AUCKLAND ROTARY CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 167, 18 July 1927, Page 9

AUCKLAND ROTARY CLUB.

TO-DAY'S LUNCH MEETING

There was the customary full attendance at to-day's lunch meeting of the Auckland Rotary Club, held in the Unity Hall, tlie president (Mr. W. J. Holdsworth) in the chair. Amongst the visitors were:—Messrs. H. B. Serait (Chicago), J. A. Zchntbauer (Portland. Oregon), 11. C. Armstrong (Sydney), H. Bull and Ci. Rpringliill (Melbourne), and Bristed (Hawera ).

The speaker of the day was Rotarian P. A. Richards, whose subject was "Musical Directors I have Met." Mr. Richards drew upon a lengthy practical experience in London to give his fellow Rotarians a remarkable insight into the conditions under which musical occupations have been carried out in the world's metropolis. The speaker went back to the time of the great military bandmasters, of whom he first referred to George Millar, of the Royal Marines, and Arthur Williams, of the Royal Marine Artillery, who were the first two British bandmasters to receive a college degree. They first became Musical Bachelors and afterwards took doctor's degrees. Mention was made of the Godfrey Brothers and the great part they had taken in placing British military band music in a unique position. Mr. Fred Godfrey, of the Coldstream Guards, had been responsible for a wonderful record in composition. Prior to the Great War there was a pronounced influx of foreign musicians, and as the foreigner seemed to be the vogue at the moment, bands Vere ready to take up the foreign name. For instance, a famous "Hungarian" band of which the speaker had personal knowledge comprised 75 per cent. British bovs. Mr. Richards dealt interestingly with the development of symphony music in England. He had * himself played under Sir Henry J. Wood, concerning whom he relate'd personal anecdotes as well as of Sir Thomas Beecham and Dr. Richter. The address was punctuated with well told anecdotes drawn from personal experience with famous musicians, and at its close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded bv acclamation.