Paris-Manchester 1918
Conservatoires in time of war

…Well re College – Edith and Nelly played all their diploma work so splendidly, I don’t think you could believe unless you heard. E’s interpretation of the Chr. Fantasie – when it dawned on her – was so grand, I was moved beyond words, I specially asked that she might be allowed to play it through at the exam.  I expected them both to get distinction.  Edith has failed 72 – Nelly passed 75 – go for teacher’s cert[ificate].  I feel very indignant – of course I was tabooed as an examiner again & you were replaced by “Arthan & Pierce”.  Mr Harty said Edith had more talent than anyone in the College, but the reason given for not granting her a diploma was “too young & immature”.  I can’t see what age has to do with it – especially in a performer – I’ve had a furious letter from Nelly (the exam was on Sat: afternoon) who says that Edith never played better & that everything went perfectly – if that is so all I can say is that there has been no playing as fine since I have known the College.  Nelly declares that Max and Miss Arthan are responsible & that Mr Withers said that Edith was “full of conceit, not really musical, uneducated unrefined & had none of the instincts of a lady”.  What this has to do with the exam I don’t yet know…