GARRISON BAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 221, 14 August 1930, Page 11

GARRISON BAND.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE.

There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Garrison Band Committee last evening. Mr M. H. Oram occupied the chair, and extended welcomes to Captain McCaskill and Mr H. W. Haybittle, the new members or the committee. Reporting on the past year s work, the conductor, Lieut. R. Cox, stated that the adopted policy of rendering programmes m the various city parks was being carried out, but unfortunately the weather conditions had not always been favourable. As he had now acted as conductor for one year, ho felt the necessity for airing his impressions of tlie band’s activities while under his baton. The work had been of a strenuous nature, but having trained a number of young instrumentalists he felt that the band was strengthened and capable of fulfilling all engagements. Credit was' due to the' senior bandsmen who had carried out their work under difficulties and disappointments. The band had attended many functions not demanded of it. He commented that public apathy had been very marked of late. He had been told repeatedly that the public had never heard the band yet. With one exception the band had carried out during the year the programme demanded of it by the Palmerston North City Council. Congratulations were extended to Lieut. Cox on his work and the chairman expressed the 'hope that the conductor would continue to lead the Garrison Band for many years to come.

Mr J. H. Dick stated that the conductor was to be commended on his report. He felt that a permanent wire should be laid from the band hall to the city radio station, 2ZF. The conductor agreed to go into the matter with the station officials.

With regard to the proposed, formation of a combined schools band in Palmerston North it was resolved to write to the Musical Director ot Schools, Mr E. Douglas Tayler, in order to obtain his.views on tne matter, members being unanimously of the' opinion that such a move wouid be ot great beneht to the district.

With regard to the proposed selling of the present band hau, tne chairman said that the hall belonged to the society. which was largely composed of members of the band and he suggested that the committee test the-feenng of the band members before undertaxing ngotiations. He understood tnat tne orderly room of the Sixth Wellington Mounted Rifles would be vacant for a lengthy period and thought that it warranted consideration as a suitable liall. He valued the present hail at £I2OO, the Government valuation standing at £1295. It was decided to defer negotiations until the feeling of the bandsmen was tested.

It was also decided to offer the band’s services at all unemployment benefit concerts.

Messrs Gram, McCaskill, Newlands and the conductor were appointed a sub-committee to arrange lor future concerts.

Application was made by the Manawatu Kennel Club for tlie use of the band hall for its next show, owing to the ban placed on Alsatians by the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association. It was decided to offer the hall for the purpose at a fee of £ls, subject to the club leaving the hall in the same condition as it found it.