MUNICIPAL MUSIC

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 September 1928, Page 2

MUNICIPAL MUSIC

DISCORD AT AUCKLAND.

(Special to "Star.”)

AUCKLAND, September 28

“If ever there was a scandal, h *re is one,” declared Mr F. W. H. Bri .dsden, in informing the City Council last evening that the tuning of the Town Hall organ cost £2OB a year. Led by Mr Brinsden, an outspoken attack was made on various aspects of the management of municipal music, the main contention being that the expenditure was not consistent with the value returned. The subject was introduced in a. series of recommendations by a sub-com-mittee comprising the Mayor (Mr G. Baildon), Miss E. Neville, Mr J. B. Paterson and Mr Brinsden.

The last-named complained that suggestions made by him had not been given a. fair hearing, and he claimed that he could effect savings amounting to at least £5OO on the present system of management. The upshot, was that while various recommendations in connection with the Municipal Band were approved, the proposals connected with the organ and municipal choir performance were referred back, with a view of (1) reviewing the terms of engagement of the city organist, Mr Maughan Barnett; (2) considering the advisability of appointing three honorary organists, to be paid on a performance basis, and (3) considering the advisability of calling tenders for the tuning of the organ. An amendment to that effect was carried by a fair margin after a lengthy discussion.

The return for the current season showed that the average attendance at the organ concerts, including two municipal choir concerts, was 148. Exclusive of the choir, the average was 96. Receipts on the same basis averaged £4 16/8 and £3 18/7 per concert respectively. The average attendance at band concerts had been 306 and the average receipts £9 16/8.