MUNICIPAL BAND.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 15 October 1914, Page 8

MUNICIPAL BAND.

.Some discussion took place at the Borough Council meeting on Wednesday m reference to band matters. The question arose as the result of a report by the Council's committee in reference to instruments, i They reported that the net proceeds of the carnival were approximately £325. An agreement had. previously been- made by the band with the Dresden Piano Company for the purchase of a full set of instruments at a cost of about £585. It was decided to ask the Diesden Company to release the band from its agreement, upon the understanding, that instruments would be purchased to the value of about £300. The committee did not feel justified in allowing the band to accept such a heavy responsibility as the purchase of a full set would entail. It was acknowledged, that the present instruments were generally in bad condition. The uniforms, which had ; been in use for 15 years, were decidedly the worse for wear, but the cloth was still .'fairly good; . The ':&6mmittee:-.i^;re6pm'iiDiended.> that , the ..-.uniforms be., thoroughly cleaned and repaired, and %lsp. that an ;effort be "made by the \:G6uhcit tb procure the band a permanent room; .The committee made several suggestions for the future working of the band. In conclusion the committee stated: "It appears to your committee that there is an abundance of good material in the present personnel of; the band. The men are enthusiastic, and' should be encouraged as far as possible by the Council and the townspeople. Weekly or fortnightly concerts should be given during the summer months on a weekday evening at the park. The Council: should insist on these regular evening concerts to popularise the band and the park."

Speaking on the subject, Cr Morrissey said that there was evidently something sadly wanting in the management. Instruments, stands and music were not properly cared for. In the old days every man signed for his own instrument and was responsible for it. He would be glad to see a section set aside, and hoped that a sum would be put on the estimates for the purpose of building a room. Members used at one time to pay one shilling per week each. The Council gave only £10,: but this was afterwards raised to £25. The band used to play out very frequently. He suggested that the committee should recommend some procedure for the future working of the band.

Cr Bone said the position was a serious one for the band and for the Council. The band should not have entered into any arrangement for new instruments before they could 6ee their way_ to finance the proposed expenditure. There was a lack of interest in the work. The band needed remodelling. He would suggest that when the committee went into the question they should arrange that the band be relieved of the worry of financial matters.

The Mayor agreed that some rearrangement was necessary. Formerly .the Council was obliged to pay a subsidy out of unauthorised expenditure. This was now altered.

Gr Reid said that if the affairs of the band warranted such a course he would be in favor of increasing the amount paid. Or Goodwin said there had undoubtedly been bad management. He considered Cr Bone's suggestion good, and would suggest that the committee! when looking into the question, should enquire as to the management of affairs in other places, and see if something could not be learnt to help them to make an improvement. They should, not rest until there is a good band. They must, however, have a room of their own in which, to practise. The Mayor, said that he was favorable to giving the band £50 in order to help them to secure efficiency.