AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY AND THE CHAIR OF MUSIC.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 337, 26 January 1889, Page 6

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY AND THE CHAIR OF MUSIC.

Auckland, January 22. At the University Council meeting held yesterday afternoon, some discussion took place on the appointment of Herr Schmitt to the Chair of Music. The subject was broachod by the Rev. D. Bruce, who stated that the terms for Herr Schmibt, Professor of Music, and Mr Tre\ibhick, drawing master, wero about to expire. He also read a letter writter by His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. E. Devore), suggesting that applications should be invited by advertisement for both positions. Mr Upton said it was felt that Herr Schmitt's apr ointment was made rather hurriedly. He understood that it was then explained that the appointment was only ior one year, and he would like to know what was the real position. What was Herr Schmitfc doing? Was his work Univorsiby work ? Was there any scheme or curriculum laid down V He thought that mu&ic was scarcely a matter that the University should have anything, to do with, and thai, they should not go into competition with other teachers of music in town ; that would be unworthy of the University. Mr Bruce agreed that what Mr Upton had said was quite correct. During this year nothing could be done in the diroctiou indicated, because tho calendar was pubI lished beioio tho appointment was made. This year, however, the vsubjeets, and what was proponed to be clone, would be in the calendar precisely as with the other professors, Mr Upton wished it understood that ho had not spoken as objecting to Hew Schmitt, but simply because it was? said Lhat the appointment had been made somewhat hastily, and had caused a good deal of comment. Mr Bruce said that the appointment was not made hastily, because it> was discussed frequonbly before the resolution was passed. Colonel Ilaultain said he certainly understood that both Heir Schmitb and Mr Trevi thick were appointed for one year, and thai, they would be continued in that position if the University continued the subject?. He read the resolution in question, to this eftect, "It is desirable that a Chair ot Music shall be established, that an offer of the piotes&orslnp be made to Herr {Schmitt, und that lie be allowed ,-CIOO a year and ordinary college lees." He iMideiotood that to bo an engagement for one year, commencing trom the next ' term. In regard to Mr Trevithick, the Committee reported that he was willing to accept tho position, and the following arrangement was made • — Mr TreviihicU was appointed Instructor in Drawing foi 1888, salary payable £'100. Mr Upton telb that there was some misunderstanding as to whether Herr Schmitt held a lectureship or a piofebsorship lie thought it desirable to postpone making auy appointment till another meeting, in order that other members, might be present. Mr Justice Gillies baid that his recollection of Herr Schiuibt'd appointment; was that it was tor a year, and that at the end ol that time the Council would consider whether it was advisable to have a permanent professorship. Herr Schmitt was simply to be con&idered a lecturer. The idea of having a Piofessor ol Music ab £100 a year was really too ridiculous, and he was sure that there was no idea of establishing a pennatient Chair of Music. It would, bo all very well to do so when there was sufficient interest and sufficient funds available, but that was not just now. Mr Upton thought that music might mean anything or nothing. Mr Justice Gillies said it was pretty well defined as a branch of the ISicw Zealand University. It was the science of music, and not the mere practice, that was intended. Mi Upton asked whether it was contemplated in establishing a lectureship or Chair ot Music that the professor should hold any musical degree in a well-known University ? Mr Bruce replied in the negative. Mr Justice Gillies said he not think ib was thought of. Horr Schmitt was well known, the position was one which he was considered to be capable of filling, and he ofieied to take it at a lee for which they could not oxpect anyone else to take it. That was about it. He thought that, certainly, if theie was to be a permanent Chair ol Music, and u they had tunds to resolve upon this, that it ought to be done by public competition, Mr Bruce thought that tho act of the Council in appointing Heir Schmibt was decisive. As to the degree?, there was a great deal of apparent ignorance prevailing. Thcio was no musical degiee on the Continent that existed in England, but this did not ailect any man trained on the Continent. Mr Upton : I think ib is a matter that ought to be gone about gently. Mr Bruce suid that the appointment of Herr Schmitt was really made on tho movement of Mr Fen ton, and he offered to give Mr Fen ton's opinion us bo Herr Schmitt's fitness. Mr Uplon said there was no question as to Horr Schmitt's fitness beforo the Council. As far as he knew Hot Schmitt might be the most competent man in the place. What ho did say was that there had been a good deal of comment made about the appointment. If it was to be a permanent appointment it should be made in a deliberate manner, and after duo notice had been given. The holder of the Chair of MusicinthoUniversity should certainly be the holder ot some very distinct evidence of his fitness for the position, whether he was Herr Sehmitt or any other man. Mr Justice Gillies suggested that Herr Schmitt Should be appointed for another year to sco whether the Chair of Music is a success before any permanent appointment was made. Mr Upton and Colonel Haultain agreed to this course. Mr Justice Gillies then moved, "That Horr Sehmibb be appointed for another year as Professor of Music." Bishop Cowie seconded the resolution, which was carried. Colonel llaulbain then moved, •' That Mr Trevithick be appointed instructor in drawing for another year." Mr Upton seconded the resolution, which was carried.

Mr Wm. Aj-ch. Murray, of Moun 1 * Pleasant, writing to the " Te Aroha News " says : " I see that while honey ftfc Home last year was selling at 6d per ib, it is now sought after at 1b 6d per Ib. One beekeeper last year sold near 1,2001bs honey, this year he has barely 50lbs, and ib will take, it is said, 4cwfc. sugar to feed his bees. | This should be encouraging to honey .growers here. The wet season has also told against clover seed growers, and 1 this suggests why do people not save clover seeds in this colony ? they grow and ripen far better than cab Home. I see also thab the 31b loaf, which was 4^d sd, is now raised to 6d inconsequence of the rise in wheib. So what with, the good price, for frozen mutton and the steady rise in, woolj confidence and prosperity mighbbe restored to the colony if we had ,rauch less ofgo- x vernment and of mucfy bettei\ qualify in administration." ( *