MUSICAL FREIGHT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 9473, 4 March 1922, Page 5

MUSICAL FREIGHT.

STATE ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO SYDNEY. Immediately the Maheno, from New Zealand, tied up at the wharf- this morning, it ,'Began to’ discharge musical freight in th,e khape of string double basses in their coffin-like cases, tympani, tuba, and big bass drum (says the Sydney “Sun” of February 20). A little later the members of the State Orchestra came down the gangway in good order and condition, and, incidentally, jolly glad to get back in their own home town. “We enjoyed the tour immensely,” said the French Horn, “but, nevertheless, this is the happiest morning for me during the last two months.” “I never got a wink of sleep while travelling,” ejaculated Miss First Violin. “Yes,” commenced Miss Second Violin, “we were troubled very greatly by — 77 “Mosquitoes!” interrupted the melancholy flute. “My word, we had a time, such going about and general jollity; but Sydney’s the place for me,” wheezed the bassoon.

“Don’t care a hang where I am, so long as treasury day comes along,” announced the . trombone. ’ j “The New Zealanders are all right, jolly good fellows,’’ announced the trumpet. “I am with you there. Ta-ra-ra-ta-ra-ra,” rapped out the drum. j “Don’t like being seasick,” wailed the tympanist, screwing up his drums in pantomime. “Upsets, one’s ears.” , Mr E. J. Gravestock, the touring manager of the orchestra in New Zealand said that the business was not consistent, and therefore 1 the tour was not a complete financial success. For instance, the first two concerts given in Dunedin were poorly patronised, but the other two were crammed, and many people were turned away. It was exactly the same at Wellington. The classical programmes did not attract big audiences, but when popular ones were given they always crowded the hall. The “1812” overture was always a sure draw. In a tour of an orchestra, where the expenses are so heavy, it was necessary for the business to be consistent to ensure a financial success. The business would have paid handsomely in the case of any other musical entertainment. At Christchurch Mr Gravestock said the orchestra played before the largest audience in its history. This was at the King Edward Barracks—a huge place, bearing such a strong resemblance to an English railway Btation that M. Verbrugghen at once christened it “The Terminus.” But notwithstanding the vast number of people accommodated there, several hundreds were turned away.