DISPUTE IN MUSICAL MATTERS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 907, 19 July 1889, Page 10

DISPUTE IN MUSICAL MATTERS.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, July 15

Matters in connection with Santley’s visit are assuming a peculiar form. Mr Wells wrote a letter to the Lyttelton Times, pub. lished to-day, stating that as director of the Musical Society, he was most willing to share the honour with the other musicians, but must keep to the arrangements made with Mr Poole. These are that Santley shall sing in “Elijah" and two ballad concerts, “ Elijah” to be repeated if a fourth concert is arranged. The Motet Society had agreed to fche above, and arranged “ Elijah " for the first evening, Mr Wells as conductor ; a ballad concert for the second evening, Messrs Wells and Searrell conductors ; third evening, a ballad concert, Mr Wallace conductor ; “ Elijah,” if repeated, conductor Mr Wells. This evening, at a meeting of the delegates, Mr Acland, President of the Motet Society, resigned in consequence of the above letter, but called on Mr Wells to make a statement, which Mr Wells declined unless the reporters withdrew. They accordingly retired. Christchurch, July 16. At a meeting of the Executive Committee regarding the Santley festival, a resolution of the Orchestral Society was read, deprecating the inconsistent and discourteous conduct of the Mofcett Society and pledging the members to refuse assistance.