In this connection it is of interest to record that the library of the Orchestra received during 1939, from gifts and loans, no less than 22 symphonic works by French and 32 symphonic works by Italian composers, and that the performances in April last of Perosi's Oratorio "The Resurregtion of Christ," which met with great success, were rendered possible by the kind favour of H.E. the Italian Ambassador who obtained from Rome the loan of the music free of charge. Furthermore, it was possible to satisfy the public's desire for music by English composers thanks to the efforts of the Chairman of the Orchestra and Band Committee, Mr. R. G. MacDonald, who obtained the loan of some important works from the British Council. The strength of the Orchestra has been maintained as in 1939, and it has been reinforced by five extra musicians of Chinese nationality, whose salaries are paid out of the grant from the Italian Government.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.