The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1874.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 210, 3 October 1874, Page 2

The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1874.

“ We shall sell to no man justice or right: We shall deny to no man justice or right: We shall defer to no man justice or right.”

The proposal made by our correspondent “ A Lover of Music,” in this morning’s issue, will meet with a hearty reception and response, we are sure, by the public generally, and by the members of the Musical Society—if that is to be its name —in particular.

We quite agree with the suggestions that have been made on all sides that the class of music which we have a right to expect, in a township of the size of Gisborne, wherein dwelleth so large a proportion of music-loving persons—vocal and instrumental — should be of a superior description to that with which we have been obliged to be content in the earlier days of the settlement. By a “ superior descrip- “ tion ” we do not allude exclusively to that class of musical composition, known as “ Oratorio ” music—beautiful and sublime though that undoubtedly is. The standard of musical taste is regulated, if not, indeed, controlled, by the production of that quality of harmonic utterances of poetry and sound, most calculated to elevate the soul, improve the mind, and enlarge the heart, to whatever class, or character, they may belong. There is as much beauty to be found in classical compositions of a “ secular ” kind, as there is in those held by some to be “ sacred,” although the halo of solemn sanctity which surrounds the latter, has, undoubtedly, the power of evoking lachrymal emotions, peculiar to most persons under the influence of music of that exceptional sublimity which is the chief and attractive characteristic of the great Oratorio Masters ; therefore, we do not see why these two recognised branches of musical education should not be undertaken together by our own society as with kindred institutions. The hallowed season now approaching points clearly to the appropriateness ofthe“Messiah ” as being the textbook fromwhichtocull therichgemsof scriptural poetry, so sustaining to a Christian’s life and hope; and we trust that our correspondent’s suggestion will be held in view. But we disagree in that the opening Concert should be delayed until Christmas time for such a purpose. One Concert is absolutely necessary to Be given as early as possible, first as a test of what talent is likely to be enrolled, and also to put the Society in funds wherewith to purchase the needful jnusic ; ample time will then be afforded to celebrate the season with becoming fitness. That we have a fair expectation of the wishes of “ A Lover of Music,” r being realized, is pretty certain, if we , consider for a moment the indefatigable efforts that are being made by the Rev. Mr. Root, and his band of enthusiasts, who maintain their hebdomadal practices in view of the coming festival of the Presbyterian Church. From this company it is understood that a Society has now been formed; and. as soon as the Soiree is over, the details will be made more generally known. In the meantime, we are confident, that “ A Lover of Music ” and others will find a welcome, if they have any desire to assist in adding to the strength and effectiveness of the new Institution.

While, however, we are on this subject, we may, perhaps, be allowed to suggest to the management of the Musical- Society, that it would be an acceptable feature in its future economy if an addition of instrumental music could be added to that of vocal. There are some few persons in the Bay who, possessing some knowledge of music, have a fair command of the instruments peculiar to their taste. Most of these, we believe, form, or did form, the Gisborne Band ; could not their services be utilized ? We hope they may be, as, besides the monotony of unvaried vocal music, the performers will, otherwise, have unnecessarily hard work thrust upon them.

The present issue of the Standard and People’s Advocate commences the third year of the life of this journal. The anniversary of one’s natal day is a fitting opportunity in which to express a hope that the promises of our birth have not been unfulfilled; and that the faith reposed in us when we undertook to aid the cause of Right and Truth, and to further the best interests of the settlers, has not in any way been shaken. It is not our intention to dilate on the many causes which have operated in favor of the advancement of the Bay, and the establishment of the Fourth Estate in it, during the past two years. It is a sufficient proof that the right path has been followed, when we consider the relative state of matters now, and when we first launched our project; while the increasing evidences of friendly encouragement and support which are continually being made known, carry with them the conviction that our efforts to promote the best interests of all parties, are appreciated, and have been to a certain extent, successful.

While, on the one hand, we would . avoid the Scylla of self-laudation ; we are equally anxious to steer clear of the Charybdis of ingratitude; therefore, as it may savor of an unkind forgetfulness to let the anniversary pass without acknowledgment, we would accept this opportunity of assuring our patrons that we shall steadily pursue the path mapped out from the commencement, and continue to advocate “ the greatest good of the greatest number,” feeling assured that they will heartily respond to the toast and wish us “ many happy returns of the day.”