CITY BANDS

Evening Star, Issue 21966, 28 February 1935, Page 3

CITY BANDS

LACK OF PUBLIC SUPPORT PRAISE FOR BT. HILDA'S PERFORMANCE That the public of Dunedin did not support the bands of the city financially as well as they should was the opinion of several speakers at the meeting of the City Council last night. Early in the meeting the mayor (Rev. E. T. Cox) suggested that the Finance Committee might take into consideration the magnificent win of the St. Kilda Band at the recent championship at Timani. Cr A. H. Allen (chairman of the (inanco Committee) said he had pleasure in offering congratulations to the St. Kilda Band. ! For that band to win both the A grade championship and the quickstep was almost a unique performance and a highly meritorious one. Speaking of the subsidies granted tb the bands, Cr Allen said the City Council each year granted £350 among seven bands, or £SO each. .The bands supplemented their earnings by performances at the Gardens and other places, but received very little in that way. The St. Kilda and the Kaikorai Bands were sorely pressed financially prior to going to Timaru, and did their utmost to raise some revenue for new uniforms and expenses. They were given permission to bold a Sunday afternoon concert at the Caledonian Ground, but they gained only a few pounds. In view of the fact that the bandsmen gave their services voluntarily and put in a tremendous amount of time, and had also proved how efficient they were, he thought the public should get behind the bands and give them more support. Cr Scott was also of the opinion'that the bands did not receive the public support they deserved. They would have a better chance if they had more money.