Reception to Mr. H. Brett.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 8, 23 February 1910, Page 6

Reception to Mr. H. Brett.

BIG GATHERING AT THE CHORAL HALLWELCOME BACK TO AUCKLAND

The Choral Hall was packed to the doors on Thursday night, on the occasion of the public reception tendered to Mr. Henry Brett on his return from the Imperial Press Conference in London. The gathering was presided over by the Mayor (Mr. C. D. Grey), and amongst those present ■were representatives of nearly every public body in Auckland, a large number of prominent business people, and a big attendance of the general public, totalling between 900 and 1000 people. The Chairman prefaced his remarks by reading the following telegram from the Hon. Geo. Fowlds:—“As I am to leave for the South this afternoon, I regret that I am unable to be present at the welcome to Mr. Henry Brett, whose long-continued, generous public-spirited services to Auckland well merit the recognition of his fellow-citizens. Best wishes for a successful function. —G. Fowlds.” Congratulatory telegrams were also read from Mr. George Fenwick, a fellow-delegate at the Imperial Press Conference, and from the directors of the New Zealand Press Association. Mr. Grey then went on to say that there fell to his lot, as Mayor of the city, a most pleasurable duty —that of presenting to an ex-Mayor an address containing the appreciation of his fellowcitizens with the many acts of generosity which Mr. Henry Brett had performed. Before proceeding with this duty, however, he desired to preface the reading of the address with a few remarks. Mr. 'Brett had been a citizen of Auckland for a great many years, and they were glad to know that with the increasing prosperity of the city Mr. Brett had himself prospered, and had always been ready to use his position and means in promoting the welfare of his fellow-citizens in many ways. Mr. Brett was a retiring man. It was true he had occupied public positions, and worthily occupied them, but not the less did he prefer to shun the glare of publicity. It was, therefore, beyond the knowledge of anyone but himself how many acts of kindness, how many deeds of generosity he had done, but they knew that they were not few. The Choral Society, the Liedertafel, and the Orchestral Society all knew how very much they owed to Mr. Brett in being able to carry out the objects and aims of their several constitutions. Himself a musical man, he had never spared himself or his pocket when any opportunity arose when he could do something to further the cause of music in their midst. His gift of the Exhibition organ to the Choral Society, followed by his recent princely offer of an organ for the Town Hall, were proofs which could not be gainsaid of the truth of what he had referred to. He did not mention these tilings merely to praise him, for he was well aware Mr. Brett would rather he were silent on these matters, but he referred to them in order that he might assure Mr. Brett that these gifts and actions did not pass altogether unnoticed, and that the citizens of Auckland were not unthankful to him for his many acts of kindness, whether to individuals or to the community. It was the feeling of wishing to show in some tangible form that feeling of gratitude and appreciation that had prompted this welcome home, and the presentation of an address, which would serve for many ■years to come to remind Mr. Brett that his fellow-citizens appreciated from the heart the good acts of a man, however much they may try to remain hidden. “I only wish I had the power to put into words the feelings that underlie the object of this gathering,” concluded the Mayor, “and that everyone present desires to express to Mr. Brett, but if we are not able to give adequate utterance to them in words, I am sure air. Brett will none the less accept them in the •pirit in which they are meant.” The Mayor then presented, amidst much applaiwe, the illuminated address. The Address.

on the top, and it is illustrated with views of the Harbour, Takapuna beach, Rangitoto, and the new Town Hall. The address has a handsome border, representing clematis, pohutukawa, roses, and violets. The wording of the address reads as follows:—‘'Henry Brett, Esq., Auckland. —Dear Sir, —At a representative public meeting convened by the Mayor of Auckland, a resolution was adopted, declaring that a public reception should be accorded you.upon your return from the Imperial Press Conference, recently held in London. We feel that your long and prominent connection with the Press of New Zealand as journalist and newspaper proprietor, extending over a period' of nearly 50 years, was worthily recognised in your selection as one of the Dominion's representatives at this great gathering of British journalists. But we think that apart from your distinguished association with the Press, your honourable and public-spirited career as a citizen demands a cordial welcome upon your return to resume your useful life amongst us. We recall the fact that in the early years of Auck; land’s municipal life you filled the office of Mayor of the city, and took an active part in the administration of various local governing bodies. In the sphere of music your influence and liberality have been especially conspicuous, and have assisted very materially in raising the standard of musical culture in the Dominion. Your work as President of the leading musical societies in Auckland, as donor of an organ to the Choral Society, and your efforts to Seenre for th ft society a permanent hall for the practice of music, will insure for your name a foremost place in the historical records of music in New Zealand. Your liberal gift of a great organ for the Auckland Town Hall is a crowning act of munificence, which will be a source of pleasure and an educative influence to multitudes of citizens in years to come. In recording our hearty appreciation of these eminent services to the city, we desire to express our pleasure in learning that your visit to Europe has proved beneficial to your health. We trust that you and Mrs. Brett will be long spared to enjoy the goodwill and esteem of your fellow-citizens, which you have so thoroughly deserved.—Signed on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, C. D. Grey (Mayor), H. W. Wilson (Town Clerk).” The address also bears the City Council seal. Speech hy Mr Mitchelson. The Hon. E. Mitchelson expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present to assist in welcoming Mr Henry Brett back to the land of his adoption. He had known Mr Brett for a great many years —from the days when he was a boy, in fact. Referring to Mr Brett’s intention to give a grand organ to the new Town Hall, Mr Mitchelson said it afforded him the very greatest pleasure to know that one of his oldest friends was making such a munificent bequest to the people of Auckland. He did not intend, howevef, to refer to Mr Brett’s association with music in Auckland—that he would leave to Mr Upton. Mr Brett was a man who had risen from the ranks. (Applause.) He was now amongst New Zealand’s most esteemed citizens. It eould honestly be said that no gentleman in Auckland had done more for his fellow-beings. Those who knew him were aware that his help was never refused to a just cause. No one had witnessed the growth of Auckland with greater pleasure than Mr Brett. As a past euitor and present proprietor of what was, perhaps, the finest newspaper in New Zealand, he had for many years been .taking a very active part in the progress of Auckland City and’ district. It was really not so many years since New Zealand had been a dependency of New South Wales. It was hard to realise what remarkable progress the Dominion had made in the last 50 years, and there was no doubt that it was the most progressive of all the Australasian colonies. When Mr Brett landed on Queen-street wharf on Wednesday morning, it was from one of the finest vessels afloat. The arrival of the Malwa had unquestionably marked an epoch in the history of New Zealand. Though the P.

The address is a splendid work of •rt. Beautifully bound, the cover contains Mr. Brett's monogram in gold. The address itself is the work of Mr. Chas. Palmer, and is remarkably well done. A ■Mtsical scroll and a lyre are worked

and O. Company had only intimated its intention of making three trial trips, he believed that the service had come to stay. True, the population of New Zealand was not so great as that of Australia, but the population of New Zealand to-day was greater 'than the whole of the population of Australia was at the time when the P. and 0. Company first started to rim their steamers to the Commonwealth' ports. In conclusion, Mr Mitchelson said he. was sure that their guest would appreciate the splendid attendance of those who had assembled to welcome him, and added that he hoped that Mr and Mrs Brett would be long spared to carry on the great work they had done, and were doing, in the interests of Auckland and New Zealand. Mr Upton on Early Musical Records. Mr J. H. Upton explained that he was replacing the chairman of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce (Mr Bart Kent), who was unfortunately too ill to attend. It afforded him the greatest pleasure to participate in the welcome extended to Mr Brett after his 12 months’ absence abroad. No place could be more appropriate than the Choral Hall for the presentation of the address, since Mr Brett had been closely identified with it from the time it was built, and even before that period. He had been one of a group of men who, when Auckland was only a town of 20,000 inhabitants, had made an endeavour to facilitate the progress of the city, and to improve the conditions under which its citizens lived. Referring to Mr Brett’s intimate association with the progress of music and musical societies in Auckland, the speaker mentioned the names of a number of the ladies and gentlemen who had been associated with Mr Brett in the development which took place in musical circles 45 years ago. Prominent amongst these had been Judge Fenton, who, Mr Upton laughingly asserted, filled the Native Land Court offices with clerks whose chief qualification at the time of their appointment was their knowledge of music. One such young man, whose cleverness on the violoncello won him a clerical position in the Native Land Court, was the gentleman who afterwards became so widely known as a judge—the late Mr Frank Edger. Reverting to old associations which the Choral Hall brought to mind, Mr Upton said that the building owed its existence to an event rising out of the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh, in 183 0. It was then found necessary to erect a ballroom at the rear of Government House, and this ballroom was subsequently transferred permanently by Mr Fenton, of Auckland, to, the Government, in exchange for the site on which the hall now stood, and which Sir George Bowen agreed should be dedicated as a Choral Hall site. Ever since then, year after year, the building in which they were assembled had been the scene of delightful musical gatherings. They owed much in this respect to their friend Mr Brett. In the old days, he had always been “a stand-by for the bass solo,” and there were many Aucklanders who remembered what a pleasure it was to listen to him. (Applause.) In every way he had been a pillar of strength in encouraging a love of good music, and in assisting the musical, choral and orchestral societies of the city. Auckland had been fortunate in having had visits from most of the prominent people of the musical world. In the earlier days these musical feasts were often provided as the result of Mr Brett’s inducement to artists of renown to visit Auckland. Many of those present would remember the exhibition held many years ago in the Metropolitan Grounds. One of the most prominent objects shown at that exhibition was the large organ in the Choral Hall, exhibited by an Auckland manufacturer. That organ was purchased by Mr Brett, in order that it might remain where’it was, and afford pleasure and delight to the people of Auckland. : They now knew that before Mr Brett left on his recent trip to England he made up his mind to give to the citizens of this city a grand organ, to be placed in the new Town Hall. He (Mr Upton) did not know what that instru ment was to cost, but he thanked Mr Brett for the handsome gift he was making in order to further the happiness of the people of this city. Mr Upton went on to say that he did not know that ■there was any association between cricket and music, but it was rather a noteworthy fact that both Mr Fenton and Mr Brett, wlto had had so much to do with music, had also been keenly interested in cricket. The securing of the present cricket ground on the Domain was largely due to the effort* of Mr Fenton, while he (the speaker) had learnt only the

other day that when the Auckland erieketers had expressed their desire to secure the services of an English cricket coach, it had been largely due to Ms Brett’s generosity that such a thing had been made possible. There were innumerable instances of Mr Brett’s generosity and great services in the interests of the city, and he would be classed amongst Auckland’s benefactors, with the Mackelvies, the Costleys, the Greys, the Knoxes and the Campbells. (Applause.}, Mr Upton, in referring briefly to the rewards for public services, said that when the King, through his representatives, asked who in his over sea dominions merited special honour, it was almost invariably the case for politicians and heads of governments to name themselves as most deserving of such recognition. (Laughter.) Not so with the people of the country itself. They ehose their best men to pay honour to. So much they realised in doing honour to Mr Brett, and he was sure he eehoed the feeling of all present when he wished him a long life, and asked him to accept the'ir tribute of respect and esteem. (Loud applause.) The Hon. E. Mitchelson then read, on behalf of the Orchestral Society, a letter of welcome to Mr. Brett on his return, and a request that he would accept a life-presidentship in the Society. Mr. Mitchelson concluded by referring to the fact that Mr. Brett had, at the time of the Christeirurch Exhibition, taken the whole of the members of the Orchestral Society to Christchurch at his own expense. (Applause.) Mr Brett in Reply.

Mr. Brett, on rising to respond, waa received with loud applause. He said he thought those present would understand how deeply moved he was by the very kind reception they had accorded him? It was quite unexpected, but he should be ungrateful, indeed, if he did not appreciate the spirit th alt had prompted this large gathering of fellow citizens. Forty-eight years had elapsed since he first arrived in Auckland. It was a small town then, and one soon became familiar with the people who thronged its streets. To-day one moved along crowded thoroughfares, a comparative stranger, and the feeling sometimes arose that many' of the old friends had passed away, and! that their places remained unfilled. It was gratifying, therefore, to receive such a welcome as this from friends old and new' upon returning after nearly a year's absence from home. (Applause.); He noticed in the audience two or three old and dear friends. Words failed to express how gladly he returned to New, Zealand. His thoughts had turned longingly to this dear land of ours wherever he had wandered. There was no place like it; and here, where the days of his youth were spent, he was content to live on till the end, doing whatever lay in his power for the advancement of the city. (Applause.)’, The reference in the address with which he had been presented, to the part he formerly took in municipal affairs revived half-forgotten memories. It was about 1870 that he had first taken his position in public life with such -well-known men as J." M. Dargaville, Colonel Nation and others on the Parnell Road Board. He then accepted appointments on the Harbour Board and other well-known public bodies. In 1878-79, more than thirty years since, he held the office of Mayor, and when he contrasted the Auckland of that day with the fine city which spread out before him as a lovely panorama, viewed from the Malwa on Wednesday, he could but marvel, and wonder what the future of the city would be. One felt a pardonable pride in having done something towards laying the foundation. He remembered the struggle they had during his term of office as Mayor to prevent the erection of wooden shanties on the land reclaimed by the Harbour Board on the city front, between the Waitemata Hotel and the new Ferry Buildings. It was proposed to lease the sections for a term of 99 years, and to permit the construction of wooden shops and shanties on that area, Work had actually begun when he hurried away to Wellington, and laid the position before Sir George Grey. It took that statesman about two minutes to realise the position, and within 24 hours that area was gazetted within the city boundary. “When I look at the splendid big buildings which now, stand in that locality, and think of. what might have been for 99 years, I can only marvel at it,” said Mr. Brett amidst applause. Mr. Brett then went on to say tha|

when he first entered the Council, about 1873, the people of Auckland relied entirely for their water' supply upon tanks and shallow wells, and one of the most important works carried out was the introduction of a supply from the Western Springs, which served Auckland well for so many years. As Mayor, he had the satisfaction of seeing this excellent service brought to the door of every householder. The meat supply was also a matter demanding attention. The old slaughter-house at Newmarket had became a pestilent nuisance, and one of the first ceremonies he attended in his Mayoral capacity was the opening of the new abattoirs at Arch Hill, (which had lately given way to the more commodious premises rendered necessary by the growth of the city. The city was only partially surveyed, and property-owners were put to a good deal of trouble through the want of permanent levels. The fixing of these, the substitution of asphalte for the old scoria ash pavements, and the establishment of the salt water baths in Cus-toms-street West were the chief improvements effected during his term. He recalled a battle royal over the transfer of the Grammar School from an old stone building on the site of the present police offices, in the Albert Park, to more commodious premises, preparatory to the erection of the present school. Monetary resources in those days were small, but it was pleasant to see that so much of what they were able to do remained, and had stood the test of time. (Applause.) Association with Music.

Coming to the references to music in the address, Mr. Brett went on to say that his association with lovers of music in Auckland had been a perennial source of delight. Mr. Mitchelson had alluded to the visit paid by the Orchestral Society to the Christchurch Exhibition. He believed the members had a very jolly time on the occasion of that visit. Auckland had shown what its representatives could do in football and cricket, and it occurred to him that they were equally able to hold their own in the cultured arts. The result of the visit to Christchurch had justified that confidence. “We hear a good deal about the jealousy of musicians,” continued Mr. Brett, “but nowhere do I feel so much at home as in the midst of the members of these societies. and nothing could have given me greater pleasure than their presence here to-night, for which I thank the members from the bottom of my heart. Music in Auckland has never lacked ardent devotees. This building to me is peopled with the shadows of men and women whose enthusiasm and talent called it into being, and filled if with harmony. Prominent among them stands the first president of our Choral Society, Judge Fentoii, an I Mr. Joseph Brown, our first conductor. Their names should be ever held in reverence by Auckland musicians. Their work has lasted until our day, and if it now be outgrown, and the city calls for musical performances on a inOre magnificent'—l will not say a purer or more excellent—scale, we must place it to their credit that they developed a spirit which has inspired our efforts.” (Applause.) Mr. Brett went on to say ■that he was reminded some t'ime ago by an old friend of a conversation they had had more than twenty years ago in a North Auckland settlement. They

were speaking of ideals and ambitions, at a time when the prospects of realisation seemed very far off, and he (Mr. Brett) said then that one of the strongest wishes he liad was that some day he might be in a position to give an organ to the City of Auckland. That wish had at last been realised, and their kind allusion to the gift assured him that' they shared his own faith in this noble instrument as an educative power that touches the heart of man and stirs within lofty thoughts and emotions. The work of construction was in the hands of eminent builders, and he felt sure that they will turn out an organ that will reflect credit upon themselves, and be an acquisition to the city. He had been assured by Mr. Lemare that the organ would be the most up-to-date of any in the Australasian colonies. Annual Mnscial Festivals. It was, Mr. Brett stated, his original intention that the organ should have ■been given to the people of Auckland after his death—then he should possibly have avoided the meeting he was addressing. When it was decided, however, to build a new Town Hall for the city of Auckland, he remembered how essential it was that proper accommodation should be made for an instrument of such large dimensions as a grand organ. The Wellington organ, for instance, was not procured until after the Town Hall was built, and it was lost as far as ornamental effect went. In the case of the Auckland Town Hall, however, the Mayor and City Councillors had agreed to provide ample room for the organ, and the result would be that it would look to be almost twice the size of the Wellington instrument. The authorities were also to be commended on the fact that provision would be made for as many as 300 or 400 voices in the choir, and 200 to 250 in the orchestra.

Mr. Brett then proceeded to express the hope that the day was not far distant when great annual musical festivals would lie held in Auckland. (Applause.) Now that the Main Trunk line was completed, it should be possible to hold such festivals, perhaps alternately between Auckland and Wellington. Festivals similar to those held in Birmingham and other cities he had visited could, he was sure, be successfully held once a year in New Zealand, and he trusted it would not be long before this hope was realised. (Applause.) Music and Cricket. Mr. Upton had alluded in kindly terms to a little matter connected with the promotion of cricket which, from the personal point of view, was scarcely worth mentioning. But as the subject had l>een referred to. he wished to say that nothing delighted him more on arrival on Wednesday than the news of the success achieved by our cricket team. It showed the value of efficient coaching in sport, as in other things. Constant practice, wisely directed, was the highroad to success. All branches of outdoor sports, and especially rille-shooting, which combined with sport preparation for national service, had always enlisted his most ardent sympathy. It' was sometimes said that sport formed too prominent a feature of colonial life; and as regards racing this was undoubtedly true. (Applause.) But healthful, wholesome recreation like cricket could never be overdone. It contributed to the rearing of worthy sons, sound in body and

mind, to direct the destinies of a young nation. In conclusion, on behalf of Mrs. Brett as well as himself, he thanked, them for the personal good wishes which had been offered in such cordial terms. “I would that I could well express the thoughts that in me rise,” added Mr. Brett, “but my heart is too full for utterance. I can only say that the goodwill of the people among whom I have lived so long is more precious than any worldly success, and that this address will be treasured by me during life, and handed on as a valued legacy t'o my children when I pass away.” (Loud applause.) During the evening a delightful musical programme was rendered by the Orchestral, Liedertafel, and Choral Societies. The function was concluded with the National Anthem, and three cheers for Mr. Brett.