ORGAN RECITALS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10651, 26 July 1920, Page 3

ORGAN RECITALS.

Bir.—With reforen.ee to your recent report dealing with Councillor Forsyth a very caustic criticism, of the policy governing the city organist's weekly recitals in the Town may I crave vour indulgence by allowing me to air, in your "Public Opinion" column, what are, I feel suw, tho views of quite w per cent, of tho citizens of Wellington on a matter which, in fairness to aw, must not be treated too iightly. Tho Mayor" himself admits that Mr Pago has a great following in ttie city, as any musician of Mr Page s talent should havo yet when Councillor Bennett puts forward a proposition, whacn would allow tho vast majority of loco) music lovers to take an opportunity of attending the recitals, he <Mr Luko) puts tho iron heol on the project by saying that Sunday afternoon recitals would bo a catastrophe. This narrow-minded view of Mr Luko'B is greatly to be deplored. Jt must bo .remembered that on Saturday evening the majority of music lovers (both amateur and professional) are themselves engaged, with the consequent result that Mr Page's recitals, which not on us with tho effect of ■ a serial in prose, go by, week bv week with but scant attendance and apparently little support. This state of affairs must he very disheartening for tho organist himself and the •promoters. Were, how. evor, the recitals held on Sunday after-

noons the result would be quite different. Hundreds of Wellington citizens (perhaps including: Mr Luke himself), who at present spend the afternoons of the Sabbath taking "forty winks"—because this city of ours offers nothing more elevating or - exciting in the win. tor months at present—would flock to tho Town Hall to hoar Mr Page, with tho far-reaching effect that suck performances merit. A secondary consideration, perhaps, is the monetary side of the question. The •silver collection which could be donated to charity, after deducting expenses, would of itself encourage new followers.

It is to be hoped, then, that the citizens will bo allowed to express an opinion, and I am positive that the majority will wish for Sunday afternoon recitals. At least they might be given a trial for, say, one winter season. The finest concerts held oin London take place in the Albert and Queen's Halls on Sunday afternoons, when Londoners are free to attend to help make them the success they undoubtedly are. Perhaps Mr Page would help us decide by expressing his views on the subject. X feel sure, Mr Editor, that you will spare him tho space for so good a. cause so wishing success to all subsequent recitals, I will remain, sir, "FIIANCK CESAR." July 24th, 1920.