tn hy 'Mr. Findlav a"d Mr. A. 0. iStnrroek. Sonus were contributed bv Messrs X. F'lltnn. A. A. Thomson. Mdvwnn. K. 0. Johnson. T\ Hooker. and F. F.. fladd. Messrs F. Aelfr find Putt, and lv Smith and .T. Walker. sail? duet?, and Mr. McLeod slaved a cornet solo The choir >'.an£ the part son?. "Tlie Snnsr of the Bow." An cnjovalblo concluded with the sinking of the Naiiona?,