A GREAT RECEPTION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 April 1929, Page 5

A GREAT RECEPTION.

CHRISTCHURCH AUDIENCE •MOVED. Mr. Arthur Hirst, F.R.S.A., an ex--1 Taranakian, who has made a big reputation in musical and art circles in England and on the Continent, is now touring New Zealand and giving a series of pianoforte recitals and lectures, aiid is scheduled to appear in Hawera to-morrow week, lit a letter to.a friend in Hawera he states that he has had a most gratifying reception in the South Island, and he is looking forward with interest to his return to his native province, especially to his stay in Hawera. where he spent some of his bovhood days. At the close of his Christchurch season Mr. Hirst was accorded a remarkable tribute. A gentleman sitting in the front row of the stalls rose and said: “Ladies and gentlemen, I have a definite feeling that everyone . here present is desirous of showing appreciation of this evening in some special way. I therefore suggest that we should all stand, ‘as a sign of gratitude for Mr. Hirst’s wonderful evening of pure delight.” The “Star” reporter, commenting on the event next day, wrote: “Never in the writer’s experience has an audience been held in such rapt attention by music and words. It is sincerely hoped that Mr. Hirst will be able to' pay yet another visit to Christchurch, when, we feel sure, the musical public will rise and acclaim him a genius, in the same way as he has been received throughout the Continent of Europe.” Mr. Hirst has made promises to return to every place he lias visited m the South Island, and in Dimedin Sir George Fenwick and Dr. Galway have arranged for him to lecture to different musical organisations and the public for a week. >