THE MUNICIPAL CONCERTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20070, 6 October 1928, Page 16

THE MUNICIPAL CONCERTS.

Sir, —Your correspondent "Anti-Hum-bug" evidently does not know who is humbucging him. With your permission, I will try to enlighten him. When Mr. Barnett first introduced the Municipal Choir the council fixed tho price of admission at sixpence to all parts of the house, and the choir .'have on several occasions filled the Town Hall to overflowing. They give their services free and, in addition, pay a fimall annual subscription, and also pay for the privilege of wearing the city's coat of arms, and if Mr. Barnett had been allowed to carry on without the council's interference ' I believe the takings would have contributed largely to his salary. The decline of the attendance dates from the advent at these concerts of the Municipal Band, who receive 7s 6d per member every time they perform. In order to try and recover the band's expenses from the public tho council raised the prices and provided reserved seats. I would suggest that "Anti-Humbug" ask Mr. Brinsden to move for a return of the band's annual expenses, I understand that the instruments cost upwards of £4OOO, the interest on which at 6 per cent, would be £240 a year. Then there are the uniforms, and the bandmaster's salary. Auckland may be justly proud of its band, but it is not heard to advantage in the Town Hall, and should not be allowed to enter, into competition with the organ and the choir. The thanks of the community are due to Mr. Barnett for his efforts in keeping up the standard of music by the variety given, and it is a poor compliment to tho memory of the donor of the organ, the late Sir Henry Brett, that we quibble over the salary of the organist. Chorister.