Society of Musicians (est. 1891)

Christchurch was fond of musical organisations(1) but most were short-lived. The Christchurch Musical Society and an organisation focused on the 'advancement of music and musicians' were the exceptions. The centenary history publication(2) on the Canterbury Society of Musicians stated that 'Lund was credited at the time of his death in 1932 (in his mid eighties) as the founder of the Society' and up until the Society's formation 'it was clear that Lund was the leader in any discussions by, or on behalf of, musicians in the city'. This is the newspaper account(3) of the first meeting at which the organisation's constitution was adopted in 1891:-

The first general meeting of the Canterbury Society of Musicians took place at the Girls’ Friendly Society’s rooms on Saturday night [25/07]. There was a good attendance of members, and some visitors were present. The President, Mr. Lund, occupied the chair, and was supported by Messrs Hunt, Normington, Searell, Wallace and Wells, members of the Council, Mr. Searell acting as Secretary. Aplogies were read from Messrs G.F. Tendall and A.J. Merton, and from Mr. Sidney Wolff, of Timaru.

The Chairman welcomed and congratulated members, and state that with few exceptions the best known musicians of the district had joined the Society, which had already enrolled between forty and fifty ladies and gentlemen. He expressed great satisfaction at Mr. Tendall’s taking his seat on the Council. After reviewing the past work of the Council and its successful activity, Mr. Lund said he hoped that the Board of Governors would soon establish the Lectureship in Music as a permanent institution, and also that the Council would finally discuss and adopt at an early date the constitution of the proposed examining body. If there were no other inducements to join this Society, the one paragraph of the constitution which stated that an object was “to befriend any musician who stands in need of help,” should, he said, be sufficient to bind the whole profession strongly together. The conduct of musicians towards each other and towards the public, and other prominent features of the constitution, were also touched upon by the Chairman, who said he trusted the Society would promote orchestral classes under able instructors, and altogether, by their co-operation, put the art of music into a more satisfactory position in Christchurch. He submitted proposals to establish a reading-room and library, to organize concerts for the Society, and also to give an annual concert for charitable objects, and concluded by expressing the hope that the members would look back with pride and satisfaction upon the day when they pledged themselves to work together, honourably and energetically, for the advancement of music and musicians.

On the motion of Mr. Wells, seconded by Mr. R.T. Searell, it was resolved – “That this meeting confirm the constitution of the Society, as drawn up by the Council.”

A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Lund and the members of the Council, and the meeting closed.

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The Society of Musicians was among the first of its kind in New Zealand. H.M. Lund served as the Society's first President (1891-1894) and a further six years as Secretary-Treasurer (1895-1901). A new name for the organisation was adopted in 1895: the Canterbury Society of Professional Musicians. In 1929 the organisation was absorbed into the New Zealand Society of Professional Teachers of Music Canterbury Division Incorporated (4).

(1) Lyttelton Choral Society (1852-1857); Christchurch Harmonic Society (est.1857); Christchurch St. Cecilia Harmonic Society* (1860-1862); Instrumental Society* (1861 only); Mendelssohn Society*; Orchestral Society*; Christchurch Male Voice Choir, Christchurch Liedertafel (1885-1966+); and the Canterbury Vocal Union (est.1860) later Canterbury Musical Union (1862), Christchurch Harmonic Society (1873) and then Christchurch Musical Society (1881), reverting to Christchurch Musical Union (1894-1913), and finally becoming the Royal Christchurch Musical Society in 1920. Organisations with an asterisk* were merged into the original Canterbury Vocal Union and were largely responsible for the successive name changes. From: A Choral Symphony: A short history of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society by Peter D. Barton. Royal Christchurch Musical Society, Christchurch, New Zealand 1985.
(2 & 4)For the Advancement of Music and Musicians: A short centennial history of societies in Christchurch devoted to the well-being of professional teachers of music by John M. Jennings. The Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand, Christchurch Branch 1991. pp.21 & pp.31-2
(3) Society of Musicians, Lyttelton Times, Monday 27 July 1891