CHARMS OF MUSIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14530, 18 November 1910, Page 7

CHARMS OF MUSIC.

A STREET "NUISANCE."

Thk sorrows of those who are afflicted with what is termed the "street musician nuisance," were forcibly set forth in a report upon the subject from PoliceSergeant Wohlmann, wEich was read at last night's meeting of the Auckland City Council. In regard to the blind man who was the cause of most of the complaints, the report stated that the man. appeared to regard his favourite position, viz., the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets, as his by right of continuous occupation, and that he bitterly resented any interference with his supposed right.

The report contained the views of a number of business men in the vicinity ot the corner referred to respecting the blind musician in question. Mr. T. Peacock stated that when the organ was played opposite his premises the noise is most objectionable a-.id "very irritating." The manager of the A.M.P. Society stated that the noise was "a perfect nuisance," and suggested that- the man should be compelled to move on. ''The discord of sound is cruel," said Dr. Cox (dentist), whilst the manager of 011© of Messrs. Partridge and Co.'s departments testified that when the musician took up his stand opposite the Union. Bank the sound became "maddening." The manager of Messrs. John Court, Limited, stated that he felt inclined to pay the man to stay away, and Mr. Kettle, dentist, stated that he had gone so far as to offer % tho man a sovereign" to "move along." This offer was, however, declined. The manager of the Union Bank suggested that the man should get a less noisy instrument, and expressed a willingness to contribute to its cost. Mr. Mackay, bookseller, whilst agreeing that the sound was very distracting, said that he had not complained, as he did not desire to deprive the man of the means of earning a livelihood. Mr. Self, draper, said that he had not found the organ such a nuisance as to justify him in complaining. Sergeant Wohlmann said the city traffic manager had informed him that the organgrinders used the streets only on sufferance. Inspector Cullen, in forwarding the report, expressed the opinion that the "nuisance" was a most aggravated one, and one that the Council should deal with.

The Mayor (Mr. L. J. Bagnall) said that the question was a difficult one to deal with. On his motion the matter was referred to the Finance Committee.