The beginnings and development of a New Zealand music: The life ...

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Correspondence on the subject was started in the "Letters to the Editor"
section of The Press:
"Sir - I was amazed to note in this morning's
report of the Noel Newson Memorial concert
the briefest mention of all but one item, the
elegy composed especially for this occasion.
After the unpardonable display of bad manners
on the part of the conductor at the abrupt
ending to this particular item, I nursed the
hope that an apology to the soloists and the
audience would have been tendered immediately.
It is regrettable that the remainder of an
excellent programme by outstanding artists
should have been marred for all at the outset
by this incident.
- Harmony,,54
The letter had been referred to Lilburn who replied:
"I returned to the stage and tendered an
apology to the audience. If it was unheard
by your correspondent and others I am sorry.
I should like to use this opportunity to say
what is necessary to avoid or correct
misunderstanding. Neither Miss Mander nor
the orchestra was in any way to blame for
the situation which arose during the
performance of my work. For not redeeming
the initial error, a mistaken contralto entry,
I, as conductor, am responsible. I decided to
terminate the performance when I felt that
the patience of the audience and the broadcasting
service had been tried far enough."55
The matter was far from closed. The following day The Press carried a
letter from E. Jenner attacking Lilburn's reply of the preceding day:
"In the recent Noel Newson Memorial Concert we
are told that the artists gave their services.
For that reason alone Mr Lilburn's statement
to The Press is unfortunate, for he has singled
out by implication one specific person for blame.
If he had to make an explanation, it should have
been in general terms. This applies also to the
short account that appeared in The Press on
Friday. I simply could not believe I was reading
correctly when I scanned it through. I saw
wisdom in The Press refraining from comment on
the morning following the concert; but harm was
definitely done when, a day later, hurtful
criticism appeared against one who had generously
given her services. The singer referred to has
54 The Press 27 March 1944:6.
55 ibid.