THE CITIZENS' ORGAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15931, 31 May 1915, Page 10

THE CITIZENS' ORGAN.

Sir, The discussion which took place at the last meeting of the new City Council, on the subject of organ .recitAls at the Town Hall, affords me"the opportunity of voicing what is?, I believe, the opinion of ft lage," section of the public. From the. outset it bus seemed to mo that the object which the generous donor of that magniii- £ cent instrument had in view in presenting it, to the citizens has been defeated by the commercial spirit in which the council has dealt with the question of recitals. If free recitals are not to be ftiven localise of the ; : expense falling : upon U»6 Taxpayers, why, may ,I ask, should the Art Gallery : and the iii'Publio '{ Libra' Pf/ba ..entirely »up|iorted 'oat .rVi!■ • . '

of the rates? Surely music should :ba. as free,'as' art and literature,' else whatno tho distinction? Anyone who chooses may walk into the Art Gallery and enjoy the many beautiful pictures to he eein thera: may enter the reference library and spend' hours in- pleasurable and profitable reading, and not bo asked •to pay _ one penny; but to enjoy municipal music, not the least elevating of the arts, it has hitherto been necessary to pay a shilling. - „ •• • The innovation of ono free afternoon per fortnight is only tinkering with the question. What is wanted is a short mid-day freo recital which would bo available to the many hundreds who now at lunch time have nothing to do, after lunching, but aimlessly parade Queen Street or line the kerhstone until they are due back, at work. When I was in London some years ago 1 often went to one or other of the city churches where this plan was adopted, and it was not always easy to find a vacant seat. It was a recognised necessity that pet-pie should ►be able to come and go the recital, of course only between the items. As for the expense, thw need, be almost negligible, as there must l>e many capable organists who would be only too glad of the opportunity of playing upon such a fine instrument on ours, while there would bo few among them unable to follow tho London custom of providing supports from a vocalist or instrumentalist, who would likewise be'glad of the chance of appearing before the public. In conclusion I would remark that, while organ music is very fine, it is so fine that the ordinary person, like myself, has to be educated up to it,' and although quite willing to be educated, be will not, or perhaps cannot, pay a shilling or even sixpence, for a privilege that he has to tan; to appreciate. , The proof of this lies in the scanty support accorded to the recitals throughout but the pity is that such a fine asset should be wasted, as it certainly is at present: E. J. Satjndeps.