THE DRUM, TRUMPET, AND BUGLE BAND.

Evening Star, Issue 22515, 7 December 1936, Page 12

THE DRUM, TRUMPET, AND BUGLE BAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—From time to time the hands of Dunedin are calling upon us for donations in order to help them purchase new uniforms or assist them in their expenses to proceed to a contest. 1 wish to bring before Dunedin citizens that the Drum, Trumpet, and Bugle Band is in no way supported by the New Zealand Government, the Defence Department refusing to give this band tho annual grant which is given to all other regimental bands throughout the Dominion. The band has to struggle' along as best it can with the little financial support it receives from the very small regimental -funds available and one or two kind supporters. When the band is on parade crowds of people rush to hear the very fine playing and comment upon the outstanding bearing and smart turnout, shower congratulations on the bandmaster, but give little thought to the supply and upkeep of the 88 instruments. These instruments are in poor condition; and if in the near future funds are hot raised this combination will be a thing of the past. It has been the desire of the band members to have a smart parade uniform. This fact has been known to the Defence Department and officers of the Otago Regiment for some considerable time, but riot the least suggestion of assistance is forthcoming, because it is not recognised as a band by the Defence Department, and. the halfhearted interest of the officers of the regiment to which it belongs. No doubt it will be remembered that the Drum, Trumpet, and Bugle Band was one of the very .few bands which were inspected by H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, and the bandmaster (Lieutenant Napier) was presented by the General Officer Commanding New Zealand Forces, yet it is not recognised as a band by the Defence Department for the annual band grant. Lieutenant Napier holds two Great War medals, 12, 16, and 20 years’ long service medals. "When is he to be promoted to the rank of captain? I think that the promotion would be ,a reward for’ services rendered I have been interested in the progress of the band for some considerable time, and trust that some more able pen than mine will take this matter up. Perhaps the Re--turned Soldiers’ Association and other organisations, etc., who have for years past had the services of the band, may have some suggestions as to how the necessary funds may be raised.—l am, etc., ' Reveille. ' December 7.