MUNICIPAL BAND

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 November 1933, Page 10

MUNICIPAL BAND

[TO the editor.] Sir, —Your correspondent “Neapolitan Sixth" has, by publishing his criticism of the Municipal Band's concert, done me more harm than good. Scores of people have suggested to my face that I either wrote the letter or was in collusion with the writer. Mr. W. Garth has been conducting the band for four years and our relations have been most amicable, in fact the whole band has worked harmoniously together. Thus our success in overcoming our difficulties. For any one to suggest that 1 should suddenly endeavour to seize the conductorship, during Mr. Garth’s illness is the outcome of a depraved mind. By the way, in our organisation, the band decides all questions. Mr. A. Smith will not be allowed to say whether he will become conductor of the band or not. There are about thirty-three members who vote at our meetings and I am confident that they would not countenance the conduct 1 am accused of. It has never been a policy of mine to strike an avowed enemy from behind, therefoie I would never attack a friend, in this case Mr. Garth, whilst he is on a sick bed. I sincerely hope Mr. Garth is speedily restored to health so that he may again take control of the hand. Certainly it would suit some people to stir up trouble in the Municipal band, but malicious gossip, as in this case will not do the trick. 1 think t can say that J have the confidence and friendship of Mr. Garth and the bandsmen generally. All observant people will recognise that during the last five years I have st-nek to one policy, that is, the Municipal band, first last and all the time, t trust Mr. Garth and all our many friends will accept this assurance from me that as long as he is conductor of the Municipal band he can count on my unswerving loyalty. And will (he doubting Thomas's please believe that 1 am still absolutely. unaware of the identity of “Neapolitan Sixth.” Yours etc..

ALFRED SMITH Doyle Street, Blaketown.