SUBSCRIPTION LISTS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 391, 16 September 1874, Page 3

SUBSCRIPTION LISTS.

(To the Editor.) Str, — This system of begging is one of the evils of the present day, and should receive more tHought than it does from those who recklessly hawk round subscription lists. The latest and richest out is one on behalf of the youngmen of Lawrence, who areasking the pub. lie to pay for their musical education, and find them in instruments for that same. I fear this speaks sadly of a degenerating tendency on the part of the rising generation- of this place — a want of that manly and self-reliant spirit which constitutes true greatness. It must not be thought that I am not a lover of music ; on the contrary, lam very fond of it, and learnt its rudiments under very different circumstances from what our youths apparently wish to do. I first of all bought an instrument, and then I understood how to take care of it. When I removed to another town, I took it with me. If these young men have not sufficient enterprise and pluck to pay for their own musical education, I say that our Brass Band will never be either a credit to itself or to the district for any length of time. I would gladly join the Band in Lawrence, but could not submit to receive a pauper's education in music, neither would I belong to a pauper Band. If they will go in for a free Band, I am ready to join them , if , in doing so, I sh ould have to sacrifice my big meerschaum pipe and other luxuries. I thoroughly believe that men who will accept such relief as the Lawrence Band are asking for, are not the proper men to make good musicians. What claim have the public upon these musicians, or what guarantee have the public for the good care of the instruments ? I look upon this system of collecting money ! in the case under consideration as only injurious to these youths. If this sort of tbing is tolerated much longer, I sup-oose the next thing we shall see will be a list to provide refreshments and a little tobacco for the pauper Brass Band. I may be rather übcharitable ; if so, I hope some one will show that I am. — I am, &c, Music. Lawrence, 14th September, 1874.