CHORAL SOCIETY PAST YEAR REVIEWED INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 11

CHORAL SOCIETY

PAST YEAR REVIEWED INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP

The following report covering the year's activities will be presented at the annual meeting of the Wanganui Choral Society on Monday night:—• “The choir ’presented, on June 28, its only concert of the year. The choir's contribution consisted of glees and these were given with the usual efficiency. The assisting artists were Mrs. Cunninghame and Mr. Douds (vocal), Mrs. Jenkins (elocutionary), and the Garrison Band quartette. The concert was well attended and was quite successful from a financial as well as a musical standpoint.

“The thanks of the society are due to an anonymous donor of the glee. 'My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land.’ Such donations are indeed much appreciated and also show a kindly interest in the society. “The choir membership was greatly increased at the beginning of the year and throughout the year the attendance of the soprano and contralto sections was well maintained, but unfortunately the same tribute cannot be paid to the bass and tenor sections. Towards the close of the year the attendance of these two sections was anything but satisfactory. During the year a social was held in conjunction with the Male Choir and all who were present spent a very happy evening. Owing, however, to the indifferent attendance of members, this social was run at a loss to the social committee. Four ten-year service badges were presented this year, making a total of 32.

“During the opening session of the year, owing to Mr. Nelson’s dissability, Miss E. Smith acted as accompanist, and to her our thanks are extended for her capable and faithful performance of this duty. Later on it was with profound regret that Mr. Nelson’s resignation was received. After the final rehearsal, a small presentation was made to Mr. Nelson as a token of the thanks for, and appreciation of the manifold and efficient services rendered by him to the society since its inception. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Cooke, who so ably fulfilled the duties of accompanist towards the close of the year. "The latter part of the year was devoted to the study of Handel's ‘Messiah,’ the idea being to give a rendition during December. Owing, however, to adverse circumstances the work was not up to standard and the idea was abandoned. “It is gratifying to know that the balance-sheet shows a sound financial condition. The society would like to place on record the faithful services of Mr. L. E. Bridges, who has just completed his tenth year as librarian. The committee again desires to place on record its deep appreciation of the line leadership and efficient services of our conductor. To Mr. Slater, we extend our deep gratitude for his untiring patience and devotion at all times, even when the outlook was anything but encouraging. The thanks of the society are also due to the following Mr. and Mrs. Warwick, Mr. W. J. Herd, Mr. J. Brass, the press, for services rendered during the year, and to Mr. C. S. Brown for his services as auditor.”