A MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22779, 15 January 1936, Page 4

A MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA?

TO THE EDITOR [JiR, —Your correspondent “ Orchestral Enthusiast ” is calling on the Mayor to inaugurate a “ civic orchestra.” Our City Fathers should not be called upon to spend the ratepayers’ money—for that’s what it would amount to—m the way suggested. If the music lovers of this city do not deem the different bodies that cater to their musical tastes worthy of support, why ask the ratepayers to “ pay the piper ” for something they neither want nor appreciate? This habit of appealing to Parliament or municipal bodies for help is resorting to an expedient that should not be tolerated, and it shows a sad lacking of civic pride. Moreover, I contend there is absolutely no necessity for it. There exists in this city a wonderful Symphony Orchestra the performances of which are broadcast, much to the gratification of those music lovers who cannot always attend in person the performances. This orchestra has since its inception four years ago steadily forged ahead solely on the merits of its performances, the city concert hall always being well filled. “ Orchestral Enthusiast ” has said that “there is room for only one first-class orchestra.” Now, it is generally acknow-, ledged by the music lovers of this city that the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra fills this requirement. “ Orchestral Enthusiast” should join this organisation and put his energies into further building up this fine orchestra instead, of saddling the ratepayers with what would ultimately be an expensive excrescence.— I am ,etc., A MUSIC Loveb.