SCHOOL CONCERTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13434, 5 November 1907, Page 7

SCHOOL CONCERTS.

(To the Editor of the "Tirnaru Herald."). Sir,—ln view of the near approach of th-3 annual concert s in jour public cchools, I feci I shall be recording the sentiments of many parents in strongly protesting against a certain class of song fi'om being included in the programmes. I refer to the so-called "comic" songs which should La a vast number of cases be more truly termed "low, 1 indecent, and scurrilous." Many otherwise first-class concerts are completely marredo by the dntroduction of thtse items. These vulgar and obscene songs are applauded by young people, who know no better, and it> is a great pity that school committees, or whoever are responsible, should allow such degrading songs- to be eung in their schools and in the hearing -of children. Trusting these few lines -may cause an -improvement where most wanted.—l am, etc., . I'RO BONO PUBLICO.

An interesting kind of contest between East and West is described by Mr.s M. C.Fraser, in the "Fortnightly," in a 'lively record of conversation between a certain eminent, and an American missionary. The Japanese thinker concludes by addressing his European companions as folio wis :—"You have brought tiss much; you have taught tis many lessons, but none of them is so precious, so helpful so enriching as that which—did yota wish it —could teach you, the 1( sson of quiet, continuous, reasoning thought. Even in material things you have seen its benefits to us. You are hi the habit of saying that the victories you applaud were won ''because the Japanese think out everything beforehand." There are greater victories which each of iik can win if he will but learn to think, victories over every ill that can assault poor vulnerable man in this world, for thought- robs them all of their sting, and leaves the poorest-, off its disciples richer than any of 'your milti-millionaires —rich in spiritual clearness and greatness, in the conscious certainty of union with the eternal harmony which was the beginning and shall be the final outcome of the life of the Universe."