MUSIC FESTIVAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1930, Page 5

MUSIC FESTIVAL.

WHOLE WEEK IN AUGUST. PLAN STRONGLY SUPPORTED PROGRAMME TO BE PREPARED. The proposal to arrange a music festival week from August 17 to 23, received strong support at an enthusiastic meeting last evening. It was stated that the Auckland function would be arranged to synchronise with a Domi-nion-wide .movement, and a committee was set up to prepare a special week's programme. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, who presided, spoke of the lamentable dearth of good music, and the need of a revival of ■ interest by civic recognition and support. "There is no influence in art more potent and more uplifting than that of music," remarked Dr. S. K. Phillips, president of the Society of Musicians. Gramophones and wireless broadcasts were all right in their place, but should be regarded as only a means to a great en d—the enjoyment of true music. Emphasising the need of public encouragement of local talent, Dr. Phillips said a°juvenile band festival had been proposed for the afternoon of Saturday, August 16, and it could be followed by a church music service on the Sunday, a choral and orchestral evening on Monday, a children's choir concert on Tuesday .and then by a popular music day, a Royal Auckland Choir concert, a community song and Maori music festival, and a combined brass bands and operatic concert, which would end the programme. Representatives of the Auckland Choral Society, Royal Auckland Choir, Bohemian Orchestra, Ponsonby Boys' Brass Band, Musicians' Union, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Y.W.C.A. and school musical societies and other bodies also gave their support to the movement. The following officers were elected: — President, the Mayor; vice-presidents, the Mayoress, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Liston), Sir James and Lady Gunson, Sir Walter and Lady Stringer, Professor and Mrs. Knight, Professor Sperrin-Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Mulgan, Mr. and Mrs. R. Fenton; committee (with power to add), Misses Hooker, A. Hansard, Alice Law, Neckel, Sliutes, D. Judson and Searelle, Mrs. A. Boult, Messrs. N. Day, A. Don, C. Smith, V. Hudson, A. Eady, B. Coney, i 0. Jensen, W. Coltman, C. B. Plummer, J. Palairet, M. Barnett, R. Eg.qerton, F. W. Gamble, J. Ryan and A; Trenwith; secretary (pro. tern.), Mrs. A. Boult,