MUSICIANS' CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14431, 26 January 1909, Page 3

MUSICIANS' CONFERENCE.

(Fxa Ukitud Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 25. Ine second annual conference'of the New Zealand Professional Musicians was held this morning at the Mumcioal Chambers, Mr C. Grey (senior councillor) performing the opening ceremony in place of the Mayor (Mr A. M. livers), who was unable lo attend. The attending delegates were as follow :—Auckland.—Messrs W. H. Wehhe. J. 11. Fray, 11. Leslie, limit, and Mrs A. liotilt; Hawke's Bay—Miss V. Williams, Mrs S. T. Loner; Wellington— Messrs E. Parker and L. Watkius; Nelson, Miss J. M. Hornsby; Canterbury, Herr Ilirschberg: Tiniaru. Mr J. Gitlics: Soutniam;, Mr C. Gray.

The following officers were elected :— President, Mr W. 11. Webbe; vice-presi-dent, Mr L. Walkins; chairman of cominitle.es, Mr C. Gray; secretary, Mr J. Timson.

The President in bis address remarked thai the lirst conference of professional musicians took place in Wellington, when a number of leading musicians other than those belonging to the existing societies were invited to attend. On the present occasion only delegates from registered societies were taking part, and it was

gratifying to find dial all the nine existing societies wit represented. Last year thi'y were called Incelher to consider' the advisability of securing legislation for the musical profession, ami a million "that it was desirable legislation should he obtained'' was carried. Mr Sidcv's hill was ilieii taken as the iiasis of proposed legislation. Numerous nnicmlineiils were made to the liill, one of (he most important.- perhaps heing "that- the certificates grunted by the council must clearly set forth any subject or subjects whielr tuo holder or holders are conr-ideied competent to teach." Thai was a clause for wliicli Ik public should he very much obliged. Ho (the president) sincerely trusted that the results of their discussions might prove beneficial to Iho professional and Ihc student, encourage the keeping up of a high standard of music and assist in the further developing of musical culture throughout the Dominion. It was to be honed that- societies of musicians might lie extended to the centres not vet reached, and thai before tiie close of'the year all the existing and newlv-formcd societies might he urn ted in one corporaled society of professional musicians (teachers and performers) tor the whole of the Dominion. The first sullied for consideration was "The Musicians Dill" (as amended). This was considered in committee.