R.N.Z.A.F. BAND

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 52, 30 August 1945, Page 8

R.N.Z.A.F. BAND

AUSTRALIAN VISIT

TOUR NOT OPPOSED

In response to an invitation from the Australian Government, the Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force is to visit the Commonwealth in the near future. Announcing this today, the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) said that while there had been some speculation and comment concerning the proposed visit, it had been impossible to make any statement while discussions had been going on between the two Governments.

"The position has now been clarified," continued Mr. Jones, "and I am pleased to state the text of the invitation from the Australian Government, as follows: 'The Australian Government is anxious to arrange, if possible, for an Australian tour by the R.N.Z.A.F. Band coinciding with our Fourth Victory Loan campaign late in September and extending throughout October. We should be grateful for your concurrence in this undertaking, which we are certain would have a great beneficial effect on our loan drive. . .... The Australian Government is happy to offer hospitality, accommodation, and maintenance of the band, a visit' from which would represent an important contribution to the happy relations between • our Dominions.' "In view of the* terms of this invitation, the New . Zealand Government was pleased to co-operate, but before a decision could be reached, several matters had to be clarified, including the medical classification of band members, transport availability, and so on," Mr. Jones explained. "In the meantime, Japan surrendered, and as it was thought that this might affect the plans of the Australian Government, advice was sought concerning their present attitude. VISIT WANTED. "A reply has now been received repeating the first invitation, and indicating that the Australian Government felt that a visit to the Commonwealth would be most valuable at the present time. "The Government has accordingly agreed to make the band available. , "It is interesting to note, in view of | some of the comments that have been made, that every member of the band required for the tour has volunteered to go. The whole situation has been thoroughly discussed and clarified, and there is no truth whatever in any rumour that the band as a unit is opposed to the tour. "I am quite certain that the majority of New Zealanders will be- proud and happy for the R.N.Z.A.F. Band to tour Australia in accordance with the invitation and as an expression of good will from this Dominion," added the Minister. In a letter written before the foregoing statement was made "Disgusted Taxpayer," referring to reports of the visit, stated: "The people responsible have even persuaded the key men, who did not want to go away, by promising them immediate demobilisation on completion of the three months' tour. No public statement has been made; we do not even know if a capable man like Gladstone Hill will be in charge. What a cost this is going to be on the poor taxpayers, but I suppose we will have to grin and bear it, to raise funds for Australia. Seventy men, £500 per week, but that's nothing to this Government, after all, it is only the taxpayers' money. It is also wonderful where they get the shipping space for the men and equipment, when business people have to wait and are informed that there is no shipping space for passengers with urgent business. "Why couldn't the Government have arranged to send a dozen of our best artists away, instead of 70 men who are wanting to get back to their jobs? When the Air Force Band members get back all the jobs will be gone. Will somebody in authority act quickly and see that our own boys get a share of the profits if this latest scheme is carried out?"