Music Examinations

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 873, 17 January 1930, Page 8

Music Examinations

THOUSANDS NOT LOST IN FEES REPLY TO MR. ALFRED HIU. (From Our Resident Reporter) WELLINGTON. Today. '•For years Mr. Alfred Hill has saying that ‘thousands of pounds leave the country in examination fees’,** said Mr. E. K. Cachemaille. secretary of the Associated Boards, R.A.M. and R.CJM. in comment on Mr. Hill's suggestion that music examinations should bo conducted in the Dominion. "A* a matter of fact, audited balance-sheets are available to show that thousands of pounds are not leaving the country annually in examination fees.** “Equally unfortunate is Mr. Hill’* reference to the standard of the Australian musical examinations, which is deplorably low, as shown by the enormous- numbers that pass. No one could wish to see similar methods adopted in New Zealand. It is stated that local examinations would cast & new' responsibiilty upon teachers. Whv? and liow? In fact, what does this mean? Standards are to be as high if not higher than those of the overseas visiting bodies, which are high enough for England. Is the teaching in New Zealand then so much superior to that of England?” Stating that it is an impertirenpft to describe as commercial institu .ions the Royal Academy and Royal College, Mr. Cachemaille concluded with the plea, “Surely the whole matter may safely be left in the hands of the musical profession of the Dominion, which is becoming well organised and has ample opportunity of meeting together and discussing matters such as this.’*