INSPIRING CONCERTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1011, 30 June 1930, Page 10

INSPIRING CONCERTS

MR. E. J. GRAVESTOCK RETURNS CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA ‘Thf success of the* Backliaus concerts in Australia gave a new spirit riurnitv" IlSm IO the bus?ines s comK. J. Gravestock, the well-known entrepreneur, who is personally conducting the X. v Zealand tour of the * great pianist, made the above statemen t o n the Aorangi this morning-. "It also raised the hopes of theatre people generally.” he continued. “Despite the prevailing depression, our tour has been more successful than the last one four years ago.” Speaking of theatres generally in Australia, Mr. Gravestock savs that any legitimate show which deserves the support of the public is getting ir. The present state of affairs on the stage and concert platform is only bearing out what he always said: That the legitimate stage would come back to its own. Fhe pifblic will always want good music, and the talkies hav*created a greater desire than see great artists in the flesh. Kverybody in Australia has had to tighten up his purse, says Mr. Gravestock. Queensland and West Australia are the two most prosperous States. South Australia is the worst sufferer. The depression there is being accentuated bv a drought. The reservoir supplying Adelaide with water has reached the lowest level ever known, and (he tops of the houses of a village which was covered when the reservoir was made are showing.