AUCKLAND NOTES.

Evening Star, Issue 12868, 18 July 1906, Page 6

AUCKLAND NOTES.

[Special to the Stau.] ™ Jnlv 18. The secretary of the Auckland Education Board was interviewed yesterday in reference to the statement tliat in consequence of the inadequacy of tie back allowance clairee of the Teachers' Superannuation Act a large number of teachers were refraining from subscribing, and that the scheme was therefore in a great measure defeated. He said lie disagreed with any suggestion that the scheme was being defeated, though they concurred in the wish that the Government could provide a better back service allowance. "Fully three-fourths of our certificated teachers are subscribers," continued Mr Rice. " The recent return compiled here showed that of the qualified teachers approaching the ago of retirement two only vtre not subscribing." Miss Amy Murphy, the well-known Dunedin singer, was accorded an enthusiastic reception at the Choral Hall, where her first concert in Auckland was given. The newspaper critics speak in terms of high praise of her talents. The ' Herald' says: —" Mies Murphy's first concert in Auckland had been anticipated with a considerable amount of eagerness for some time past, and naturally much was expected of the singer, who bad previously delighted large audiences, not only in this colony but in leading Australian centres as well. The opinion of last night's assemblage will, doubtless, go far to enhance Miss Murphy's unquestionable right to be estimated a singer in the first rank. Her reception from the first was no doubtful degree of warmth, and, indeed, it is questionable whether any vocalist has of late years been the recipient of a more cordial welcome at the hands of Choral Hall audiences. Miaa Murphy's voice is of wide compass, ranging from B fiat below middle C to D in altissimo and of unusual purity and freshness of tone. Her method of vocalisation is free and carefully cultivated, her registers are admirably blended, while her resonant qualities even of more subdued notes are considerable. Her pronunciation and enunciation are alike excellent, and suggest bat Little need of improvement. To ail these qualifications add a pleasing stage presence and a winning manner, and it is not difficult to understand why MJ6s Murphy so fully enlisted the admiration of the large audience." The ' Star' says.-—" Miss Murphy ia gifted with a pure soprano voice of extensive range and compass, which is well under control. The middle and head notes are of beautiful quality, and she has such command of Ler voice that she can secure any needed effe<A. Her scale and arpeggio passages axe vocalised with freedom and ease, and are perfect in intonation. The singer is always reliaable, and her enunciation is very distinct, every word being clearly uttered. Miss Murphy has a pleasant stage appearance, and soon wins favor with her audience."