CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 112, 4 February 1908, Page 4

CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.

CHItfSTCHURCH'S CLAIMS, - [BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] . Christohurch, February 3 V . Mr. G. W. Bussell,'Chairman of theßoard' of Governors of Canterbury College, has lost 110 timo in urging that Christchnrch should be the seat of the Conser.vatovianv of Music, if'tho Government accedes to tho Senate's request and provides the funds .for-such an institution. 1 '

Christchurch, lie said to a "Press" reporter, stood pre-eminent as an educational centre on account of the splendid endowments to the college. Living was cheaper here, anil Christchm'ch (unlike Wellington)', being; removed from the associations' of abusy, port, was moro suited for the purpose. The musicial 'standard of GlirisU . church was at least as high as anywhere in the Dominion, and this 'was amply demonstrated by the largo attendances at. tho Exhibition concerts' and tho splendid audionces which greeted distinguished singers. "With regard to the location of the Conservatorium," Mr.-Russell remarked. "Jly own opinion is that the Canterbury Collego Board of Governors would be immediately prepared to offer -to the Government a suitnblo site oil their property for its establishment. There is a spiendid site at tho corner of Worcester Street and Montreal Street, which is now occupied by tho Collego Club; , This would form -an admirable position for tho Conservatorium of .Music, and would offer great advantages. It is practically' central, within easy reach of tho college, and yet of such a distance from tho collego buildings that tin; instruction that would bo carried on in this institution would not intei'lcro in' any way with tho studies of students in other portions of the college/' Jlr. Russell presumed that if tho Government established a • conservatorium, which of course would be an educational undertaking, jt would bo prepared to provide tho building and a very largo portion of tlio funds'' for uiaiutamiim it ami carrying oil tha work* ,