THE CLAIMS OF MUSIC.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 26, 31 July 1899, Page 2

THE CLAIMS OF MUSIC.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir— Generosity has its limits. It is not a right condition of things that tho success of musical effort should depend entirely upon tho few gouerous spirits, who not only bear the brunt of work involved, but also tho heavy responsibility of seeing that the expenses are met. Many will recollect the great progress mado in choral music here during the oxi-slence of Mr. Muughan Barnett's Musical Society. The Wellington Orchestral Society bus also given somo remarkable performance under the sumo baton, hi thi.s city the singing element is strong, and tho musical talent ofllciont, whilst wo also have in Mr. Matighan Barnett an adopt at conducting band' and chorus in the interpretation of the music of the past and present composer. 1 !. Tho important features which wo aro sadly lacking nro (1) adequate financial support from the citizens, and (2) a Town Hall in which the concerts could take place. The expenses of the Opera Houso run into £16 for eaoh evening— the mating

arrangements for chorus costing another £6. For a choral performance it is r.o uso engaging other' than tho finest soloists available in the colony — and it u> only fair that the orchestral members (who have bod to devote mo much of their time and money in training) should receive tho nominal fees tendered for their services. So that when tho expenses ot tho Opora House, .staging, advertising, rent of practice room, and fees, aro totalled up, and found to be about equal with tho receipts, there is nothing left to remunerate the conductorOne might jiot grudge giving purely honorary work, but "when in audition to tlii'S ono is called upon to stand on the vergo of a volcano, wondering whethor the receipts are going to pay the expenses, it is expecting too much of one's generosity. With Mr. Maughan Barnett's Musioal Society I notice *hat tho receipts have practically equalled the expenses sinoo tho Society's inception in August, 1895 ; but it is a well-known fuel that another choral socioty here was at ono time (about two or three years ago) to tho bad to the tuno of £156, and this sort of thing should not existin a city which, should in all matters lend other cities in Now Zealand. Tho apathy exhibited in so many directions in Wellington has to bo fought against. Wo may woll bo ashamed of our city, with its muddy and badlyformed etrects, its buildings and house* wanting paint, its backwardness in railway and trainwav service, its societies and associations ill-supported, nnd countless drawbacks, rearea upon yeans of apathy. You often rap the knuckles of politicians and corporate bodies with due effect. Try also to urge tho necessity of classical music in fostering the -ealtht ftilCdeVoloj.jnjtent%of 'a community. "It is uuoloss to pull' down without endeavouring to build up, and I .suggest, therefore, that all lovers of music in Wellington should communicate with the undersigned to express their willingness to assist by giving their written promises of financial support to tho extent of an annual subscription, such as their different incomes may warrant. It is evident that a sound financial basis must be laid before anything can bo done in, the way of promoting permanent musical organisation. — I am, etc., Ckiohton Young. 6, Feathcrston-street, 24th July, 1899.