In 1918 Bantock published Pibroch: a Highland Lament for cello with harp or piano accompaniment and an arrangement of Coronach for violin and piano. He completed his Lalla Rookh: Tales and Dances for solo piano, the Harlequinade overture and the second series of Five Songs from the Chinese Poets; he also put the finishing touches to the pianola roll of The Pierrot of the Minute, worked on the vocal score of The Seal Woman, adjudicated in Tonypandy and Blaenavon, and with Hugh Allen and Donald Tovey considered music manuscripts for the Carnegie Trust. He was also involved in early plans to create a City of Birmingham Orchestra. There were visits from Lancelot Cranmer-Byng, Marjorie Kennedy-Fraser, and Holbrooke. Sadly, in October Newman's wife Kate died.

275 GRANVILLE BANTOCK TO ERNEST NEWMAN

Dear Will

Could you take a bite of lunch with me in town tomorrow (Friday) & call for me in my room at the Institute at 1. PM? I would like to know your views about the Fest. Chor. action, & their treatment of Matthews. You will no doubt have seen Matthews, & he will explain the situation to you. I shall much appreciate your advice in this matter.

In great haste

Yours

Gran.

276 GRANVILLE BANTOCK TO ERNEST NEWMAN

Dear Will

I hope you are better, & up today. This afternoon Warden & Forty have been in, & they both seem to think that “Omar” should be withdrawn. It has however been left for Beecham to decide when he is here on Wednesday.

I enclose a letter from Miss Marion Scott, which may interest you. Evidently the women are taking the matter up seriously & deserve all support. I would like to talk the matter over with you, if you think it should be followed up. I shall be away from Thursday until the following Monday; so if I do not hear from you in the meantime, or before I go, I will hope to catch you on my return.