SUNDAY CONCERTS.

Evening Star, Issue 11896, 26 May 1903, Page 6

SUNDAY CONCERTS.

TO "HE EDITOR. Sir.—Will yon allow me a short reply to the letter signed “Courtesy" which appeared in last night’s ‘Star’? (1) Re the hour at which the concert started. “ Courtesy ” _is wrong, as it was seven minutes past eight when the manager made the announcement complained of, and this he had to do under instructions from the Corporation inspector, who was present in the building; moreover when permission was granted, instructions were given that the concert must not start until the churches were out. (2) As regards “ the considerable amount” s?id to be netted, the following figures will perhaps be an “eye-opener” for this gentleman. In the collection there were 648 threepenny pieces, 291 sixpences, shillings. 2 half-crowns, 3 florins, 10 pennies, and 1 halfpenny—this latter item was contributed by a man. As there were 1.214 people in the building, this leaves 200 who attended the concert for nothing. The total receipts were therefore £lb 19a 4-Jd. Re the lecturer. The gentleman who kindly undertook to read the lecture at very short notice did so from a printed copy published by the Rev. James C. Gray, author o, 'The Biblical Museum,’ and if “Courtesy” would care to cive an entertainment the management would be glad to inform him where he conld hire the same set of slides and procure a copy of the lecture, when he will find that the phrase complained of is word for word as written and delivered by the rev. author. As for his concluding paragraph, I c n assure him that the announcement re “no applause” was made with the full concurrence of all parties, as, see : ng it was Sunday evening, we did not wish for such a notice, bein' quite satisfied if our efforts realised a few pounds on behalf of the family for whom the concert was given. I feel sure that “ Courtesy ” has written his letter without any knowledge at all of the facts.—l am, e tc., One of the Performers. May 26.