CARRYING ON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1941, Page 4

CARRYING ON

MASTERTON ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY FINE RECORD ACHIEVED. ANNUAL MEETING HELD LAST NIGHT. A decision to carry on with the society’s normal activities this season was reached at the annual meeting of the Masterton Orchestral Society held in the Savage Club’rooms last night. The president, Mr A. E. Clemas, presided over a good attendance. Several apologies for absence were received. “During the year the society held two concerts which were up to the usual high standard and were appreciated by the public,” said Mr Clemas. “Unfortunately it seems to be a difficult task to fill the Opera House but those who come to our concerts are well repaid. The second concert contained extra choral items on which various opinions have been passed. Some have been pleased but some have been disappointed. However, the matter can be safely left to the programme committee. Once again I have to stress the need of plenty of popular numbers in our programmes. Unfortunately the majority of the public lack what might be termed ‘musical education,’ yet at the same time all can enjoy tuneful music,” observed Mr Clemas. Referring to the work of the orchestra Mr Clemas commented on the time and sacrifice made by members in attending practices, for which their recompense was a congenial atmosphere. The public failed to realise that their only remuneration was the applause they received at the concerts. How-, ever, the society had reason to be proud of the orchestra’s record. Any suggestion of lapse would be a definite mistake and it would be found exceedingly difficult to pick up, the running again. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our secretary, Mr E. J. Bell. He has been a tower of strength to the society and has always taken a keen interest in its affairs. No work has been too great for him,” said Mr Clemas. Mr C. W. Kerry, the society’s conductor, paid a warm tribute to the assistance and co-operation he had received at all times from, members of the orchestra.

Miss E. Beale, on behalf of the orchestra, expressed appreciation of Mr Kerry’s work.

The matter of outstanding subscriptions was discussed, lit was consider> ed in view of the conditions ruling today that no action be taken.

The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr A. E. Clemas (re-elected); vice-presidents, Mesdames T. Jordan, N. H. Prior, Messrs A. E. Prentice, G. W. Morice; general committee, Mrs A. E. Clemas, Miss E. Beale, Messrs Kerry, J. Grey, W. H. Snowsill, E. Larsen; hon secretary, Mr E. J. Bell (re-elected); librarian, Mr J. Grey; conductor, Mr C. W. Kerry; programme committee, Mrs B. R. Bunny, Messrs Kerry, E. Larsen.

Mr Kerry offered the use.of an oboe to anyone who wished to learn to play the instrument, stating that it would be a valuable acquisition to the orchestra if any member of the public would accept the offer. At the conclusion of the business supper was served by Mrs Clemas and Miss Clemas.