BANDMASTER’S RESIGNATION.

Matamata Record, Volume X, Issue 875, 7 November 1927, Page 4

BANDMASTER’S RESIGNATION.

MATAMATA BOY SCOUTS.

Mr. Cleland’s Signal Services.

The Matamata Hoy Scouts’ Band has received a smashing blow in .the resignation of its able and beloved bandmaster, Mr. H. Cleland, who is shortly leaving the district, having been transferred by the Stock Division of the Department of Agriculture to Wanganui. A meeting to consider the matter, to arrange for suitable recognition 'of Mr. Cleland’s invaluable services,' and to- secure asuccessor, was held in the Scouts’ Hall on Thursday night, the chairman of the committee, Mr. T. Prowse, presiding.

Mr. Cleland, in tendering his resignation, on account of leaving the district, said he did so with great regret. Mr. Prowse said the committee could not express what they felt for the very excellent work Mr. Cleland had done from the inception. He had started the band in the 'first place; if had later become defunct, and he had revived it. The way in which he had brought the boys on was remarkable, and a great credit to him. The speaker hoped the committee would shortly be able to make suitable of Mr. Cleland’s services. He had foregone 1 his own annual holidays to take the boys to the Waihi Beach, which was typical of the manner in which, time and time again, Mr. Cleland had sacrificed his own interests for the boys. Mr. J'. Price moved that Mr. Cleland’s resignation be accepted with regret. The speaker, living close handy to the hall, had been able to appreciate very greatly the manner in which -Mr. Cleland had managed the boys, who would try the patience of most men, but Mr. Cleland always brought them forward. As the boys grew up they would appreciate the efforts of the man who started the band. When they became older they would all the more appreciate Mr. Cleland’s self-sacrificing services. Mr. J. W. Simpson said they would be losing a very valuable bandmaster and a good citizen. On behalf of the committee he wished Mr. Cleland success, and hoped his life would be as pleasant in Wanganui as it had been in Matamata.

The motion was passed with great reluctance.

Mr. Prowse, speaking in regard to a successor to Mr. Cleland, said he hoped that Mr. M. Bates ' would take the position up. , , Mr. Cleland declared that Mr. Bates was a very capable man, and the best possible one in the district to become bandmaster. From a citizen’s point of view, Matamata had the cheapest band in the Dominion, and he was confident that the people would not let it suffer for want of funds. He would always be pleased to hear how the band was getting aldng. Some day he might bring another band along to have: a crack at them. (Laughter). Mr. F. Hitchcock moved that the chairman, Mr. Price and Mr. Simpson wait upon Mr. Bates and request him to take the position of bandmaster. The Rev. C. W. Turner seconded.— Carried unanimously.

When Mr. Cleland retired the committee decided to make suitable recognition of his services. On the motion of Mr. ; A. Bowler, the chairman and Messrs. Simpson, Price and the Rev. Turner were deputed to make the necessary arrangements.