CORRESPONDENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 17906, 28 June 1920, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

INCONSIDERATE PATRONS. (To the Editor.)

Sir, —I desire through your paper the privilege of ventilating a matter which I consider of some importance, before the management committees of oui - two local bands and touching briefly on the question as to the most successful methods in connection with the organising of their concerts. I may state that I have attended several from time to time, and have been struck with the apathy displayed by a certain section of the audience (middle aged boys in particular) who seem to delight themselves in shuffling in and out of the building at any time that suits themselves, and especially so during the progress of an item. ■ If those I particularly refer to have no other reason for attending than to create a nuisance, then I contend their room would be more preferable than their presence. This sort of behaviour, sir, would not be tolerated elsewhere, and as our town holds fifth place in the Dominion it is quite time that those who go to the trouble of submitting the usual fare to musically inclined patrons were entitled to a rnede of consideration and respect for their labours. I occupied a seat in the dress circle, of the local Opera' House on the occasion of the last concert given by the Wanganui Garrison Band and I say without fear of contradiction that the conduct of several of' the older, and a few of the younger members of the audience in the direction indicated was, to say the least, an absolute disgrace and an insult to both performers and band respectively, and to me it appears the time is ripe wherein to check this bug-bear practice. Just picture to yourself these individuals shuffling out, then back again in a few minutes, slamming doors after them, while an item is being rendered. Why, such conduct would not be tolerated elsewhere and as far as Wanganui is concerned it should be scotched at once, and rightly so. I notice per. medium of your columns that the Queen Alexandra Band are holding a Grand Recital on Sunday evening under the baton of Mr. James Crichton, a universally esteemed and accomplished musician, and from acocunt received this fact will have the effect of drawing a bumper house to greet the Band on their re-appearance. In this direction, Sir, permit me suggesting the following arrangement, viz.: Those responsible to see that all doors leading to the auditorium are placed in charge of a competent doorkeeper whose duty it would be to keep the door in his charge rigidly closed, allowing no one to enter or leave during the rendering of any item; at the termination of the vocal item or baud selection he w r ould ascertain if any one was without and admit them, at the same time letting others who desire to leave do so, immediately closing the doors and keepiing them so in readiness for the next item on the programme, and so to | the end. I have visited many of the larger ctiies and have seen my suggestion carried out to the letter and I feel certain that if the thing was once started here,, the very fine talent that Wanganui can produce at any moment would fully appreciate any more in the direction I have indicated and would, I think, successfully combat the idea of some individuals whose musical genius extends as far as the proverbial penny-whistle. I thank you, sir, for the kindiy space allocated and trust to see my suggestoin given a trial on Sunday evening next. If successful, I shall’feel that I have done something to make these concerts a pleasure to sit and listen to in comfort. Thanking you, sir, in anticipation—l am, etc , AREGULAR ATTENDEE.