AUTOMATIC SOL-FA HARMONIUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 1989, 7 April 1892, Page 15

AUTOMATIC SOL-FA HARMONIUM.

One of the most recent inventions in musical instruments is an automatic sol-fa harmonium, which is designed to be of assistance to instructors of singing by the new notation. A difference of opinion exists as to the advisability of teaching singing from the instrument, but granting the advisability of the sy&tem such an instrument as this, the feature of which is that when a key is struck a card is projected giving the name of the note associated with the sound, can hardly faij to be of incalculable benefit to teachers. Respecting the invention and its advantages, "Musical Opinion and Music Trade Review" of the Ist October 1891 has the following :—" The inventor claims that any apparatus that saves time and gives the teacher a command over his class should be welcomed. When using it the teacher faces his class. This alone is said to be of great service compared with pointing on a chart. When showing the relative positions of the various steps or notes of the scale, the teacher can instantly move the note that he wishes to call attention to, which interests the class besides showing the position of the note clearly and forcibly. When teaching pupils to recognise and name certain intervals— such'' a3 the difference between the third and fifth, &c— the actual notes forming the interval can be shown by actuating the keys in the ordinary way (as when playing these intervals). In giving sight tests the invention is of special benefit, as the teacher can alter any note ho likes, when going over an exercise a second time. Where part singing is rerired, voluntaries and sight tests in parts can be played. For ear tests the instrument is also valuable. Time exercises can also be used and practised. One of the greatest helps derived from the use of the instrument is the ease with which chromatic notes can be drilled. The teacher never need be in doubt about the accurate pitch of these notes : and the card with the special name associated with the sound always appearing in view of both teacher and pupil, doubt is avoided. Voluntaries in the minor mode can alse be shown. Another advantage is the ingenious construction of the instrument. By simply pushing in a draw-stop the mechanism can be disconnected from the keys, and the instrument used a3 an ordinary harmonium." Messrs Charles Begg and Co. are the sole agents in New Zealand, and have had the instrument inspected by Ihe local tonic sol-fa teachers, from whom they have received letters expressing in high terms their approval of the principle of the invention and of the mechanism of the instrument. Tho agents invite the teachers in the public schools to visit their premises and pe.rsqna.Hy cxamjne the haiN nionhun.

An elderly man named James Craig has been arrested on a charge of arson in the Hutfc d ; strict, Wellington. It appears accused was ejected from, a cottage he occupied while" employed as a labourer on a dairy farm, and shortly afterwards the building was burned to the ground. Craig was admitted to bail pending an inquest.