BAND SUBSIDY

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 25 September 1933, Page 7

BAND SUBSIDY

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —While admitting the statements of your correspondent in Saturday’s issue concerning the Municipal Band’s contest successes, it may be fruitful for botli the councillors and public to analyse these. They might then find a basis for the solution of the “subsidy” question. I have before me the results of the first night’s performance at the Wellington contest. The Taranaki .Regimental and Stratford Municipal Bands were placed sixth (equal), while Hawera, Hastings and Central Mission were seventh (equal). Though Hawera gained sixth place on the aggregate, Stratford, as they have done always, beat them. Now, at Wanganui, Hawera certainly was placed second, but against only five bands, the poorest B grade contest yet held. At the little country contests they have been placed first at New Plymouth—against only three bands; while at Eitham they won, competing against two bands. At Hawera they were placed first against three bands, the judge remarking that it was fortunate that Stratford and Eitham were not competing in the D grade, a statement which later came true, as Stratford again beat them at the Stratford contest. I understand that the band is contemplating playing m the “A” grade next year. Why? Have they realised that winning the B grade is beyond them. It is quite apparent that the Mayor’s statement that they have been spoon-fed is true, and as for this nonsense about being proud of your band, do you not think that Hastings and Stratford, towns about the size of Hawera, are equally proud of theirs? Yet do they pay as much as we do for their support? In conclusion, sir, if the subsidy was to be distributed among those old players who have stuck to the band through thick and thin I would willingly say make the subsidy larger.—l am, etc., HAYDN.

(To the Editor.) T-Slr, —It was not my Intention' t., trespass so far on your space, nor did I intend to blow the big trombone, but your correspondent with the famous name of ‘Beethoven” leaves me no alternative -but to justify my opinion. In the first place I am not, as he suggests, antagonistic to the band, but on the contrary, have had sufficient interest to hear it at every contest except one since 1917. I have added my share as honorary member and also (this is where mv present interest lies) I have paid something like £4OO in rates this last 10 years. “Beethoven” has tried valiantly to make a formidable list ol contest wins to tne band’s credit, and 1 would admit that when the band went to Wanganui I had hopes that the ratepayers were going to receive value for their money, hut I cannot admit that their winnings at the subsequent Taranaki contests had anything more than passing merit in them, while their ignominious defeat at the hands of tho young Stratford band and their failure to bob up again the following year shows decided weakness. Your correspondent quotes tlie old saving about a prophet having no honour, etc. It would seem that this wonss out against the band committee when they send work to Wellington which can bo done by an expert in Hawera, who lias all the material on hand to do the same at a competitive price 1 would like, sir, to challenge “Beethoven” to state as I have done how much ho has paid in rates, if any, since this £2OO subsidy lias been granted, and .1 would also remind him that for an unsuccessful B grade bend to enter an A grade contest- is an old worn out way of throwing dust in the public eve. In conclusion, Mr Editor. ] ask you, is it fair that the energy of all the bandsmen, t-lie band committee, ladies’ commitee and all the finance, both from the Borough Council and honorary members’ fees should go to pay one official when, on the committee’s own showing, tliev cannot pay their ordinary trade accounts. —I am, etc., LONG STANDING! SUFFERER.