NRS-23259 | Minute book [Trustees of the Government Music Library]

The Government Music Library was established in 1912 by Mr Carmichael (Minister of Education). It was then officially opened on 26th July 1913, with an opening ceremony held at the Girls' High School, Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW. It was a circulating library where musical associations, all recognised musical societies, and church choirs could borrow work from.Originally formed to be a part of the Conservatorium of Music at Government House, reconstruction delays led the library to be created before the reconstruction of the Conservatorium was complete. The collection of music scores was housed temporarily at the Girls’ High School, and to be transferred and officially housed at the Conservatorium of Music when reconstruction was complete. A committee was appointed, representing the principal societies within the musical culture of New South Wales. They were to select the music that would then be a part of the library's collection, the music chosen was then catalogued and vested in Minister appointed Trustees. The Trustees consisted of Dr R. H. Todd (Amateur Orchestral Society), Mr W. Johnson (Royal Philharmonic) (Secretary), H. R. Wearing (Leidertafel), and G. Plumer (the Sydney Symphony Orchestra).The Minute Book was created by the Trustees of the Government Music Library and was used to keep track of meetings held by the Trustees by taking minutes and included a range of paperwork relating to the Government Music Library. The Minute Book arrived at the University of Sydney Archives via the Conservatorium of Music Library. The following documentation can be found in this volume:• List of music on that is on loan but has not returned;• Letter forwarding Minute Book of the Trustees;• Minutes of Meetings of Trustees held at Girls High School- Including names of those present, minutes, correspondences;• Code of Rules for loaning music to accredited musical organisations within NSW;• Rules for regulation the hiring of music;• Final meeting minutes including topics of Library handover, final statement of receipts, new music ordered, final report, and signing of final minutes;• List of music in catalogue but not in the library when it was taken over – 26th April 1916;• Correspondence letter stating there is an enclosed check for extra music from The Sydney Madrigal and Chamber Music Society – 14th March 1916;• Correspondence letter stating there is an enclosed check for extra music from The Royal Sydney Liedertafel – 17th March 1916.