WHY NO BANDS?

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3000, 10 February 1917, Page 15

WHY NO BANDS?

Sir, —In reference to the statements made public by Major Corrigan ro his inability to secure tho services (gratis, of course) of bauds to lead tho recruits (in the garb of civilians, perhaps for tho last time) in their march through the capital City, I will show you, the public, tho Minister of Defence, and thoso officials responsible, the injustico that has been, and is being,- done to the private band in and out of Wellington. In tho first place, what was tho Trentham Military Band formed for? Was it formed for tho adornment of the Trentham Camp and "playing_ at race meotings, or for the mora serious and useful business of playing for tho men who have given their all, oven to their lives, for the grand/old flag?" You will hold with mo, sir, that there is nothing to compare with musio, especially a bright military march, to dispel sad thoughts, and to raise and_ foster tho military spirit'that is required at tho present time. When men arrive in Wellington from every part 'of New Zealand they naturally look for and expect a band to lead them, and it is a bitter disappointment to find themselves treare3 with indifferenco. As you are aware, it is very difficult to got a private band together on a."working day, and members of a band'as a rule Tilte to mako a good showing when they do turn out. They thus ask: What" about the Trentham Band? and .their contention is this: That if a band, i.0., tho Trentham Military Band, which is paid for out of publio monoy, can go and play for three days at a race mooting at Trentham, and go as far as Palmerston North ai)d play at a race meeting there, they have ample timo to attend, and-it is tho duty of those concerned to seo that this band does attend to military matters, and not compote with private "bands. Up till quite recently- tho Wellington Racing Club has engaged a local band to help brighten their meetings] and by all. accounts have beon perfectly satisfied. tftey havo discarded this band and engaged tho Trentham Band, notwithstanding tho fact that tho members of tho local band had tq_ bo members of a union fb- accept" "tliis or any other such engagement, whilst the Trentham'Band does not be!ong_ to this same union, tho awards of which conform with tho laws of tho country. Trusting this will enlighten those that bo, —I am, etc., RESERVIST.