ORCHESTRA ORGANISER

Evening Star, Issue 25849, 20 July 1946, Page 9

ORCHESTRA ORGANISER

THE TYRER APPOINTMENT "UNDEMOCRATIC METHOD" (Special.) WELLINGTON, July 19. A very lively discussion was heard in the House on the reply to the question on Mr Andersen Tyrer's appointment to organise the national orchestra. Mr Fraser said he did not think there was anybody in New Zealand with Mr Tyrer's experience as an orchestral organiser. There were others who were as good in conducting, but none had the combined ability as organiser and conductor. The latter position would be advertised in due course, but when it was filled he hoped it would not be regarded as an exclusive position, because then New Zealand would be denied the services of the world's greatest conductors as guest conductors. The Government had no apology to make over the appointment of (Mr Tyrer, and the Musicians' Union, had assured that it was entirely in favour. Mr R. M. Algie (National, Remuera), declared that Mr Tyrer had been appointed organiser by hole and corner methods. He was not complaining of his qualifications, but this was not the point. He did not know what sort of cable was sent to England to inspire the_ reply (from Sir Thomas Beecham), which had been quoted, but some day a conductor would have to be appointed. Did this mean that Mr Tyrer would ultimately get the job P Mr T. L. Macdonald (National, Mataura): He is in on the ground floor. Mr Algie: "He has been given a tremendous advantage by an undemocratic method." In two'years' time a conductor would be appointed, and if it was not Mr Tyrer, he would have to do all the organising all over again. "Is this not just a wicked way of appointing someone the Government wants?" aslked (Mr Algie, in conclusion. The Minister of Broadcasting, Mr Jones, replied that the organisation of a national orchestra had been under consideration for a long while. They had the experience of Mr Tyrer over a period of years, and there was no doubt about his high qualifications. When they found it desirable to appoint an organiser there was no reason why they should not have retained his services. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland: Why not. have given other outstanding people a chance? The Minister: Of the people available, Mr Tyrer was the best fitted for the work. Mr Holland: Then you would not have run any risk in advertising. The Minister went on to say that the conductorship would be advertised both in New Zealand and outside. Mr* Clifton Webb (Nat., Kaipara): The dice are loaded. < The Minister said the hope had been expressed that, not only would they have a conductor, but that there would be guest conductors. Mr Holland: He is to be the conductor all right. The Minister: We will advertise for a t conductor, and Mr Tyrer will be eligible to apply if he, likes. Mr Holland: What do you think of his chances? Opposition laughter. " I could not say," replied the Minister, who added that in fairness to Mr Tyrer, he ought to say that he did not seek the job. He repeated that the conductorship would be advertised, and it was not cut and dried. " We will comb the world," declared Mr Jones. - •