I “AWFUL NOISE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 978, 22 May 1930, Page 20

I “AWFUL NOISE”

CLERGYMAN COMPLAINS OF EUPHONIUM MUSIC WIFE’S HEALTH THREATENED Protection from an alleged nuisance caused through long nightly practices on the euphonium by a neighbour was sought by a Newmarket clergyman in a letter received by the Borough Council last evening. ‘‘My next-door neighbour plays one of those large brass or silver instruments —euphonium, I think, it is called —for two hours at a stretch several nights a week and often for two and ahalf hours on a Saturday afternoon,” ran the complaining letter. “This is a decided annoyance to myself and to my wife. My own profession of a clergyman necessitates quiet for study and also for visitors to interview me, and it is quite impossible to carry on an interview satisfactorily to the sound of this awful noise next door. “In addition to this, my wife’s health at the present time is in a very critical state and, through sheer nerves caused through this nightly annoyance, she has had no sleep now for four nights.” An enclosed clipping relating to a similar case in New Plymouth set out the position as governed by the Auckland City by-laws, which state that “No person sfiall in any premises adjoining or near any street, footpath, or public place, by playing any gramophone or musical instrument, or operating any wireless or other device, or by making any other noise, cause a nuisance or annoyance to persons in or on such street, footpath, or public pla^e.” “That hardly governs the present complaint,” said Mr. W. J. Jaffrey. “We cannot prevent a man playing an instrument in his own home.” “Ask him along to the next meeting to play a tune and let us judge if he is a nuisance,” suggested Mr. T. S. Watts. The letter was received, the council deciding that it had no power to interfere.