TWO SHOCKS

Feilding Star, Volume 8, Issue 2559, 16 April 1930, Page 8

TWO SHOCKS

DID NOT FACE THE MUSIC BEECI l AM’S AFFAIRS The affairs of the eminent conductor, Sir 'Thomas Beecham, are again engaging- public attention in London. He has first of all struck against the Broadcasting- Corporation over -he question of programmes. He was recently unable, owing- to illness, to conduct the Queen’s Hall orchestra. The corporation appointed a substitute, also altering: the programme and postponing- certain items for a ; later concert. Sir Thomas Beecham thereupon submitted an entirely revised programme for the later saving, “Either mv programme or 1 will not conduct.” As the 8.8. C. sat tight he refused to conduct the orchestra. Meanwhile his private affairs* engaged the attention of the Westminster County Court, whither he has been summoned in connection with the balance of a judgment for debt owing to a London hotel since 1026. The judge ordered Sir Thomas Beecham to be called, saying that he would treat him like anyone else. As the conductor is in Wales there was no reply. ' The judge fined him and committed him for six weeks! with costs. Sir Thomas Beecham, again interviewee# at Newport, said lhat he was surprised and shocked. “My lawyers must have overlooked it,” he added.