BUNS AND TEA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1939, Page 5

BUNS AND TEA

MUSICIANS UP IN ARMS. NO MORE FREE PLAYING. The decision that, in future, no musicians wouid perform free for charity, was no reflection on the patriotism of members, said the president of (he Musical Association (.Mr Lindley Evans! at Sydney.

"In the case of charities such as the Lord Mayor’s Fund, artists may give their fees to the charity." said Mr Evans. The resolution is aimed at people who organise social functions as an excuse for personal publicity. "All the musician gets is a bun and a cup of tea. while the hostess gets the limelight. Not even travelling expenses were offered." he said. The decision that no free performances would be given for charity was i reached by the Musical Association of New South Wales, with the support of j

I the Musicians' Union of Australia. : "As far as lam aware, the decision ’ does not apply to performances for the I Lord Mayor’s' Fund." said the president [of the Musicians' Union IMr V. Massey). "The union is giving the fund its fullest support. It is directed at organisers who use the excuse of charities to at range a function." The present season was always a poor one for musicians, and war was likely to aggravate unemployment. The decision would do a little toward alleviating the situation.