Over the pseudonym Economy a correspondent in yesterday's issue of this jọurnal posed a number of questions concerning the Municipal Orchestra, upon which he expressed the opinion that Maestro Paci could enlighten the ratepayers. M. Paci can do. nothing of the sort, for the terms of his engagement prevent him writing on municipal issues to the Press. He must, therefore, remain dumb in face of the implications which the questions suggest. It is, however, necessary that the ratepayers should have the facts before them when making their decision as to the fate of the Municipal Orchestra. Economy's reference to the cut in the pay of the police is a point well taken, and one with which this journal keenly sympathizes. But to draw any parallel between that reduction and the reductions in the pay of the musicians in municipal employ would give a false impression. The cut in connection with the police amounted to $325,000 spread over approximately 6,600 men. The expenditure for the Municipal Orchestra, consisting of 47 men has been reduced from $250,000 to $184,000. Under the reorganization scheme of last year the musicians in the Orchestra in addition to the reductions in their salaries, participate in none of the other benefits which municipal employees normally enjoy. Thus they are engaged only on a yearly basis, participate in no superannuation fund, no pension scheme, receive no hospital or medical assistance, and have no provision for long leave. Their salaries range from $250 to $365 per mensem. Of the 47 men in the Orchestra 40 are entirely dependent upon their work in the municipal service for their livelihood. Sometimes they may obtain an odd engagement or so, while the other seven occasionally make extra money by giving lessons, ete. No one, it is learned, is engaged in any other permanent position. The average hours worked amount to between five and six a day, though it has also to be remembered that a really efficient musician has also to put in a lot of continual study in addition.
The questions asked by Economy having thus been answered attention may be turned to the question which has been placed before the ratepayers by the proposal and seconding of an amendment to the Budget designed to put an end to the Municipal Orchestra. The question of its retention or disbandment is supported by arguments on both sides which are fundamentally correct. There is as much io be said for its abolition on the score of economy as for its retention on cultural grounds. This journal will continue to support the case for the retention of the Orchestra as it has done in the past. Conceding all that can be said for its abolition on the score of economy, agreeing that this is no time for the expenditure of money on luxuries, it still believes that it would be a mistake to wipe out now the only cultural institution, apart from the library, that the municipality supports. If this were a new luxury, instead of one which has continued in Shanghai for very many years past, the economical argument would have undeniable force, but it is suggested that the long service which the Orchestra has given the community entitles it to some special consideration. That may be regarded as a piece of sentimental pleading, and, in view of the situation in which Shanghai finds itself, not particularly realistic. That point may be readily conceded. But that criticism may be countered by asking the simple question—has Shanghai reached such a parlous condition that the saving of something less than one per cent. of the total Budget has become an imperative necessity? If it were to be believed that present conditions were to last for ever there might be something to be said for disbanding the Orchestra, but this journal refuses to accept any so pessimistic an outlook.
To pass the proposed amendment to th Budget would be to exhibit a spirit of defeatism which it is impossible to believe Shanghai will ever display. From that point of view there is a moral argument to be levelled against the proposed amendment, In view of the expenditure of $24,809,620 proposed for the coming municipal year, the saving of $184,500 amounts to little more than a mere gesture, for it could have no very material effect upon the Council's financial position. It would represent a saving of.74 per cent. on the Council's total outgoings. It is necessary that the issue should be placed in this perspective to realize that the matter is really of no very great importance, and certainly not worth the amount of ink that has been spilled and the spate of oratory that it has created for so many years gone by. The history of Shanghai has shown that its band or orchestra has been dissolved on previous occasions, A few years have elapsed and on the matter being revived Shanghai has again formed its band of musicians. That has happened more than once.. With a symphony orchestra revival, once it has been disbanded, is a matter of no little difficulty. The argu ment that the musicians of the Orchestra, could easily find employment, were their services dispensed with, is not tenable. Some of them are instrumentalists who could not be incorporated into dance bands or hotel orchestras. And finally it must be remembered that it is not merely a question of throwing forty-seven men out of employment their dependents have to be taken into consideration, and when that is done it is apparent that the personal fortunes of a substantially larger number is at stake when the ratepayers consider the proposed amendment, For these reasons it is hoped that the ratepayers will not be hurried into a decision which can have no important effect upon the finances of the community, but which might react cruelly on people very often so little fitted to follow other walks in life which would be forced upon them were their present employment to go.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.