MUSIC FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XIII, Issue 782, 9 May 1860, Page 5

MUSIC FOR VOLUNTEERS.

To, the Editor of the ,Lyttelton Times. /'■{

Sib,-H-A certain individual, William Shakspeare' by name, whose sentiments andlopinions are held in great veneration by the majority of Englishmen, has been at great pains to impress upon his countrymen the power of music. In Twelfth Night, for instance, he makes the Duke to say lit is " '"thefood of love" —elsewhere, he speaks of " the ear piercing fife" and " spirit stirring drum"—and numerous instances, as is patent to every body, might be cited where he speaks of the value and influence of music: and another writer (Congreve) in his opening speech in that most dreary of tragedies, The Mourning Bride, informs us that " music hath charms to soothe the savage breast." Now whatever weight a particular class of persons may be disposed to attach to the opinions of poets on most points—and it is certain they must be received • very guardedly—it has appeared to me that the Lytteltonians do not seem to be . much impressed with those they have expressed in relation to the '• power of sound" ; for although at the present time we hear of scarcely anything else but " Volunteer" rifle corps, and uniforms (becoming or otherwise), not one word, as far as I know, has been heard publicly respecting that which in the opinion .of many old soldiers and other competent 'judges is almost as necessary to the soldier as his arms—namely, military music; and I think at is not an unreasonable assumption that what is good and really so essential for the professional soldier will be found no less useful and attractive to his volunteering brother —for I cannot bringmy mindto believe that my fellow townsmen are members of that unhappy class who are stigmatized by the aforesaid William Shakspeare as men " who have no music in their souls"—indeed pur daily experience affords, ample evidence to the contrary. And supposing, at the worst, it were even so with them; you and I, Mr. Editor, I am sure, can and will accord them our sincere pity. But asy according to the old distich—

" Pity without relief Is like mustard without beef,"

I beg leave to suggest a plan by which that deficiency may be supplied. I confess, sir, at the outset that I do not think we can reasonably indulge the hope, as is the proud boast of another volunteer company which shall be nameless, that we shall be able to organize a full military band; nevertheless, if a respectable number of drums and fifes could be got into working order, they might be accepted as a substitute. To attain this desirable end, I would suggest (if not against the regulations), that as there are many respectable and intelligent youths, and others also, in this good town of ours who would be both willing and able to do good service in such a matter, an invitation be issued for those who are desirous of so doing, to give in their names as bandsmen. There can be no doubt there are some few who are already proficient and could begin practice at once, and practice and perseverance would in a very short time render others sufficiently so. I would also further suggest that the drums, especially the small ones, be taken by the junior members, as those instruments require, when properly played, a flexibility of wrist and delicacy of touch not very easily acquired by a person of more mature years. I think,: sir, that this scheme, especially as it requires but a limited number to carry it into execution, is perfectly practicable,and if you'would kindly allow a list to lie at your office for the names of candidates, and the instrument they wish to play, a sufficient number would soon be obtained. At the same time it must be perfectly understood that the choice of instruments is necessarily very limited, namely, fife or drum ; and that whether they play the first, second, or third parts must be left entirely to the judgment of the bandmaster.

Respecting this latter personage, I have no doubt that if you will kindly make this proposition public, more than one public spirited individual will come,forward to give what little instruction of .an elementary character may be required at starting, and afterwards, when more advanced, to arrange some popular airs, which, while they are easy and simple for the performer are, if well done, highly effective.

In conclusion, I may venture to say that the matter, once mooted, will;be warmly received by the members of the Lyttelton Company, as not a few haye already by ; personal experience tested the nature and practical utility and value of such an auxiliary to marching and other military movements. ; : ..;.... : I am, Sir, Tour obedient Servant, ■ : ; -■■■■''■: ■ ■ ■' ■■■■-:- ■'■ MT7SICUS/ Lyttelton, May 7,1860. •

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times.

: Sißr^lhave great reluctance at complaining.; of the management of our canny Government officials, but this is a case of old standings and one which was promised by his Honor in answer to a petition signed by the inhabitants of this locality about two yef.rs ago, to have immediate attention, that'is, the disgusting nuisance opposite the A 1 'Restaurant," corner of Cashel and Colombo streets. You might say what is, the good of complaining when the money is all spent. But, sir, as a frequenter of this end of the city, I have good ground for complaint against the loose way iri which the public money has; been spent in,other casefc that this, iwhich has been a source of nuisance to the travelling public for years. Only fancy a stranger at night making his way for the light over the <door at A 1, hungry and cold, but ere he can make the door he finds himself embedded in from two to three feet of mud and water; what a favourable impression he must entertain of our canny Government officials draining one street so as to stop traffic on the; other!

; I would humbly suggest to the Government the necessity of immediately remedying the evil ere more rain falls; by either carrying the water away down Colombo street into the A yon, or by establishing a ferry boat; otherwise they : might; have a serious case some day or other to answer for before the Coroner, for neglect of their public duty. ;; ry I am, sir, &c, : . 'I A LOVER OF GOOD SOUP. Christchurch, May 7.