GREYMOUTH BANDS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 November 1930, Page 5

GREYMOUTH BANDS.

[to the editob.]

Sir, —Having read the leader in the “Star,” and the comments of the Mayor, in reference to our Greymputh bands, I would like to offer my opinion on the matter. While I am in accord with the Mayor when he states that the present indebtedness of the Municipal Band is a matter which concerns the citizens, I consider that his remarks, that the Band has, since May, made every endeavour to reduce' the debt, is exaggerated. The debt has certainly been decreased, but if left to the energies of the band, it

will be a long long time before their ledger shows a clean sheet. How often do citizens hear the Municipal Band playing? So seldom do they appear in public, that their presence amongst us is periodically forgotten. We have heard more about it and less of the Municipal Band since it contracted such a huge debt,, than at any other time during its existence. Putting it bluntly, the Municipal Band play in public, only when they aro “on the cadge.” Well, sir, the present is a time when the citizens would not. take umbrage, if the band did appear on tine streets often, and did (as has been customary) ask assistance from the people. Not many people are keen to be associated with anything that is not a success, and that bandsmen are no exception, was clearly demonstrated at the recent Greymouth Trotting Club’s meeting, when a much depleted, band tried to hold its head at as high an angle as it did in more prosperous ■ days and while the debt piled up. Greymouth cannot support two bands, but if the Municipal Band will show the people that their desire to reduce the debt is an active desire, then perhaps better days will come to them. As a final suggestion, penned in good faith, I would advise the Municipal Band to take a lead from the new band, and practise, not every night as do the other side, but sufficiently often to keep in tune. —Yours etc. . VOX POPULI.