Page:Municipal Handbook of Auckland 1922.djvu/72



The installation of the Organ in the Town Hall was followed in due course by the appointment of a City Organist. Mr. Maughan Barnett, to whom the position was offered, gave the first of the regular Saturday evening Recitals on April 5th, 1913.

The scope of the recital scheme has been gradually enlarged by the City Council.

A series of free afternoon Recitals for school children was established towards the end of 1913, and, later on, an Essay scheme was connected with these Recitals. Prizes for the best papers are given by Messrs. Henry Brett and S. Adams.

In 1917 it was decided to engage vocalists for the Recitals, and in 1920 a Municipal Choir was formed.

The attendance at the Saturday evening Recitals has steadily increased year after year. The average attendance is now more than double that of the first year. The audience at the Recitals for school children frequently numbers over 2000.

The Saturday evening Recitals commence in April and continue till the end of November. A Carol Concert