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Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 72, 26 March 1935, Page 11

asked. A baby grand from a highclass firm costs 72 guineas and upward. Unfortunately, in New Zealand those prices have to be doubled and yet a little more added.

One well-known -firm asks Sir Henry Wood to play and pass their best instruments, Having passed them and approved, Sir Henry signs his name on the metal of the interior.

A novelty on exhibition this year is the invalid's piano. When it is closed it takes up less space than an ordinary piano. Opened, the elongated keyboard may be lowered so that, while the piano itself stands at the foot of the bed the keys may bo operated by an invalid seated or lying down. It is maintained that while other distractions and amusements may fail, to please, music-making provides a lasting a'hd absorbing interest. The piano may be xun on rubber castors to the foot of the bed, or the bed may be brought to the pianoMany of the firms have conformed to the fashion of the times, and have introduced chromium fittings, and electric candles mounted at the sides of the keyboard. New Zealand will not receive anything novel of this kind, and all the instruments shipped will be in the usual mahogany colour. One innovation, however, will be generally appreciated. This is a tendency to round off what used to be the sharp corners and edges < f the cases, thus conforming to the stream-line fashion of the day. When the Queen visited the "exhibition she was .interested in a grand piano which is said to be the largest in the world. It is nearly 12ft. in length. It was played for the Boyal Party, and Her Majesty expressed appreciation of the tone. She also expressed her appieeiation: of the tone of. the Minipiano, which, she had asked to bo played for her.