Few, indeed, are the homes in which the sound of the piano is not heard. Under normal conditions, Dunedin, with a population of about one-fifth that of the average provincial town in Great Britain, boasts two amateur orchestral societies, many brass bands, a military mixed band, orchestral clubs, two choral societies,a male choir, an operatic society, and many small choirs. It has also numerous capable soloists, both vocal and instrumental,who are not attached to any of these organisations.
Our young people take themselves and their musical studies very seriously, as is evidenced by the results achieved in the examinations of the Trinity College and the Associated Board, and in other standard examinations. Similar conditions exist in the other large centres of the dominion. In such favourable circumstances it might be expected that a great outburst of the creative would follow this stimulation of the art impulse in the vigorous first-fruits of a new nation planted among the most ideal conditions conceivable of climate and of natural beauty; especially when that nation is conscious of being sprung from an intellectual, fine-fibred, cultured stock, of the noblest and most chivalrous aspirations, and of the most glorious traditions, not only in the sphere of social evolution, but in the domains of art and science...
Nothing is more sure than that Dunedin could organise a successful annual festival if the initiative were undertaken by representative citizens, advised by the professional element.
Retaliation for murders
Sydney: Another reminder that many of the Pacific islands lying off the regular steamer tracks are still the home of treacherous and blood-thirsty savages was given this week, when news reached Sydney of the murder of two white traders in one of the outlying islands of the New Britain group.
The circumstances surrounding the murder are not known. The traders, it is believed, had been for some time on the island, and had been on fairly good terms with the natives, who are notoriously untrustworthy. They have always showed a marked antipathy to whites, but, like other islanders, they seemed to be gradually succumbing to persistent European penetration. However, one day in June the two men were suddenly set upon by great numbers of the savages, and, although they defended themselves bravely, they were literally butchered. The natives then, with their old-time dances and ceremonies cooked and ate the bodies.
First through tunnel
A notable feat was performed by the Hon. Joseph Grimmond, an old West Coaster, on Wednesday. He determined to put up a record in the way of travel between the West Coast and Canterbury, so he arranged for a trip through the tunnel instead of going overland. He had a ride in the electric trolley for the greater part of the three and a half miles between the Otira mouth of the tunnel and the heading, but had to walk a considerable way. He emerged on the Canterbury side after being a couple of hours or so in the bowels of the earth. He claimed with some pride he was the first passenger to make the tunnel trip. — ODT, 24.8.1918.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
