THE PALMERSTON BAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9160, Issue 9160, 9 March 1910, Page 6

THE PALMERSTON BAND.

ORDER OUT OF CHAOS

There was more unseemly wrangling at last night's meeting of the Palmerston Band, and for the first hour things were very warm. Mr D. Buick, M.P., occupied the chair, and trouble arose over the minutes. Mr Pickering pointed out. that they contained no mention of the fact that at the meeting thev recorded that the chairman (Mr Park)" had declared the annual meeting null and void. Mr Holben explained that he had obtained legal advice on' the matter, and had been told that the meeting in question was legal, and a lawyer's letter was produced to that effect. A hot discussion followed, in which personalities were rife, but at about nine o'clock the atmosphere cooled some-

what. Mr Buick then intimated his perfect willingness to resign his position ns president of the Band. He had tried to come in as a peacemaker, but he felt that a certain section had used him as a catspaw. "I have great pleasure in handing in my resignation," he said. Mr Palmer said he had certainly come th-rc under the impression that the whole thing was to be started afresh, and ho ihoiiidit ilie onlv clear way was to dishvnd the whole-show absolutely. The public of Palmerston took a great interest in the Band, ami would respond sixain if they felt it was doing its duty. They had keenly felt the absence of the Bund. As to the meeting. Mr Palmer considered it the most deplorable he had ever been at in his life. It was really painful to have to sit and listen to so much bickering and backchatting. Mr Scott then wanted to know if playins: members would resign as well as officers, but it was pointed out that they bad id ready .-.igncd on under the new contract. Mr Buick rose again at this stage and rfp.id: "Gentlemen. I have very much pleasure in vacating Ihe chair. I i mist decline to accept office again, although if the Band gets its fooling again I will be very pleased to assist in any way I can." The chairman then took a back sent, and Mr Park was voted to the chair "'You have no further use tor me, , ' said Mr Buick; "I will wish you good-night." and he left the room. Mr Dc-vine'also retired a' this stage.

The newly-appointed chairman now (.10cided to have the minutes of the annual meeting of 1903 road and confirmed, and afier this was done the election of oHicers •was proceeded with. Mr Conway was elected conductor without opposition; Mr Buick, patron ; Mr Park. president; and Archdeacon Harper. Dr. Sfowe Cupt. Mounsey. Messrs J. A. Nash, W. Ruther■furd C. Dunk. H. Palmer, W. l> vine, E R. B. Holben. F. J. Nathan, bhep Dixon, A. E. Clausen. C. N. Clausen, and J. L. Barniooat vice-presidents. Other officers were: —Drum-major, Col.-bergt Pen-in; sergeant, W. Pike; corpl.. b. Bowater; lahcc-corpl., D. Scott; librarian, W. Brophy. Then came the ejection of secretary. Mr Pickering said he had a good man in view in Mr Harry Muller. Somcoii" proposed Mr Holben, and again things promised to be warm. Mr Conway stated his conviction that the secretary should be someone in touch with the band, and although Mr Muller might be a competent man he could not have that qualification. . ~ Another long argument ensued, Air Conway insisting on his position, and declaring that Mr Pickering in' forcing an outsider in was animated by some ulterior motive. Eventually Mr Holben ivas elected secretary. Over the position of assistant-secretary the storm burst afresh. Mr Pickering's nominee was Mr Rolf, who he declared to be an enthusiastic supporter of the Band. Mr Conway. however, again objected, and again insisted that the position should be filled from th-* ranks of the Band. Mr Charker was nominated for the position, but Mr Pickering refused absolutely to withdraw his nomination, although the seconder of the motion and the nominee were both willing, to stand down. Mr Rolf objected to the implied slur on himself in Mr Conway's attitude.

Mr Conway : I have no fault to find with Mr Rolf, but there is no reason on earth why a member of the Band should not. be chosen. There is something behind Mr Pickering's attitude. We haven't seen the minutes of his meeting 7 ct

Mr Rolf then decided to refuse to stand, and Mr Charker was elected unopposed. Mr F. Kendall accepted election as treasurer and Messrs A. J. Graham and H. Mowlem were the chosen auditors.

It v.-;is decided, on the suggestion of the conductor, to elect a committee composed evenly of townsmen and bandsmen, and tho following were chosen :—Messrs H. Palmer, F. J. Nathan, C. Dunk, C. N. Clausen, J. A. Nash. Pike, Burlitt. Bowater. Beamish and Piper.

Mr Pringle then requested that his resignation be accepted. He said he had handed it in threo times, and thought it was time for the Band to move. He wanted also to bo relieved of his guarantee.

These requests were granted, and a vote of thanks for his service to the Band was passed to Mr Pringle. The meeting terminated just on eleven o'clock.