NELSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC.

Colonist, Volume XLVII, Issue 11435, 14 September 1905, Page 2

NELSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING. The eleventh annual meeting of the Nelson School of Muaic was held laßt night, when Mr J. H. Cock, Chairman of the Trustees, presided. The Chairman mentioned having met their late Principal, Herr Balling, at Bayreuth, and said he ranks very highly in the musical world of Germany. Concerning the School, he said it had given «n appreciably higher tone in musical matters within the district. It had done a grtat deal of good work, and gave promise of long years of usefulness. The staff was earnest and devoted, and he spoke eulosistically of the work done by Herr Lemmer and his staff. The report of the Trustees showed a slight falling off in the number of pupils during the'first term of this year, which was attributed to the destruction of the College building, and consequent dimiaution in the number of boarders. The conviction was expr3ssed, however, that with the erection of the new College the numbers would be fully made good. Reference was made to the withdrawal of all concesions to pupils travelling by railway to attend the School, but it was stated that it was expected that new . regulations providing concessions would shortly be made. As to finances, it was stated that the School continued to* show steady improvement. The excess of assets over liabilities had increased by about £50 during the year, and the Bank overdraft had been reduced by about the same amount. The .balance-sheet showed a gurplus,after writings off for depreciation of £2885 12s sd. On the motion of Mr Cecil King, seconded by Mr Fell, the report and balance sheet were adopted, Z. Messrs C. King and F. G. Gibbs were declared to be re-elocted as Trustees. It was resolved, nn the motion of Mr Maginnity, seconded by Mr Fell, that a hearty vote of thanks be accored the Principal, Herr Lemmer, and staff. Herr Lemmer, in acknowledging ! ' ac vote said he wished to point out co parents the fallacy that a cheap teacher would do for groundwork. He said the earliest lessons were most important, for atrocious habits were easily formed in a few letsons and a lot of valuable time became necessary to reform — to mend the wrong. One result was that a conscientious teacher was often blamed for that for which a previous teacher was" J responsible. Music had ceased to be a mere pastime and hard work and a good teacher were necessary, otherwise money would be wasted and pupils spoilt. On behalf of the teachers he thanked the Trustees for the interest they had taken in the work of the School, especially as that was performed without any hope of personal advantage. There was no other institution of the kind in New Zealand, and it had for its sole aim the raising of the standard of music. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close.