SUNDAY CONCERTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9915, 2 August 1910, Page 1

SUNDAY CONCERTS.

A PERMIT REFUSED. CITY COUNCIL'S DECISION. The question of concerts on Sundays and the effect of music on the Sabbath was before the Christchnrch City Council again last evening, when a letter was received from the Musicians' Benevolent Society asking permission to give a concert in the Theatre Royal on Sunday, August 7. The secretary stated that the proceeds would be used to augment its funds, which were intended for charitable purposes. It was also suggested in the letter that the secretary would like to give concerts every month, and it offered to submit all programmes to the Council. The Mayor (Mr C. Allison) said that a deputation had waited on him in connection Avith the matter. The Council had given him sole power as to such concerts, but the number of applications had of late been so numerous that he thought the idea of the Council on the matter was being overridden, and he would like an expression of opinion. Councillor T. Gapes said that the Council allowed its organ to be'used on and should not abolish other concerts. If one were stopped all should be, and it would be better, in fairness to all, to have no Sunday concerts at all. • . • .

Tho Mayor said that to comply with public sentiment not more than one concert a month should l>e held.

Councillor C. J). Morris said that the proprietor of the theatre had the organ free for ten nights in the year. He used it for performances, and had three evenings left. These ho had arranged with Dr Bradshaw, and two concerts had been given, leaving oiie to be held. The Council had no control over Dr Bradshaw, but in any case there was nothing but good in having grand, organ music on Sundays, giving people an opportunity of hearing it instead of walking the streets. The Mayor said that there could oe nothing wrong in Dr Bradshaw's recitals.

Councillor Gapes: Does Dr Bradshaw give his services free? The Mayor: No. I believe that he takes his fee just the, same. Councillor H. J. Otley said that he did not see any harm in assisting a case that was deserving, but if the Musicians 1 Society wished to establish a fund the position vras different. Councillor A. Williams said that the people'who loved concerts had six days of the week, and surely they should respect the opinions of church-goers. He moved that the Council could not see its way to grant the request. The motion was seconded by Councillor T. N. Horslcv, who said that he understood that Dr Bradshaw had received £o 5s for one recital, which lie thought was good pay for one hour's work.

Councillor Cooper said that the practice;of posting a sign in a theatre, fiuggostihg that Is should be contributed, which had been, followed.in recent supposed cluiri by concerts, was really a breach of tho by-laws. At a recent concert £3O .had been taken and over £ls had been paid away in expenses. That was not charity. Councillor Otley Jiioved as an amendment that permission should be given for one concert. He said that he could not see how the Council could refuse one and allow another.. The me;i at the head of the 'Musicians? Society were sufficient guarantee of the honesty of the object. Councillor Cooper seconded the amendment.

Councillor IT. B. Soreusen said, that the Council should find out what the object of a concert was before giving permission.

Councillor C. Taylor said that the object was a direct attempt to secularise- the Sunday by conceits. The amendment that permission should be given for one concert was lost and the motion was carried.

When "questions" came-up on the order paper, Councillor G. W. J. Parsons asked whether, in view of the emphatic protest of the Council, the Mayor would cense to use his power to authorise organ, recitals on Sundays.

The- Mayor replied that the Organ Committee would deal with that matter, and in future he would not ,give permission, but- applications vould eome before the Council.