Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1920. PUBLIC AND BANDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9292, 29 April 1920, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1920. PUBLIC AND BANDS.

The clays are dead when it was considered that bands were in the nature of luxuries, and a matter Solely for private enthusiasts or entertainment providers. Now, it is a poor place that never rejoices m the possession of some sort of band, and if occasionally enthusiasm is more prominent than harmony, the enjoyment derived by the audience makes the effort worth while. It being an accepted commonplace that it is well for all communities to have opportunities of hearing the ' world s good music, the question arises as to who is to provide these. Cooperation is the best plan. Those gifted with the necessary talent should be generously assisted by those who form the audiences. Too often the latter have been more critical of any musical defects than helpful in recognising the difficulties, of the bandsmen, and aiding to minimise these. "With bands as with most other tilings, finance is a real problem, and were it not for selfsacrifices in time and money made for the cause by enthusiasts, few bands, could approach anything near success. The public, perhaps in their delight in the music, forget that band instruments are expensive, and that the outgoings are invariably heavy. The smal-, ler towns, owing to the lack of travelling companies or orchestras, have special reasons to encourage their local bandsmen, especially when it is reflected how dull many functions would be were the services of the band not available. The size of a town and its population does not necessarily determine the quality of the band possessed, because, as is wellknown, some of the best bands in the world have belonged to minor and otherwise unimportant places. It cannot be too emphasised that enthusiasm is mainly responsible for desirable results, and an apathetic public usually, means low-grade music. There is no need for us to remind Ashburtonians of local band history. Triumphs have been won against, great handicaps, and it is not an instance of inferior workmen quarreling with their tools, when those responsible for the Eighth South Canterbury Mounted Rifles' Band declare that the progress of the organisation has' been seriously hindered because the instruments in use were inferior. The public have suffered as well as the players, and have responded to recent appeals to provide funds to purchase a set of instruments of first quality and uniform make. A few hundred pounds, still remain to be collected to pay the balance of the cost of the instruments ordered, now on the way from England, and other necessities, and to obtain this amount the band's friends are holding a effort in July next, when it is hoped public support will be forthcoming to an extent that will end the band's financial troubles. We commend the appeal to our readers, Borough and County, for complete success would-be to the. advantage of all.