MISS YORSTON

Evening Star, Issue 15929, 8 October 1915, Page 7

MISS YORSTON

AN APPRECIATION, ifiss Ida Yorstou, who. died on Monday night this week, was the second daughter of John and Elizabeth Yorstou, and the senior of the two ladies who for a number of years conducted the music studio at 421 George street. The father and mother came from Victoria well nigh 50 years ago. They Were Kirkwall people. Mrs Yorstqn got her musical training remote Orkney from some tutor who must have done his work well and found his pupil receptive and clever, for she in turn taught her ’daughters, and was the sole instructor of Miss Ida, who started as a professional teacher of the pianoforte when but; a, girl, »s assistant to her mother, apd Iftter, ip conjunction with her sister Effie (who find a couple of terms with Mr Arthur Barth), had the joy of turning out quite a number of accomplished players, some pf whom are to-day holding good positions in the profession. Miss Gertrude Pitts and Miss. Chrissie Barr may bo mentioned as of this number. Until four months ago Miss Yorstou was amongst the very busy and most energetic of our music teachers. A trouble in the knee then laid her. aside, and her physical condition gradually became serious, ending in death on Monday, During much of the lime she suffered intense pain, which was borne with rare fortitude. The interment was at the Southern Cemetery on Wednesday morning, quite private, in accordance with the deceased’s wish. She abhorred publicity and fuss. All who had the pleasure of knowing Miss Yorston will well understand this. She was in the truest sense of the phrase a gentlewoman. Of her success as a teacher there is abundant evidence in the musical life of Dunedin. To the names of prominent pupils above mentioned we may add those of Miss Netla Ridley, Miss Doris Bagley, Mr Haddon Ban-, Mr Frank Bennett, Air Leslie Tyrio, Mr Sydney Duke, and the members of the Geddea family, and there are hosts of others. Miss "Yorston proceeded on the lines of individualisation, thus bringing opt what was in each, and she made a point of cultivating pure taste and imparting a love of music "for its own sake. Visiting examiners have said that the Dunedin standard of piano teaching is the highest in New Zealand. Miss Yorston is entitled to a fair share of that commendation, and on that account and for her personal worth the public of Dunedin will always remember her with respect and affection.