THE REGENT BAND MEETING

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 535, 1 October 1902, Page 3

THE REGENT BAND MEETING

(To the Editor of the Times).

Sir, —I noticed in your issuo of the. 27th inst., a letter on the above subject, signed “Workman,” and whilo quite agreeing with some of his remarks, in one thing I certainly think ho ovor-reached himself, for my part I fail to bolievo that Mr Ormond would discharge ono of his non to put on a bandsman. Oh, no ! Brother workman, give tuo bandsman a show. I maintain that when a billet is open, and thero are two applicants, and one of those applicants happens to bo a bandsman (all things being equal) tho bandsman should get the preference. It is very evident that “ Workman ” has never been a bandsman,' or ho would know that a bandsman does slot of work for very littlo pay ; who gots the benetit might I ask'? 11 Why, tho general public,” and when there is a preference to bo given, in all conscience Jet the bandsman have it; having been a bandsman I happen to know the amount of tiruo that has to be devoted to tho work to keep oneself in proper fettle, •tyhen I’came to Gisborne I was asked to join ono of tho local Bands, but 1 refused bocause I could not see the force of giving my time to a fault-finding public for nothing, I thought they had already had as much as I intended to give them. Perhaps “ Workman ” thinks there is a pile 1 of money to bo made when a Band obtains an engagement to play at'sports or races, if so let him set up for himself and see, after deduction for expenses and music, how much there is left for each individual member, and I am quite sure he will come to the conclusion that it is small pay for tho amount of timo such individual has devoted to practice. I could say n lot more on this subject, Mr Editor, but I am afraid of trespassing too far on your valuable space. Thanking you in anticipation.—l am, etc., Another Workman.