A GERMAN PIANO

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1910, 3 December 1918, Page 3

A GERMAN PIANO

DISCUSSION BY SCHOOL COM

MITTEE,

The piano at the local State school was destroyed in the fire which demolished the building. At a meeting of Committee held shortly after a piano was offered for sale to replace it. The owner stated that the instrument was of German make and practically new, and that the price was £4O. The reason for selling the piano was that the'owner had no use for the instrument. At the October meeting of Committee it was decided to obtain an expert opinion of the instrument, and if satisfactory to purchase same for the school when the latter was rebuilt. The expert reported “that the piano is in good condition. It. is a German piano, hut that is no detriment. It has not been much used, and is really as good as new. The piano is.free from borer, so far as I can see. A piano of this standard would cost now about £BO to £BS. Personally I think this piano would suit for school work very well. —Thus. F. Henderson.” At the November meeting of Committee Mr Kellow gave notice of motion to rescind the motion re purchase of this piano. At last night's School Committee meeting Mr Kellow moved the motion, staling that he did not think the Committee, for patriotic reasons, should allow a German piano in the school. Mr Ferreau seconded the motion.

Mr Me Murray said lie supported the motion. He snid it would lie scandalous for the children to sing “God Save the King'’ accompanied by a German instrument. After all we had passed through it would be discreditable of the Committee to allow a German-made piano to be purchased for the school. A piano should be purchased of British or English mannfaclure.

Mr Martin opposed the motion. He said the Committee should be broad-minded. The war had not. been waged against German workmen. It would be lilting that a German piano should be made to play “God Save (he King” and other patriotic airs, if he thought the children were to be taught to look down upon the German people, who were not responsible for (he war, (hen be would lake his children from the school. Tie did not hold with such sentiment. The piano was not manufactured by Von Ifindenbnrg or the other German war-lords. If German goods were not lo be purchased, bow was Germany to pay her war indemnity. In box lon they sold German pencils, German formalin tablets, and the lighting uppa rat us was German-made. Great Britain was now making arrangements to feed the Germans.

The Rev. Mr Bredin opposed the motion. The Committee proposed to buy a piano from a citizen of New Zealand, not from a German firm. It would be wrong and unchristian to teach our children to bate the German people. In order to assist Germany to pay compensation it would bo necessary jo buy German goods. It would be a pity to do anything to maintain bitterness against the German people.

Mr Claris said when he moved the motion to purchase the piano he had no thought of patriotic sentiment. It was purely a mailer of helping (he Committee's llnance. Tie saw no reason why he should change bis opinion, and would therefore oppose I he motion.

The head teacher said he would like lo express his opinion on Ihe matter.

The (Rev. Mr Bredin objec-led to the head teacher expressing his opinion. This was a committee matter, and the committee could settle its own business. The Chairman said the head teacher could be heard if (he Committee were unanimous. As (his was not the ease, he regretted that he could not be heard. Mr Currie said what was the use of him being asked to attend Com mil tee meetings if he was not allowed to speak.

The Chairman said the head teacher was able to advise the Committee on many matters, and personally he was pleased to see him in a I tendance at meetings, but in a controversial matter of this kind, unless the Committee was unanimous, he could not allow him to speak.

Mr Currie asked that a minute be made of the objection, and added public opinion would be against a German-made piano going into the school.

The motion was then pul and lost. Those supporting it being Messrs Kellow, Pcrrcan and McMnrray: against: Messrs Rev. Bredin, Martin, Claris, Ingle, Signal, and the Chairman. Messrs McMurray and Kellow then tendered their resignation from the Committee as a protest.

The Chairman asked them to ’reconsider their resignations. Both had done good work, and there was still much for them to do. He questioned whether the much discussed piano was now on sale, and this would not he known until the secretary made enquiry.