Deplores Late Arrival Habit In New Zealand

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1948, Page 4

Deplores Late Arrival Habit In New Zealand

NORTHLAND MUSIC SCHOOI

NORTHLAND’S Music School continued this morning when about 70 musicians attended the Whangarei Town Hall to hear an address on folk music by the director (Miss Mercy Collisson). Miss Collisson’s address was preceded by a duet with violin and viola, presented by Mrs George Hopkins and Miss Winifred Stiles, two of the tutors. ,

Before beginning her lecture, Miss Collisson referred t.o the habit of New Zealanders in arriving late for most functions. New Zealanders, in common with' the people of many other countries, did not take starting times seriously, which was- to be deplored. She asked pupils who came late to remain outside until the performers were finished. Interruptions when players were giving of their best were extremely hard on them. FOLK MUSIC Folk music in England meant any music which had been originated by the early Britons and had been handed down through the ages. Any song or ballad originating from the common people was folk music, although sometimes new words had been supplied for old tunes, and vice versa. “People made stories into songs to remember them,” Miss Collisson explained. Several examples of how the song became ■ altered in the telling were given by Miss Collisson. She sang the two versions of “The Cuckoo,” “The Raggle-Taggle Gypsy,” “Soldier, Soldier,” “Lord Randall” and “Billy Boy.” Her listeners joined in the last songs. Following morning tea orchestral practice was taken by Mr G. Hopkins. Miss Collisson supervised the choir group at the Friendly Societies’ Hall, while Mr JR. Howie addressed i pupils on music appreciatiion at the Y.WCA lounge. On Saturday afternoon the school was officially opened by the Mayor (Mr W Jones). OFFICIAL OPENING The chairman of the local Community Arts Service (Mr R. M. Salmon), introducing the tutors, said Whangarei had been looking forward to the venture. He paid tribute to the work and enthusiasm of Miss C. H. Stratford, which had made the opening of the ; school possible (applause). Officially opening the school, the Mayor sincerely welcomed the visitors; The school was a distinct advantage to the community, he said. It embraced the whole district. “After all, there are just as many

music-lovers in the country as in the towns,” he remarked. On behalf of the Whangarei people, and those in the country, Mr Jones extended to all taking part a sincere welcome to Whangarei. He also referred to the work of Miss Stratford and Mr A. M. Woods. Mr Jones commented on the success of “The Gondoliers,” and concluded by saying: “The foundation of the whole thing is enthusiasm; if you have an enthusiastic foundation it must succeed.” CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Mr P. Martin Smith, director of Adult Education,! congratulated the Whangarei Community Arts Service on the initiative and enterprise it had displayed in sponsoring the school. “We are at the stage in this country when we need a stocktaking of our cultural achievements,’’ he went on.

“It is necessary that we organise facilities for the cultural development of members of our society.

“This school shows that we are realising the necessity for the provision of facilities for people to express themselves—a great need at present.” It was necessary, Mr Smith cantined, that each local body provide these facilities. Lack of provision for people to rehearse was a great drawback. HOPES FOR QUICKENING “If the school makes people • more conscious of what can be done in the community, then it will have served its purpose. As a result of the school I hope there will be a quickening of cultural interest right through the area,” he concluded. The director of the school (Mis' Mercy Collisson) thanked the speakers for their welcome, and said it was a privilege to work with the Community Arts Service people. “You are doing magnificent work—l want to be one of you and learn with you,” she said.

The meeting then adjourned to the YWCA, where the first lecture was followed by afternoon tea. RECITAL IN CHURCH

Saturday was taken up with the official opening ceremony, followed by a short practice by an assembly of groups at the YWCA Hall, and a recital by the tutors. 1 On Sunday morning those who wished attended church services, while others attended a special listeners’ session. In the afternoon a chamber music rehearsal was held.

A special Sunday evening programme was presented at Chris' Church, Kamo Road. After Evensong a recital was given by Miss Collisson and Mrs Hopkins, assisted by Mr A. Marsden Woods, of Whangarei. Recital At Kerikeri

A fair attendance of music lovers at Kerikeri on Tuesday enjoyed a programme of early English songs and folk songs of many countries by the English soprano, Miss Mercy Collisson, accompanied by Mr Layton Ring. The English and Irish folk songs given by the singer received hearty applause. A bouquet was presented to the artist by Mrs John Dawn.