Maughan Barnett Retires

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 28, 22 January 1932, Page 6

Maughan Barnett Retires

A Gifted Musician AN important part in the develop- / nent of music in New Zealan& * haus been played by Mr. Maughan Bat BY nett, whose retirement after 19 yeats as city organist of Auckland is announced. In his organ recitals, which were often relayed by 1YA, there was always a judicious bleuding of the classics and the mote. popular compositions, ‘ _ A pupil in England of Gustave Hrnst and Frank Spinney, Mr. Barnett bade fair to make bis name in the Old Country, but considerations of healtn compelled him to try his fortune under sunnier skies. In 1890 he accepted an engagement as organist at Hobart, Tasmania, and was in charge of the musical arrangements in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of the Hobart Cathedral. He also gave the opening organ recital at the Launceston Exhibition. Mr. Barnett became conductor of the Wellington Choral Society in 1905, and retained that position when that society and the Wellington Musical Society became merged under the title of the Wellington Choral Union. He also conducted the Wellington Orchestral Society and the old Wellingtou Operatic Society. At the end of 1912 he accepted the post of city organist at Auckland, the Choral Union appointing Mr. Christian Hellemann its conductor. Mr. Barnett’s final performance as conductor of the Wellington Choral Union

was "Carmen," given on April 22, 1913. As a farewell from Wellington he was tendered a complimentary concert at the Town Hall on March 138, 1913. Since then he has resided in ‘Auckland,