THE TOWN HALL QUESTION.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14406, 13 July 1912, Page 13

THE TOWN HALL QUESTION.

THE NEEDS OF MUSICAL SOCIETIES.

Tho need that exists for a Town Hall in Christchnrch was dealt with, incidentally, at the annual meeting of tho Liedertafol last night.

In moving tho adoption of tho annual report, the President (Mr A. Kayo) said that tho Society's only trouble had been the sraallncss of *tho room in which, their concerts were held. The inconi-j ing committee should take into their serious consideration tho desirableness of securing a new hall. They must borrow, beg, or steal a new hall. A member: A Town Hall.

Mr Kaye: "Well, wo will have to wait somo time for that: all our societies want it, and aro waiting for it." Continuing, ho said that, probably, the Society had spent £300 per annum in rente, and that sum per annum would go a long way towards paying for such a building as was desired. Something should be done. The city lost the opportunity of obtaining the Canterbury Hall and as far as appearances went ? it would bo many years before tho city would get a Town Hall. As Mr Gladstone used to say, they would have to heep "tho matter steadily in view." Mr A. Millar also referred to the subject and said that some action should be taken by the musical organisations of Ghristchurch to endeavour, if possible, id acquire some building wherein they could give fheir concerts. As they wero aware, £300 per annum represented interest at 5 per cent on £6000. That sum. judiciously expended, and with tho addition of the assistance of outsiders, would enable the musical organisations of Christchurch to acquire a better hall than was available at present. Tho want of such a. hall was undoubtedly felt. Hβ suggested that tho LiedertaM should approach the othor musical societies which, having a much larger membership than tho Liedertafel, and which were put to greater expense, might possibly take the initiative in tho matter. If they did so the Liedertafel could join with them in any scheme proposed.