Tuning up

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32737, 14 October 1971, Page 12

Tuning up

The Wellington student who wants to perform as a street musician to supplement his income has been dubbed a “ busker ”, an old English name for an itinerant performer in public houses and, even earlier, for a wandering actor. Armed with a clarinet, a bowler hat, and a repertoire which will no doubt include “ Pennies from heaven ”, “ Just walking in “ the rain ”, and “ What kind of fool am I? ” he will entertain pedestrians in the central city; his “ premiere ” has been delayed while the Wellington City Council searches its archives to rediscover on what terms such performances can be authorised.

Street musicians have been rare since the Depression; but other local authorities might well shake the dust off their regulations. If the Wellington player turns a successful tune he deserves to have many imitators. Bus queues in Cathedral Square certainly need enlivening; the Transport Board could do worse than encourage entertainers to cheer up waiting patrons; bus rides would be more agreeable to the accompaniment of a few bars of “ Shake, rattle, and “roll”. A real dance might be put back into the “ Barnes dance ” at some pedestrian crossings, always assuming the music could be heard above the traffic roar. Even motorists would gain if a Pied Piper were found to lure away the meter maids. If Christchurch is to retain its cultural reputation —and its name as the most English of cities—it cannot afford to let Wellington tootle its way into the tourist guides with the customs of “Merrie “England". University students at capping time, instead of pushing pianos about or breaking them up, should be encouraged to play them on the streets. What could be nicer than the “Minute Waltz” while waiting for the lights to change?