SUNDAY CONCERTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIII, Issue 13712, 1 April 1905, Page 3

SUNDAY CONCERTS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—At the meeting at the Alexandra Hall last evening, at which the candidates for the Mayoralty expounded their views on the leading subjects now before the ratepayers, a question was asked as to whether the Council would be likely to favour sacred Sunday concerts. I contend that this is a subject that should be taken up and given a trial, so that the public might decide by their support as to whether these concerts are desired or not. For myself, I consider there is a great deal to be said in favour of this idea. I understand that the Council has the power to grant permission for sacred concerts to be held but Jjas so far only exercised this power in favour of charity, and debarred any moneymaking idea from getting a footing. But there is a third motive, and that is providing Sunday music for the people. This could be easily done, without introducing any money-mak-ing idea into the scheme. In London the National Sunday League, a League instituted for the purpose of organising harmless Sunday amusements, holds concerts in all parts of the metropolis, and the manner in which these are patronised speaks for the popularity obtained by them. Concerts are held in all the leading halls of London, including the Albert Hall, Queen’s Hall and the

People’s Palace, in South London. T< show that it is not with the idea o( making capital out of them admission is free, a small charge being made fo' a few' of the best seats. Military bands, vocal and instrumental music of all kinds figure on the programmes, and afternoon or evening the people can sit and listen. 1 would strongly advocate the introduction of Sunday concerts ii> Christchurch. England, France, Germany, Canada and the United States all support their Sunday amusement. If the Council cannot see its way to cater for the ratepayers’ amusement, i< might at least license private enterprise in this direction. There is fai too much State interference with private enterprise. It is a distinct infringement of the great principle 61 the right of private judgment to pro vent anyone occupying Sunday as best pleases him. Why should not th» Church provide these concerts? The Church should not have regard for men’s souls only, but should take the w'hole human life into consideration and under its guardianship. Amuse* ment is an imperative necessity in these days of straining, and if tha Church does not provide amusement it will be sought for from other agencies, usually at variance with the Church’s teaching. The'divine teaching through tne medium of tUe churches is not far-reaching enough, and it is an acknowledged fact that good music is as soulstirring and uplifting as the besi sermon preached to-day. The division between secular and sacred is merely artificial, and it vis necessary for the Church to discourage irrational entertainments, but; might do .well to promote other*, Christianity should seek to guide popular recreation into healthy channels, Then, again, amusements are an excel* lent means of getting into touch with those oyer w'hom wo wish to exercise a good influence. A practical and sympathetic concern a-bout the leisure hour of their congregations after thf Sunday services should be one of th<l recognised duties of all pastors.,—l am, etc., * C. M. GRAY, JUN.V March 30. “