BANDSMEN SILENCED

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 August 1929, Page 7

BANDSMEN SILENCED

TOLD TO JOIN THE “ARMY.”

Enthusiasts who are determined to form an Otahuhu Citizens’ Band, and who would not take no for an answer, at last week’s meeting of the Otahuhu Borough Council, were effectively silenced by Councillor Hunter. He told the deputation that if they were such expert players as they claimed to be, he would guarantee a position for the quartet, in the local Salvation Army Band.

Mr. Thornton headed the deputation and said that there were at present fifteen citizens of Otahuhu who were desirous of forming a citizens’ hand. They had no intention of stirring up strife, but if any of the members of the present band had a word to say, they were told to get out by the sergeant-major. There were at present only six members of the original band merged with the Auckland Mounted Rifles band. A passage-at-arms took place when the Mayor told the speaker that there was nothing to stop them having a band. Mr. Thornton: We must have instruments. The Mayor: Well, you can buy them. Mr. Thornton: . There are instruments in Otahuhu at present. The Mayor: They are in use at present by the Otahuhu Band, which is merged with the Auckland Mounted Rifles Band. Mr. Thornton: Do you call that a band ? The Mayor: Well, it sounds all right to me, and it has never been on a better footing than at present.. Mr. Deveri!! also spoke in favour of tho formation of another band.

Tho Mayor said that he was voicing the opinion of the council when he said that they had no intention of altering the present agreement. The present band was certainly carrying out its part of the bargain, and the council. intended to do the same.

Mr. Richards, another member of the deputation, then asked permission to speak. He was ruled out of order, but he refused to recognise the ruling till Cr. Hunter suggested joining the Salvation Army.