WELLINGTON GARRISON BAND.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 133, 2 December 1904, Page 6

WELLING TON GARRISON BAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Kindly grant me a few lines in defence of our Garrison Band against the attack of "True Citizen," who takes exception to the band collecting on Sundays for a holiday trip, as he calls It. It is very evident to me that "True Citizen" does not follow the doing* of our band, or else he is very biassed against it. The public of Wellington have always cheerfully sub&cribed to assist the band to attend theoe contests, baing quite satisfied with the efforts of the band to maintain the top position as champions. "True Citizen" extols the deeds of the Band, which every citizen appreciates, but that is only in accordance with the bandsmen's religious views — they being a religious body and playing only for pastime. They are not subject to tho numerous calls that a volunteer band is. He also cites tho Christchurch bands. The people of Christchurch have a claim on the bands there, as their money is partly supporting them, and the ratepayers have a right to receive value for their money. When the bands play on the Basin Reserve, or anywhere else here, the public please themselves whether they go to listen, and if they do they give their mite willingly, having had value for their money. It is very apparent to me that if the bands, generally, of Wellington had not better encouragement than ."True Citizen" seems inclined to give them, their days would very soon be numbered. •I am, etc., WHARTON. Wellington, 29th November. TO THE EDITOR. Sir — In reply to "True Citizen," who accuses the Garrison Band pf "treating the public in a miserable way," hints that the only time it turns out is when there is a trip on, and holds up the Christchurch bands as an example, perhaps friend "Citizen" is not aware of the fact that the Garrison Band has appeared 'publicly no less than fourteen times, including church parades, during the last ten weeks, and this does not include several charity concerts, bazaars, etc., at which the band has given its services. The band has also given more free promenade concerts at the Jervoisq\iay rotunda than any other band in the city. As for the Christchurch bands, four of them are paid £50 each per year for supplying the public with music. In fact, almost every town in the colony — Wellington excepted — subsidises the local bands. The Garrison Band has played on several occasions in aid of the Hospital, and will parform again on Sunday next at the Basin Reserve, in conjunction with other local bands, in aid of the Hospital. — I am, etc., A SUBSCRIBER. Wellington, 30th November.