BANNED FORM 4YA.

Evening Star, Issue 22687, 29 June 1937, Page 13

BANNED FORM 4YA.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In spite of Mr T. Vernon Griffiths’s statement that the Otago Regimental Band is of an equal standard to the majority of Hie military bands in England, I am one of those who are of the opinion that the band’s performances over the air do not warrant further engagements. In giving that opinion 1 do not' wish it to be thought that I am endeavouring to discredit the band. We are, however, all entitled to our opinions, and the fact remains that, to me, the band’s broadcasts were very mediocre. It would be interesting to know whether Lieutenant Aston honestly thinks his band does compare favourably with the military bands in England. Does Mr Vernon Griffith know that .each summer tho various seaside resorts in England engage various regimental bands, at a substantial cost, for periods of one or two weeks Does he think that these bands would be engaged if they could not put over a more tuneful performance than the Otago Regimental Band? It is a good many years since I had the pleasure of listening to the bands of the Bth Hussars or tho Royal Marines, but it is very hard for me to believe that in the intervening years they have slipped so much. Lieutenant Asten will, of course, know; that there is an Army School of Music —Kneller Hall—at which budding Army bandsmen are trained. I suggest that to class the Otago Regimental Band with the majority of tho military bands in. England is distinctly unfair to both parties. Indeed, I would suggest/ it is ridiculous. Our regimental hand, for the limited training it is possible for it to get, is passable when on tho march, but for broadcasting purposes—very definitely No. Whilst on tho subject, I make so bold as to say that—again in my opinion—there is not a hand in Dunedin whose broadcast performances arc ryorth listening to, when it is remembered that a radio license is 25s a year.—l am, etc., , Ex-Serviceman. June 28.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir. —In with the _ controversy over the merits or demerits of the Otago Regimental Rand, may T refer to my previous letter and ask that the three gentlemen whose musical oninions were quoted may ho asked in what circumstances their letters of appreciation were given, and whether thev have ever heard the band broadcasting? It would appear that this information is really essential, as one of the nrincipal correspondents (“Rigger”) bases all h ( is contentions on the opinions expressed by these three gentlemen, and it has never been made clear whether ho is justified in doing •so. That is to say, opinions given,

though complimentary, are not specifically related to the band’s broadcast performances, and it is felt by me that this should be made clear.—l am, etc., Listener. June 28, TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I am sure “ Solo Oboo ” has hit the nail on the head when he says the military band should play a programme within reach of the members’ ability. 1 then think they would bo ablo to broadcast from 4YA. The letter written stating that this band is on a par with military bands in other countries puts too much of a strain on the imagination. One might as well compare the 4YA orchestra with the 8.8. C. orchestra. I do not think Professor Shelley is really to blame, for there are well-known bands in the North that one never hears over the air.—l am, etc., Second Oboe. June 28.