Matters Musical.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 475, 24 October 1919, Page 3

Matters Musical.

Sir,—l was greatly surprised to ■read in your last issue a letter from some pesson who signs himself "Lover of gocd music." I cotsldethis letter a decided and gratuitous insult to the members, and particularly to their conductor (Mr Hindman) who form the Orchestra mentioned. This body of musical people bare banded themselves together purely for their own love of music, and are in no way a Public Institu- ' tion, and therefore have no right to public insult. They have reached a stage of efficiency when our Pukekohe public have repeatedly requested their assistance to help make a success of charitable entertainments, and on no single occasion have they refused to give their best, and on no aocasion have they re-

ceived any remuneration, nor would they even entertain the very suggestion of remuneration. Now, sir, since these people have been so generous as to come to the aid of the public on so many occasions, it is the duty of the public to protect them from insult. As I say, the organisation is purely a private one; they hire a room for their practises and pay for it out of their own pockets, therefore they are in their own house, and every Britisher will admit that he has a right to the freedom of his own house. These people are, as a result of the letter referred to, placed in an invidious position. To reply to unwarranted criticisms of people who are ashamed of their name, only leaves them open to further insult from such like hedgehogs, who come out for their prey under cover oi the night. If "Lover of good mime" has the musical welfare of Pukekohe at heart he need nit sneak out in the dark—he will be welcome in daylight, and most assuredly by the musical people, provided he has some idea that can be used practically. I can only think this "Nona do Plumer" is a new arrival in Pukekohe, and has not taken the trouble to inform himself that this musical company is not a public one, and is bey nd the pale of Public criticism. If this' Norn do I lumer," wants to do something, let him leave private people the privacy thev are entitled to, and come out in the light and organise a Public 0. chestra. If. as he says, the talent is here. I am sure he will receive the support he would deserve. Let private jende do as thoy choose, if they commit a nuisance, inform the police and they will attend to the matter. Ido not intehd to make any further replv to any "Nom de Plume" w: ier So, if you want to strafe me, this will afford you a golden opportunity.—Yours in Justice. JOHN J COAPY. Pukekohe, 23rd October, 1919.

Sir,—The letter appearing in your last issue under the above heading giving your scribe's opinion of Mr Hindman's ability as a musical organiser is just the class of letter that reflects the inner mind of the average attacker over a Nomdeplume. Mr Hindman has done good work with his patient teaching, and if keeping a band of amateurs together for over two years, in the unsettled times we have just passed through, is not a great feat in organisation, it would be interesting to know what " Lover of Good Music " considers organisation. Personally, the writer can aid a warm tribute of praise to Mr Hindman and his enthusiastic performers in giving their very valuable aid, free of charge, to two of the most successful amatear concerts ever put upon the stage in Pukekohe, and as the organiser and producer I was not only hij. hly gratified with the rendition of ihe musical items, but deeply grateful for the strict carrying out of the re'i'iests of the management in a most kindly and obliging spirit. If Mr Hindman is wise he will treat with disdain the contemptible attack of any correspondent who may be afraid to attach his own name to his effusions. CECIL ROADLEY. Pukekohe, Oct. 23rd, 1919.

Bir,—Your correspondent " Lover of Good Music," does not appear to be also a " Lover of Good Manners," seeing thai by his own admission he has " often listened '' on the outside of a private house to the orderly, innocent amusement of a rollcCion of friends inside, and has the presumptuous audacity to publish in the piess his private opinion of their musical mistakes and deficiencies, assuming for the moment that, he is correct in his opinions, and to single out one of them by name for Ills criticism. What right has he to do this, and yet remain i'i the dark ? If he has in his heart a genuine love for music, would it not have heen a more graceful, kind, and creditable act for him to have got an introduction to one of the party and asked for their permission to j iin them in their friendly hobby ': Then he might have had an opportunity of assisting them with his valuable counsel, and perhaps his abilities -it he has any. Certainly, he has shown something of his ability in the " base " line. If he will withdraw his mask of anonymity, nnd do as suggested, the members of tin orches'ra may know how to treat him. W. T. JONfX F.ikfkole, 21/ H) 10.

SUBURBAN AND OTHER RAII WAYS

Sik, — I notice in a recent issue that agitation is wanted to secure a better and faster service, I'ukekol.eAuckland. Now, would it not be a good proposition to speed up the preset)' :;.4a p.m. Auckland Frankton tram and not use it a a suburban passen ger service, close to the my ' Af'e Newmarket, stops at Penrose, Otahuhu (Westfield on sale day- , Papatoetoe and Papakura would be quite sufficient ar.d much time woul' be saved in reaching the important stations now reached after dark Why should the country residents have to ..ait sevoral minutes a* Otahuhu for the incoming Rotorua train r The officials know her time of leaving Drury, and could often send the Frankton train on to Papatoetoe instead of idly waiting at Otahuhu. Besides this, a Papatoetoe train leaves the city shortly after

I |i in., so it wonld I e little h r hip to i il' ill" SCM'lai -! •; - on tie i ,',\ Hdeol IYnio-. Ao'ther long 'eh want '\< so .stop •b" i; itoi in tiniii a; I'apnkura the vari in- •m ii -- jir be « ltd I v i li. |)i | liitiiM ht I ■ not! >-,,|,p • : '|, IV . all l.»-e; p'-vd "in . „ -•, ' • ' .<! . train inrivii ■ :', i ■. ' , « ■i I'i |) tu ai •: 7 ■<> [• i.i. i> a gi. ' nei•• sni* v. In nil \\ '.[ ,ii r.i/■ ■■ railway systfros a stop at lie Mtbiirlmii teimii us Inn proved gotnl hiiHines*, and it i" to lie hoped 'lie I'apakura resident:; will unite mid agitato till the went r. x< niedied. I'uki k il;*- he- si t n good ex iinpl" in Ii ving a Sui.d ly seivice by the ex press, ari't now is the time for Papa kur.i to get busy. A LONG SUFFKI/Eli. Papakura 20 10 l»i