Minutes from the Old Days

1862

Adelaide 3^rd January 1862 Generalversammlung (General Meeting)

Mr. Armbruster was elected chairman, opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

The secretary read the last protocol and the treasurer followed with his report for the last quarter as follows:

This report was accepted by all members and signed by the chairman.

Mr. Ziegler then read a letter from Mr. Weidenbach wherein he thanked the Liedertafel for their appreciation towards his family in preparing the terrific atmosphere at the New Year’s evening celebration. He also sent the bill for the wine, £ 4. 10. 00. Mr. Maraun proposed that each member pay 3s to settle the account and the left over money be given to the Weidenbach children as a gift. All present accepted this proposal and Mr. Ziegler was asked [to organize it].

Then Mr. Schierenbeck asked if he has to pay the conductor (presumably Carl Linger who had been absent for some months due to ill health) the money for the practice evenings as demanded by clause 3 in the ALT constitution.

Afterwards Mr. Ziegler proposed the following: The trustees should collect all inventory pieces that are not in use anymore, by the 14^th of this month and shall sell them. Mr. Maraun seconded this proposal and all were in agreement.

Mr. Leschen moved, seconded by Mr. Niehuus, that the Liedertafel shall purchase some lyres for all members to wear on their uniforms at all functions. This move was unanimously accepted. Two people (Mr. Armbrüster and Mr. Maraun) were nominated to look in to this matter, about cost and material.

Mr. Ziegler noticed a steady decline in positive activity over the past eight weeks and asked the committee to look at this matter that it won’t get any worse in future.

Mr. Schierenbeck was to tell the acting conductor to continue as long as Mr. Linger is absent from his duties due to ill health. This is the wish of the Liedertafel. Mr. Schierenbeck then moved that the Liedertafel thank the two committees for an excellently executed new year’s eve party and Fackelzug (lantern march).

Then the meeting was closed. Present were 18 members.
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Adelaide 7^th January 1862

The entry in the original minute book is partly illegible and some sentences were hard to understand. We apologize for any inaccuracies.

Mr. Eitzen proposed that Mr. Voges is to be considered to become a member of the Liedertafel. His voice would fit the 2^nd Tenor, after being auditioned by the conductor. Since the balance of the Liedertafel would be affected, he was asked to be put on the waiting list for the time being. Then Mr. Schierenbeck discharged himself from the commission to speak to the conductor, given to him by the Liedertafel at the last AGM.

Present were 19 members.
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Adelaide 14^th January 1862

The trustees could not procure the [obsolete] inventory items in time and therefore the auction was postponed for one more week.

Present were 17 members.
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Adelaide 21^st January 1862

The undersigned proposed the song "Schon die Abendglocken klangen" from the Nachtlager,  was seconded by Mr. Schlüter and accepted by all present.

After the choir practice the auction [of obsolete inventory items] could finally take place. The total proceeds were £2.

Present were 20 members.
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Adelaide 4^th February 1862

The song "Kommt Brüder, trinkt froh mit mir" was proposed by Mr. Mühr and seconded by Mr. Braun. [The latter] was once more asked to enrich our song books with one more song.

Present were 19 members.
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Adelaide 11th February 1862

Mr. Schierenbeck informed the present members, that he has received an invitation from Mr. Torrens for the Liedertafel to participate at a special function to sing next Friday in Mitcham in an organized concert with an honorary readout. This was accepted and the following songs for the time being were selected:

1. Das Deutsche Vaterland

2. Ich geh’ noch Abends spat vorbei

3. Beglückte Massen

4. Schlachtgesang

Further was decided to meet at 6pm at Hamburg Hotel and depart from there at 6.15pm

Present were 20 members.
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Editor’s note:
Carl Linger’s ill health has been mentioned several times in these minutes to date. In fact, Linger's health was failing badly at this time and, despite having an intention to visit Berlin, he died from dropsy (a large accumulation of watery fluid; probably causing heart seizure) on 16 February 1862. He was buried in West Terrace cemetery and left an estate of £1,200 to his wife. Although he had stimulated a taste for music in South Australia he was soon forgotten by the general public, but in the State's centenary year of 1936 a subscription was raised for a sandstone monument, eight feet (2.4 m) high, over his neglected grave. The memorial was unveiled by the premier before a thousand people and the 'Song of Australia' was sung - led by, of course, by the Adelaider Liedertafel.

Biography of Carl Linger

More about Carl Linger in these pages

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Adelaide 16^th February 1862

In consequence of the death [today] of the Liedertafel’s first conductor and co-founder Carl Linger a special meeting was fixed for this evening. Under the chair of Mr. Schierenbeck the members came to the following resolutions:

1. The Liedertafel will participate in the funeral next day at 3pm.

2. The Liedertafel will march behind the coffin, which will be draped with the
 banner.

3. Mr. Reinhardt proposed that a brass quartet should be playing at the

  cemetery. This was not accepted. Instead a seven man brass band (for the

  amount of £3/10) should be playing all the way to the cemetery.

4. All members shall assemble at Mr. Mühr’s place.

5. The following songs will be sung: a) Es ist bestimmt… in front of the house.

 b) Integer vitae… at the cemetery as well as Nacht, o Nacht…

After this the Liedertafel members assemble at the school room.

Present were 18 members.
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Adelaide 18^th February 1862

It was decided that the Liedertafel will sing next Monday at the wedding eve party of Mr. Lesching. The members will meet at 10pm at Wedemeyer’s place and practice the following three songs:

1. Alles was die Erd’ enthält

2. Im Sommer such’ ein Liebchen dir

3. Treue kleine Laute

Present were 19 members.
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Adelaide 4^th March 1862

At last Tuesday an invitation was read to the members by Mr. Schierenbeck. The Liedertafel was invited again to participate with a few songs at the Institute’s Soiree. It was accepted and the following songs were selected:

1. Schon die Abendglocken

2. Seid gegrüßt ihr stolzen Höhen

3. Ich geh’ noch Abends

4. Hör lieber Wilhelm…

[If required the encore will be] "Das Deutsche Vaterland".

Mr. Schierenbeck then asked one of the choir members to see Mrs. Linger and ask her if the Liedertafel possibly can use the music scores from Mr. C. Linger for the singing at the Soiree and report back to him.

Next item was to also sing at Mr. Maraun’s wedding eve party at next Monday. Meeting again, at 10pm in Wedemeyer’s place.

Present were 19 members.
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Adelaide 11^th February 1862

Mr. Kuntze reported to the members that the Soiree will take place in White’s Rooms at 8pm next Friday and they will assemble there at this time. Mr. Schierenbeck then issued tickets for the singers and their ladies.

Present were 18 members.
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Adelaide 18^th February 1862

Mr. Armbrüster presented a letter he had received from Mr. Needham to the members in which he asked the committee if the Liedertafel would be willing to sing at their second festival at the Torrens Park. The committee decided to decline this time and the undersigned shall report their decision to Mr. Needham. He was very disappointed over this decision and asked if there was at least the possibility for some members to attend, he also will hold 12 tickets for them and their ladies. The committee did not commit itself at that point.

Present were 15 members.
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Adelaide 25^th February1862

The undersigned read a letter out he received from Mr. Hanhen, a former member of the Liedertafel. In this he asked if the members could accept an apology for a rude remark he once made when he departed the ALT, and [asked if he could] become a member again. Mr. E. Mumme proposed, seconded by Mr. Braun to reinstate Mr. Hanhen. No decision was made.

Mr. Armbrüster reported that with regards to the lyre emblem matter the cost will be 6s each. Any decision was postponed to the next General Meeting, which was fixed for the 2^nd April.

Mr. Schierenbeck lodged an application, to select two auditors which were Mr. Balek and Mr. Leschen. Both accepted the nomination.

Present were 18 members.
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Adelaide 1^st April 1862

Mr. Hahnen’s voice was assessed by the conductor, accepted by all present and set in to the 1^st Tenor.

Present were 21 members.
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Adelaide 2^nd April 1862 Generalversammlung (GM)

Mr. Leschen was elected as chairman and opened the GM.

The undersigned read the last protocol as well as the cashier.

Following was the last quarter’s cash report:

Both reports were accepted and signed by the chairman.

Mr. Reinhardt proposed, seconded by Mr. Schlüter, to purchase 3 dozen lyres from Germany because the cost would not exceed a half Thaler (German currency at this time). This was accepted by all members and Mr. Armbrüster was authorized to go ahead with the purchase.

The undersigned would like to relinquish his post as secretary forthwith, because he can’t manage to be in time for future meetings. Mr. Ziegler nominated Mr. Niebur for this position, Mr. Schierenbeck seconded and all present accepted unanimous.

Present were 13 members.
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Adelaide 8th April 1862

Mr. Schierenbeck reported to the committee that Mr. Schmidt requested the Liedertafel for a sacred Friday concert. This was nearly unanimously declined, because the first Tenor [section] was too weak for any open concert.

Present were 19 members.
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Adelaide 15th April 1862

Mr. Schierenbeck [stated that he] noticed that the Singers in recent times were disturbed during practice. [This was due to] loud talking by guests at practice. Mr. Balck, seconded by Mr. Armbrüster, proposed to put a stop to this by only letting members and people in after 9pm, and the landlord [was requested to] vouch for their good behavior.

This proposal was accepted unanimously.

Present were 19 members.
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Adelaide 22nd April 1862

Mr. Ziegler reported that he finally received an outstanding receipt from the Zöllner committee at Leipzig and the account could now be closed. This promised to be a good balance in the books for the Zöllner Family: £84.9.1 and one delicate sheet of linen cloth.

Present were 22 members.
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Adelaide 29th April 1862

On behalf of all members the committee decided that on the 30th June – foundation day - a concert followed by an evening ball will take place. Next Tuesday a 5-member committee shall be formed to organize this function.

Present were 19 members
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Adelaide 6th May 1862

Mr. Schierenbeck, the chairperson-elect started the ballot for the 5 member committee. The following outcome were accepted by all present members.

The new formed committee will have their first meeting on Sunday at Mr. Zieglers premises.

Present were 19 members
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Adelaide 13th May 1862

Mr. Armbrüster, seconded by Mr. Reinhardt, proposed the song: "Die drei Käferknaben", which was actually the conductors request. It was accepted by all present.

The Wedemeier family (Herr Wedemeier was the proprietor of the Hamburg Hotel, venue of the choir's practices at this time) had a joyful happening to report. A possible new singer for the Liedertafel was born into their family. [Herr Wedemeier] then treated the singers to a few carafes of wine. The chairman of the ALT then congratulated Mr. Wedemeier with a witty speech, which was returned with an even wittier speech from Mr. Wedemeier, to the amusement of the whole choir.

After this a jolly practice took place. Then Mr. Schierenbeck reported from the sub-committee their decisions for the forthcoming event.

a) Das Nachtlager von Granada
b) Kommt Brüder trinket
c) Das Vaterland
d) Seid gegrüßt, ihr stolzen Höhen
e) Tiroler Heimweh
f) A.B.C.

All decisions were accepted except that the song "Tiroler Heimweh" shall be swapped for "Die Käferknaben". A decision for this will be handed down next week.

Therefore the meeting was postponed.

Present were 18 members
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Adelaide 20th May 1862

Mr. Eitzen kindly lent the Liedertafel his own song book, which was greatly appreciated by all members. Also it was proposed that the choir bear the cost of writing songs into the song books in future.

Mr. Niehuus proposed, seconded by Mr. Schlüter, that the song "Song of Australia" be accepted.

With regards to the evening Mr. Ziegler advised that Mr. Wedemeier is willing to provide a cold buffet for the cost of 3/-. A vote on Mr. Z.'s proposal was accepted unanimously.

Present were 21 members
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Adelaide 27th May 1862

Nothing of importance was adopted.

Present were 19 members
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Adelaide 3rd June 1862

Mr. Käsehagen proposed, seconded by Mr. Eitzen, that Mr. Nettelbeck becomes a new member in the Liedertafel.

During the evening Mr. Ziegler congratulated Mr. Schierenbeck on his 35th birthday, which he gratefully accepted and presented the AL with two bowls of punch. He then reminded the members never to forget the bachelors that they once were.

Present were 20 members
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Adelaide 10th June 1862

Mr. Nettelbeck has been auditioned by the conductor, then was accepted by all and taken in to the 2nd Tenor.

Present were 22 members
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Adelaide 17th June 1862

Nothing was brought forward.

The next Generalversammlung (AGM) was fixed for Wednesday after the Jubilee Celebrations.

Present were 23 members
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Adelaide 1st July 1862

Because of the Jubilee Celebrations, at which numerous members were present, no meeting was conducted.

The Celebrations ended the next morning about 5am.

The programme before the dance was as follows:

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Adelaide 2nd July 1862

GENERALVERSAMMLUNG (AGM)

Mr. Schierenbeck was elected chairman and opened the meeting.

Minutes from the last AGM were read and accepted by all present.

Treasurer's report:

In the meantime Mr. Wedemeier put all the leftovers from the ball last night on a long table. The members felt that there was not enough time to eat all this after the meeting. Consequently it was proposed that the meeting be postponed to next Tuesday, which was unanimously accepted by all present.

The protocol was read and the meeting closed.

Present were 20 members
signed: W. Niebour
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Adelaide 8th July 1862

The AGM from last week continued, but before the meeting started Mr. Niebour put his in resignation formally to the committee from this job (of secretary). In his place Mr. Niehuus took over (again! Mr Niehuus was the foundation secretary, and had only relinquished the job on April 2nd. So, after only 3 months, he has once again shouldered the burden.).

Mr. Armbrüster proposed that any member without a reasonable apology beforehand who was not present [at practice] by 8:15pm [would be levied] a penalty of 6p. This was seconded by Mr. Mühr and agreed to by all present.

Mr. Ziegler proposed to purchase a letterbox, to keep and collect all the above. This was unanimously accepted. Mr. Käsehagen was asked to look in to this matter.

Mr. Armbrüster, seconded by Mr. Balck, proposed to decline a invitation to Melbourne, because not enough singers were available due to work commitments. The proposal was accepted and Mr. Ziegler asked to write to them and put our apology in.

Then Mr. Armbrüster with his charming, sweet voice came once more in to tune (one can only wonder why the outgoing secretary would have written this ...) He proposed that the choir historian  put a list together with all songs sung to date, so they can be repeated at any practice in the future. Of course not all at once! This was accepted by all present. The Proposal was seconded by Mr. Braun.

Mr. Balck reminded the chairman that two trustees had to be voted in, to check the books. Mr. Ziegler and Mr. Niebour were selected. Mr. Niebour then closed the [minute] books and handed them over to the capable hands of Mr. Niehuus as his successor.

Present were 21 members
signed: W. Niebour
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Adelaide 15th July 1862

After Mr. Niebour’s resignation the position of the secretary was now once more in the hands of Mr. Niehuus.

The secretary then read a letter by the brothers E. & E. Mumme wherein both declared their resignation from the choir forthwith.

He then read a second letter wherein the former secretary Mr. Niebour also declared his resignation. The reason for this are several [but] one [incident of] rudeness stands out.

The ALT was very sorry to see the Mumme brothers going but hope this will only be for a short time till they can greet them back again.

The trustees reported they had checked the books and could not find anything but a minor mistake. [This was] for a music book where the amount of 4s 6d had been billed to the ALT. Mr. Braun explained he had made a mistake and will credit the amount back to the treasurer.

The treasurer noticed that an amount of 4s for a allegedly missing menu card, at the Jubilee Celebrations at Voss’s premises and later was found again, had been accepted by all members.

Mr. Armbrüster brought forward a request to hold a concert for the benefit of some families at Wallaroo. These people survived the shipwreck of the "Marion" and had  lost everything. After lengthy discussion the members declared [they wanted] to help because they saw the necessity to do so. A committee comprising messrs. Ziegler, Armbrüster and Schierenbeck was formed and the conductor promised his support.

Editor's Note: The steamship "Marion" ran aground and was wrecked at Cape Spencer, at the south-western tip of SA's Yorke Peninsula during foggy conditions on 11th July 1862. All 50 passengers and crew reached shore safely, were rescued by another steamer and taken to Port Adelaide. It appears the ship had been on its way from Wallaroo to Adelaide.

After this two more songs, "Song of Australia" and "Rule Brittania" were selected for next week's practice.

Present were 20 members
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Adelaide 22nd July 1862

From the Melbourne “Deutscher Turnverein“ came an invitation, undersigned by the secretary Mr. F. Gelbredt. This invitation was for a function which will be held in springtime. The ALT had to decline because of other commitments at this time. Also sending some music pieces per post to them at this moment would be difficult and has to be postponed to a later date.

Furthermore for the upcoming concert the following gentleman promised their assistance: Mr. Lindley, Mr. Norman, Carl Schmidt and R.B.White, as well as the two ladies Wischmark and Perryman. The Braunschweiger Band is prepared to participate if the ALT is willing to settle any insurance claim if a member comes to fall on the stage. Mr. Armbrüster was authorized to tell Mr. Aldridge that the concert could be next week on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, [and that it would] take place in White’s rooms.

Last Thursday’s selected committee will be expanded by the minute taker Mr. Niehuus. The same shall invite the brothers Edmund and Emil Mumme to participate at this next concert.

The price for the tickets shall be 2s.6. and 4s.

The following songs were selected:

1. Kommt Brüder, trinket froh mit mir
2. Altfrauen Walzer
3. Speisezettel
4. Es lebe hoch
5. Der Kriegerstand

If required, the encore will be "Song of Australia"

Present were 17 members
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Adelaide 29th July 1862

Received were letters from: Mr. Perryman, Mr. Wishart, Mr. v d Heyde and the Brothers E. & E. Mumme who promised their participation [in the forthcoming concert]. Also Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Lindley - Norman & Mr. White as well as the Braunschweig Band. [Arrangements for] advertising in the paper and printing of the tickets are in hand. Therefore the concert will take place at the decided day and venue. Members will be asked to make their appearance at ¼ to 8pm in White’s rooms. If for any reason changes [to the programme] have to be made the following will be accepted: added to the Kriegerstand – der Schlachtgesang, to the Altfrauen – Walzer the 3 first verses of der Käferknabe, for the Trinklied the 1st, 5th and 6st verses of das Deutsche Vaterland and added to the Speisezettel the first two verses of Song of Australia.

Following is the complete program for the evening:

Adelaide 9th September 1862

Mr. Armbrüster was declared to be the chairman.

He than read a letter received from the Port Adelaide Institute. It was a request to participate in a “Soiree“ of the Institute on October the 6th. Transport and refreshments will be free for all. Mr. Balcke's proposal to this offer was unanimously accepted and the undersigned prepared a written answer for the Institute.

Present were: 19 members.
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Adelaide 19th September 1862 No meeting was conducted.
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Adelaide 22nd September 1862

A invitation from the German Club was received and read to all present. Mr. Armbrüster proposed its acceptance and the undersigned shall give a answer to the Club immediately.

For the Institute soiree the following songs were selected: