The Advertiser, 20 August 1907

THE MUSIC TRADE AND THE CONSERVATORIUM.

To the Editor

Sir-Mr. Bevan's letter in your issue of August 17 evidently refers to me, as I an the only one in the music trade connected with orchestras who has not played with the so-called Conservatorium Orchestra,  the majority of whom are not Conservatorium students, and are paid the munificent sum of 5/- per night.. Mr Bevan is drawing .a "herring across the track" to hoodwink the public. No one - knows better  than he the plain facts of' the trouble, viz., four leading Adelaide - music firms have written to the  University council objecting to certain .members of the Conservatorium staff giving testimonials to pianoforte dealers and selling other instruments and music, which is detrimental to the music trade. If Mr. Bevan was now a piano dealer he would be the first to agree with the music-trade's complaint. He forgets the  University is subsidised by the South Australian Government, and the staff are practically civil servants. While on this subject may I ask why he is allowed to be engaged as judge at country musical competitions, thus competing with musicians not connected with the Conservatorium? Mr. Bevan's letter reads all right to those who are not in possession of the facts but it is a misstatement of the facts on his part. It was Professor Ives who organised the Conservatorium orchestra  in connection with Heinicke's Grand Orchestra; and this orchestra gave eleven concerts in the Town Hall, Adelaide under my management. Later on, a sum of money was granted to Professor Ives to engage an orchestra  to perform his symphony during the Duke s visit. Professor Ives engaged me to organise the orchestra. I did so.  There was a squabble at the Conservatorium and the grant was taken from Professor Ives. I claimed a fee to cancel the order, and after considerable trouble was paid. An orchestra was engaged by the Conservatorium, which cost about double the original amount granted to perform the symphony.  At no time have I ever expressed a wish to join the Conservatorium orchestra. As to Mr. Bevan's remarks' re "false impression," I leave the public to judge.-I am. &c,

CHAS. CAWTHORNE.