Mar, 2
We offer no apology for turning once again to the subject of the proposed new organ in Holy Trinity Cathedral. That Shanghai should possess an organ of modern build is a reasonable and proper demand. The size and importance of the place fully justifies it. Exactly where the organ should be erected is a separate question, but in fact there is very little choice. Frequent use is as essential to the, health of an organ as regular exercise is essential to the health of a@ man.
The history of organs/ that are wasting away for want of use in public halls would be sad reading. We have heard of such organs being used for public dances; but jazz music on an organ offends the sense of propriety.
In the Cathedral the! organ is used practically every day, and the sort of music offered at recitals is in every way worthy of the House of Sounds. Again, the pitch of the Cathedral roof is very good, and in this respect there is no building in Shanghai to be compared with it.
Tt is, of course, perfectly apparent that the Cathedral congregation will be the "'most advantaged"" by the scheme, but at services of greater occasion the congregation includes many who do not ordinarily worship in that Church. Moreover it may be remembered that for many years past the Wardens have not made use of recitals for increasing their own funds, but have either had no collection, or devoted it to a charity. This is altogether fitting.
What the Dean has set himself to do is to collect Tls. 12,000 before he leaves for home. The end is in sight, and a last spurt will bring the trophy. The bulk of the money already given has been subscribed by the Cathedral subscribers, but there have been interesting exceptions. One or two generous donations have been received from the outports, and there are several local benefactions which must be extremely gratifying to the Dean and the Cathedral authorities. We have no hesitation in asking our readers to give the matter their sympathetic consideration, and if) they have not sent in a donation, and purpose to do so, we ask them to do it at once.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.