THE NEW MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1247, 7 May 1884, Page 3

THE NEW MUSICA L SOCIETY.

To the Editor. Sir,- —As one who taken considerable interest in musical matters, although not within the inner circle that takes in band such affairs in Ashburton, I was anxious to'find out exactly, upon what basis the Philharmonic Society projected at the meeting held on Monday last was to be formed. 'Accordingly, I asked a more, favored friend, and from him I obtained the information that it is intended the Society shall consist of honorary and working members. Physical reasons preclude me from belonging to the latter clast, so that if I wish to support the movement 1 must pet force become what *: is terated an honorary ” member, To secure this distinction 1 must, so my friend tells me, disburse the sura of one guinea,, which will entitle me to two tickets for each of’the four entertainments to be given evhry year by the Society. Now, the question that presents itself to my mind,- and I scarcely think T shall be alone in this particular, is, Shall J receive my money’s worth if I become a subscriber? The recent performance of “ Trial by. July ” was a gratifying success, inasmuch as it showed Ashburton to be possessed of a talent hitherto hidden, i Still f it would be {‘logical to argue frcm this that wt an something higher is attempted the result will be equally favor- • able. Hr. Wolf h’s done much to develops the musical faculties in Ashburton daring his short ;»tay, bnt even he cannot be* expected to make a silk purse 'out of a ■ sow’s ear. Without wishing to throw cold Water on the scheme in any way, for it has-my sincere wishes for its success, I - think it premature to'ask the outside public to subscribe to something, the . value of which is purely problematical. ' To boy a pig in a poke is not consistent with ordinary Snglish principles, but this Is ezactly- what this new Society is demanding from the people of Ashburton. What I would humbly suggest is that the - ' association should start, to use a vulgarism,- “on its own hook,” and if the ' entertainments are worthy of patronage . they may depend upon get ing it, with- - having recourse to a method of obtaining money • in a manner nearly resembling begging.—lam, etc., ■ A Lover of Music.