Story: Arts funding and support

In this except from a 1950 National Film Unit film, new conductor Michael Bowles meets the New Zealand National Orchestra. The orchestra had its beginnings during the 1940 centennial celebration. In 1950, when Bowles arrived, its financial position was difficult. The cost of keeping it running, which had been estimated at £40,000 per year, had leapt four years later to £100,000. Bowles’ first task was to firmly resist suggestions that the number of players should be dramatically reduced.