"SPLENDID ISOLATION."

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 24, 29 January 1926, Page 6

"SPLENDID ISOLATION."

DOMINION AND MUSICAL FITCrf .A EFFORT TO STANDARDISE, 4# CBy Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) . DUXEDIN, this day. Proceedings yesterday at the conference of the ?\ew Zealand Society of Professional Musicians were more or less of a technical character, though a dis« cussion on the standardisation of "pitch, , ' had its interesting side. New Zealand, it was said, -was the only country in the world that had n°i> adopted the universal or low pitch. Much amusement was caused "by a statement that objection was raised on the grounds of hygiene. "It is particularly humorous in view of the fact that we have medical opinion to the contrary," said one member. Tie added that opinion was to the effect that instruments could be easily sterilised by "dipping." An ajnnsing incident was related by an organist, who, for the benefit of a singer, transposed at rehearsal, but forgot to do so at the actual performance. But the singer, he said, did not know the difference and sang quite charmingly. "I think," remarked the chairman, "that it is very often a question of the vanity of the singer, who likes to get tones that suit him.' . One disputed the advisability of universal pitch, and there was some doubt as to how it could be introduced. Mr. Harrison Cook assured the conference that Sir Henry , Brett had promised the Auckland Orchestra a full set of instruments in universal pitch. Dr. Gnlway expressed doubt as to whether local bodies would everywhere be found generous enough to provide full sets of instruments. Finally, a motion was proposed by the chairman and seconded by Mr. Barry Coney (Auckland), recommending that members, when they returned to their districts, take steps to induce the adoption of universal pitch In- holding, for instance, a series (if concerts in aid of a set of instruments timed to universal pitch. This was carried. Next years conference will be held in Wellington. _ J