HC Deb 04 May 1865 vol 178 cc1470-1
MR. HENNESSY

said, he wished to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland a Question with reference to the Dublin Exhibition. He might state, by way of explanation, that the programme of the music to be performed at the opening of the Exhibition had been submitted to Lord Wodehouse for his sanction. Me understood Lord Wodehouse had struck out several pieces of music, and the programme as it now stood did not contain one Irish piece. He would venture to ask the right hon. Baronet, Whether it is a fact that the arrangements for the opening of the Dublin Exhibition were submitted to the Lord Lieutenant for his approval; and, whether his Excellency has sanctioned a programme from which Irish music has been excluded?

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, he possessed no official knowledge upon the subject. He believed, however, that the programme was settled by the Dublin Exhibition Committee, which was composed of Irish gentlemen. He understood that compositions of Mozart and Handel were to be sung by 1,000 voices, and it was perhaps undesirable that the music of Mozart and Handel should be mingled with "Garry Owen" and "Boyne Water."

MR. HENNESSY

said, he would repeat one part of his Question—whether the programme had been submitted to Lord Wodehouse for approval. He also desired to know whether the right hon. Baronet had ever heard that Handel himself had said that he would rather be the composer of a certain Irish melody than of any of his own works?

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, he believed that the programme was submitted to the Lord Lieutenant, but of course he had no voice in the matter. He believed that it was also submitted to the Prince of Wales.