A CITIZENS' BAND.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 17 March 1915, Page 6

A CITIZENS' BAND.

NEW ORGANISATION FORMED

The public meeting convened by the Mayor on Tuesday evening to consider the advisableness of resuscitating the Hawera Band, was attended by a large number of ex-bandsmen, and a few representative citizens. The Mayor (Mr H. K. Whittington), who presided, said that as the meeting was aware the old band had been disbanded. It was a shame for a town the size of Hawera to be without a band, and there was no doubt that Hawera could maintain one, and a good band, too. For years past the Borough Council had subsidised the band to the extent of £25 per annum, and he had not the least doubt that the incoming Council would do the same thing; indeed, it would probably do more, although he could not speak for the new Council. It seemed to him that what the band needed was a band room, and he was sure this would be provided by the new Council. With a band room \ and a subsidy of £25 per annum, the! band should be able to get along very well. The citizens should form a committee with a view to resuscitating the old band, and should also aim at securing honorary members; in fact there should be no difficulty in getting an honorary membership of one hundred. He was sorry that there was not a better attendance of representative citizens. Mr J. G. Osborne: What is the liability of the old band? Mr T. Higham, who recently held the position of secretary of the disbanded band, replied that, r.oughly, the liabilities amounted to £92, most of which was for rent. Mr F. Stevens said that there was £25 from the late Carnival Committee which went to the conductor, and this would reduce the liability considerably. Mr Higham said the whole trouble in the past hud been due to lack of management. j Mr Osborne said it was only by strict i discipline and careful management ■, that a band could be carried on satis-' f actor ily. . . After, some furt.V"»r discussion Mr W. Hoddle moved —"That this meeting form a citizens' committee with the object of resuscitating the band." This was seconded by Mr F. Brattle, and carried unanimously. Mr J .G. Osborne was appointed sec-retai-y pro tern. The following committee was appointed with power to add to its number: Messrs G. Hutchinson. F. Brattle, W. Hoddle. T. Higham, N. Kirk, D. Clarke, J? G. Osborne, C. Hollard. L. A. Bone,^W. Morrissey, and W. McNiven. The Mayor, in thanking the oublic ■for their attendance, expressed the hope that before long the town would have a good band, upon a level footing. This concluded the meeting. A meeting of the committee was held subsequently, when Mr , Clarke was elected chairman. It was resolved that a meeting of "bandsmen be held in the Boroush Chambers on Tnesdav evening next for the purpose of enrolling members. It- was decided that playing members should contribute 6d per week.