PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13332, 26 January 1909, Page 7

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

tratss ASSOCIATION tkleghax.) "~~~ AUCKLAND, January 25. The second annual conference of New Zealand professional musicians opeii-d this morning at tho Municipal Chambers, Mr C Grey (senior councillor) performing tlie opening ceremony in place of the Mayor (Mr A. M. Myers), "who was unable to attend. The delegates present were:—Auckland, Messrs W. H. Webbe, J. H. Fray, R. Leslie Hunt, and' Mrs A. Boult; Hawke's Bay, Miss F. Williams, Mrs S. P. Loner; Wellington, Messrs R. Parker and L. Watkins; Nelson, Miss J. M. Hornsby; Canterbury-, Herr Hirsehberg; Timaru, Mr J. Gillies; Southland, Mr C. Gray. The following officers were elected:— President, Mr W. H. Webbe; vicepresident, Mr L. Watkins; chairman of comimittees, Mr C. Gray; secretary Mr J. Timson. "

The Pros-dent, in his address, remarked that the first conference of professional musicians took place in Wellington, when a number of leadinc musicians, other than those belonging to the existing societies, were invit-d to attend. On the present ooo_s_o;i only delegates from registered societies were taking part, an d it was gratifying to find that all the nine o__sti_or societies were represented. Last year they were ordled together to consider the advisability of securing legislation ... v _"" ™ l V»- 0i i 1 profession. A .notion, That it is desirable tliat legislation snouut be obtained," was earned. Mr *>idey s Bill was then taken as tho basis of the proposed legislation. Numerous amendments were mode to the Bill, one <_" tho roost important perhaps b_in_.-—"That the certificategranted by tho Council must clearly fiet forth any subject or subjects the l*__ler or holders are considered competent to teach." That was a clause for which the public should be very much obliged tie (the president) sincerely trusted that the results of their discussions might prove benefioial to professional and student, encourage the keepmg up of a high standaTd of music, and assist in the further de_-e_-oping. __ musical culture throughout the Dominion. It was to bo hoped that societies of musicians might bo extended to tho centres not yet reach, ed, and that before the close of th-> year all the existing and newly formed societies might be united in "one oorporatcd ecciety of professional musicians (teachers and i>erformeis) for the who_e of tho Dominion.