ANIMALS AND MUSIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 2, 3 January 1934, Page 12

ANIMALS AND MUSIC.

21, Northcote Street, Grey Lynn. Dear Wendy,— ' During our recent stay on Waiheke Island I witnessed several incidents of music's charms. It being such a still, glorious night, father, who plays the cornet, was tempted to take out his instrument. Before long the cornet solo "Zelda" floated over the distant hills. As I watched father playing I saw two green balls peering at him, transfixed, and soon he was surrounded by these green balls. The moment the music ceased the eyes suddenly developed bodies, and with a chorus of loud "meows" the eyes disappeared. With a nervous laugh I said to father, "Well, dad, you've at least the cats to appreciate your playing." Then, uncannily close, we heard the queer call of the mopoke, just as if it was encoring the player, and with a laugh father raised the instrument and played again solely for its benefit. The instant the music commenced the farm dogs began to howl mournfully, as if they resented the interrupting of their sleep. As soon as their noise had died down, Rufus, the prize bull, thought it was about time ho had a finger in the pie and raised a commotion, pawing at the ground, snorting and bellowing. So father played on to the accompaniment of this fearful. clamour. Then he paused, afraid that he might be accused of disturbing our neighbours' slumber. When I closed the door, I was compelled to lean against it for support, v/hile I laughed till the tears ran down my face. Truly "music hath charms" both in the rendering and the receiving of it. ° Yours sincerely, Yvonne McMahon.