MR SANTLEY’S VISIT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 8837, 5 July 1889, Page 6

MR SANTLEY’S VISIT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— There can be little doubt now about Mr Santiey’e professional tour-of:

this Colony. The applications to engage that eminent singer have, apparently, been so numerous as to convince his very astute business manager (Mr Edward Price, not Mr Poole) that there is money in the venture, which will no doubt be gathered into other than local pockets. As far back as May 28, Mr Price informed Melbourne friends of the Christchurch Musical Society that no arrangements had been made for Mr Santley’s visit to this Colony; and again, on June 22, Mr Price writes stating that nothing had been definitely fixed as to the tour: that no arrangements or engagements had been made for any part of the tour, nor could any be so made except throught that gentleman. The opinion was expressed that Mr Price will, in all probability, conduct the tour at his own risk. This very direct and late information places a somewhat different complexion upon the question, and, so far as Christchurch is concerned, a start for a purely public festival can now be fairly and generally made by a combination of all the Societies, choirs, and musical people in the city and suburbs. Christchurch is, rightly or wrongly, voted a musical centre. If we wish to claim that position in the eyes of one of the best of living singers, surely we must do our best ; but if there is to be a split in the camp our prestige must necessarily suffer. The platform on such an occasion should be a common one, apart from any particular Society or organisation. Such a visit is of general importance, and the public have a right to expect that the prominent musical people here should see that any help which can be tendered to Mr Santley be the best the city can put forward. The efforts of any one Society to override all others should be discountenanced. Let such be reserved for ordinary times and competition. There is, I believe, unanimity of opinion in three Societies out of four, that any festival here on the occasion should be on the basis proposed by the Musical Society, viz., an equal representation from all four Societies, backed by a Committee of gentlemen outside the Societies.—l am, Ac., PEO BONO PUBLICO.