THE CAWTHRON ORGAN.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13775, 16 July 1913, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE CAWTHRON ORGAN.

Little as Mr. Cawthron seeks or desires popular applause for the frequent and splendid proofs of his affection for the city in which so largo a part of his life has been spent, the ovation ho received at the School of Music, last night must have been to him a soufce of unmixed satisfaction, a satisfaction as unselfish as the spirit which has prompted his gifts to tho public. Tho brief ceremony of the handing over to the trustees of the School of Music of tho fino organ with which his generosity has equipped it, offered the first opportunity to tho people of Nelson of mooting Sir Cawthron and conveying to him personally a corporate expression of their appreciation of his public spirit and ■munificence. They took full advantage* of tho opportunity, and in their spontaneous and obviously genuine demonstration Air Cawthron must liavo found at owe- tho reward and the privilege of thoso avlio employ the wealth brought to them by enterprise and thrift as generously and as wiacly as he lor the benefit of. their fellows. From its inception the School of Music has owed much to Mr Cawthron's benevolence and solicitude, and there r,re few objects to which his liberality conk! Imvo boon more worthily devoted. It has become, a centre of musical culture from ■ which the 2>ublic have derived much pleasure and profit, and it has been the means of starting 'upon successful, careers not a few students whose talents havo wen them some distinction further afield. The success the School has achieved is, as Mr Cock acknowledged on behalf of tho trustees last night, in a largo measure due to tho practical interest displayed in it by Mr Cawthron, whoso financial assistance reaches a very largo .sum. By his. last gift lie has equipped tho institution with an instrument which' will not only extend the scope of its work, but also infinitely enhance its capacity to give pleasure to the community, llio capabilities of the instrument could not havo boon more completely demonstrated than they wero last night by the masterly recital given by Mr Maughan Barnott, which aroused the enthusiasm of the large audience which filled tho building. It was a treat hitherto rare to lovers of music in Nelson, but one Mr Cnwthroirs gift will enable them to enjoy at frequent intervals in the future.