APPOINTMENT OF ORGANISER OF NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 167, 20 July 1946, Page 5

APPOINTMENT OF ORGANISER OF NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

DEBATE IN THE HOUSE ’HOLE-AND-CORNER’ METHODS SAYS OPPOSITION 1 (P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., July 19 There was further discussion in the House of Representatives to-day on the subject of the appointment of Mr. Anderson Tyrer as organiser of the proposed National Symphony Orchestra.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, answering a question by Mr. R. M. Algie (Opp., Remuera) said the appointment of Mr. Tyrer as organiser of the proposed national symphony orchestra was made because he was eminently qualified for the task. One of the world’s highest authorities on orchestral work, Sir Thomas Beechaim, on being consulted, gave it as his opinion that Mr. Anderson Tyrer was just the man for the job. In view of the desirability of organising the orchestra as rapidly as possible, it was felt that, the time required to advertise and deal with applications would cause unjustified delay. Mr. Tyrer’s experience In organising the New Zealand centennial orchestra had added materially to his other high qualifications. Mr. Fraser said that Mr. Tyrer had not been appointed conductor, and in due time that position would be advertised.

Mr. Tyrer’s organising work would last another 18 months or two years. The world would be searched for a permanent conductor of the national orchestra, but he hoped that the appointment would not be regarded as exclusive by the successful applicant because efforts would be made to have guest conductors of such renown as Toscannj and Dr. Malcolm Sargent. He hoped the national orchestra would, be the basis of a conservatorium of music. Mr. Fraser, answering a question as to who chose Mr. Tyrer, said he was one of them, the Director of Broadcasting had helped, and Cabinet had had a final say. “We take full responsibility and we have no apologies to make,” said Mr. Fraser. The Musicians’ Union had assured him that it was entirely in favour of what had been done.

Mr. Algie said the Government’s action in the matter was a splendid example of the infraction of the principles of democracy. Mr. Tyrer had been appointed, by hole in the corner methods, to a position of organiser. He personally could not complain about Mr. Tyrer’s qualifications, but the question was whether the appointment was made in the proper manner. If Mr. Tyrer’s appointment meant that he would ultimately be made conductor, then he had been given an undemocratic advantage. The Minister of Broadcasting, Mr. Jones, said Mr. Tyrer was the best qualified of the persons available in New Zealand to undertake the task. The Opposition was trying to score on the ground that the position v\as not advertised, but the circumstances justified the methods employed. Mr. J. T. Watts (Opp., Riccarton) said that 15 to 18 months ago a person came to his place of business who

said he had applied for a position in the orchestra, and had been interviewed by Mr. Tyrer. Mr. Watts said he noted this in his diary at the time. It seemed to him (Mr. Watts) that this was another example of the Government’s manner of policy, to make a temporary appointment and let it run for a year or two and then confirm the appointment. The Opposition did not object to Mr. Tyrer, hit it d,l object to the Government’s method of appointment.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, said it appeared that to justify the Opposition’s argument the position should have been advertised, so that a person of inferior ability could get the appointment. He asked could the House see Mr. Watts’s diary. Mr. Watts: Is the Minister challenging my word. I can produce the man himself.

Mr. Parry said there was not a vestige of truth in the statement by a man w’ho visited Mr. Watts.

Mr. Fraser said that Cabinet, on February 22, 1946, considered the question of the appointment and an indication was given to Mr. Tyrer that he would probably be appointed to the position of conductor. Subsequently, protests were marie and Mr. Tyrer said that he would not hold the Minister to his word. Mr. Fraser then read to the House a copy of a cablegram sent to the High Commissioner in London on May 1, 1946, who was asked to inquire of Sir Thomas Beecham concerning Mr. Tyrer. Sir Thomas Beecham's reply was that Mr. Tyrer was just the man for the job. Mr. W. A. Bodkin (Opp., Central Otago), said that the Government's cable to Sir Thomas Beecham was sent to justify its hole-and-corner methods. The Minister of Supply (Mr. Sullivan) said he had been assured by the Minister for Broadcasting that Mr. Tyrer’s appointment was not a public service appointment in the ordinary meaning of the term, but an artist’s contract with the Broadcasting Department. Mr. W. J. Polson (Opp., Stratford) said it was extraordinary that Cabinet should have considered the matter. Mr. Fraser said there had been no discussion of the appointment before February 29, 1946. As it was, Mr. Tyrer was preparing to return Io England when he was informed of the appointment. Mr. G. 11. Mack ley (Opp., Masterton) said this was the sort of thing that got the Government into more disrepute than many of its other actions.

Mrs. Hilda Ross (Opp.. Hamilton) said that last January at Cambridge she attended a school for musicians, and they were concerned at rumours concerning Mr. Tyrer’s appointment. She wrote to the Minister of Broadcasting, who replied that no appointment had been made and the orchestra was in the process of being formed.