ORGAN RECITALS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 142, 15 June 1917, Page 7

ORGAN RECITALS.

INCREASED ATTENDANCES. SUCCESSFUL TERM. A report was received by the City Council last evening regarding the organ recitals during the past three months. Vocalists, it was. stated, had been engaged. The average attendance during the period was -108 and the total receipts .t'lo2 _/, as compared with an average attendance of 25.-> and receipts amounting to -24j 10/6 for the whole of the last financial year. Three free children's recitals were given, at which the average attendance was just over 2000. Tlie expenses in connection with tho engagement of vocalists totalled —38 15/(1 for the weekly recitals, anil £0 4/0 for the three children's recitals. Mr. Maughan Burnett stated that in view of the unfavourable weather, he considered the increase distinctly encouraging, aad that the introduction of the vocal items had been a success. With reference to free mid-day recitals, he had received information showing that Sydney had one per week with an average attendance of 3UU. .Melbourne had three per week, which were well patronised, though no figures were given. He was doubtful as to the advisability of starting similar recitals ill Auckland, and pointed out that tiie free afternoon recitals given in 1915 were not a success. Figures regarding recitals in Cleat Britain s.lowed that the attendance nt Auckland compared favourably with that in other cities in proportion to population.

The report was referred to the Finance and Legal Committee.