AN EISTEDDFOD FOR NEW ZEALAND.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 484, 17 April 1909, Page 9

AN EISTEDDFOD FOR NEW ZEALAND.

Sir,—Wlieii the Premiers were in England at the late Imperial Conference it was the proud and justified boast of Mr. Dcakin, Australian Premier, tliat. music, especially chorus and part singing, was making wonderfully rapid' strides in his country,' and that it was owing principally to- the Eisteddfod now an. established fact in Australia. Nearly .every .-little- village arid settloment has its choral society, as well as the ■cities. What is an Eisteddfod? Putting it briefly, the Eisteddfod is a Welsh invention: simply a. system of contest's in elocution, oration, poetry, and in music, choral or choir singing, male,choruses,, ladies' choruses,-' quartettes, trios, duos, solos, and- instrumental pieces, and also composition in poetry, essays, and music. Owing to the Eisteddfod, many a brilliant intellect and sound musician have been unearthed and exalted to their right sphere. The Hon. Lloyd-George, one of the brightest minds, and one of the most fluent of the .orators in the English' Parliament, frankly admits that he owes his success to the Eisteddfod, and its kindly hand has also been extended to many musicians who havo become noted and the pride of their, people:. • ; ; In Australia, Queensland takes the lead, and its choirs arc now, attaining a high state of proficiency. At the late- Ballarat contest tie first~honours were carried off by Queensland (Toowomba and Maryborough), beating her senior, sisters. New South Wales and Victoria, although they also havo fino choirs. ; -. •"'..- _ But what- is New. Zealand doing all ibis time?-:'-.Very-'.little worth' mention'in this respect. How comes it? Is it that her people are unmusical, devoid of talent, or lack the courage and enterprise to face the undertaking of, a grand system ? I would not like to attribute any of these failings to New. Zealand's people, and I am satisfied the Dominion, las a good share of musical talent, and ; many a genius is only awaiting discovery. ..'New: Zealanders are-people of grit, ahd lam convinced if an Eisteddfod is established, on similar lines to Queensland,-; New Zealand will prove herself capable of holding as meritorious a position in the fine' arts as in strenuous football.. Union is strengthand competition is.'the high road to proficiency.- I suggest, that a North Island Eisteddfod be established, that every centre or town call a meeting of its literary people arid musicians, and select delegates, and that a; : meeting of these v delegates be'arranged at |B: convenient centre to put it on a sound and practical basis. We should • Lave every assistance andr information from, the Australian Eisteddfod. - ; v ;A.;ploa for the.ladies/ The men are'well provided for by' associations, musical and otherwise,'but.tie ladies are rather overlojpked.'vl think the majority of conductors will agree with me that the best and most practical members of their societies aro the ladies. •: Our •sisters 1 are wonderfully.- endowed with music, and also the spirit of competition. In the Eisteddfod they would have a rightful voice, and the opportunity to win for:themselves the laurels and appreciation their talents'-ahd genius deserve. Our Band Association is a great success, as we all know, and I venturo. to prophesy the' Eisteddfod will bo equally as'successful. 'I say to' New Zealanders, wake up! The start is rather late, but; there is hope yet of coming near the winning post. -In the' interest of music,:- and for tie unification,- promotion, and developments of New Zealand's talents, I trust'the:scheme I have suggested will.meet witl;a;ready adoption.—l am, etc.,, ■ a>-:':'; : ; '-■'■'. > : JOSEPH HIGHAM. ■ ,- Hawera. ■■>'' .-•'■'.P;B.—l may state this letter is sent to tie principal papers' ofrthe 'provinces in-order 1 that the: suggestion may meet; the eyeS-'-'df-all who may be interested. '>'•':■'. - 1 .-;-.;,.-