PUTTING GARRISON BAND ON ITS METTLE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6616, 22 May 1928, Page 7

PUTTING GARRISON BAND ON ITS METTLE

€ FOR £ SUBSIDY INSTEAD OF STRAIGHT OUT GRANT.

CRITICISM OF QUALITY OF MUSIC.

Instead of granting the Palmerston North Garrison Band a straight out subsidy this year of £250, the Palmerston North Borough Council has decided on the recommendation of the Works. Committee, to subsidise all band efforts £1 for £1 up to £250. When the matter came up from the Works Committee for confirmation th( Mayor suggested that £IOO bo paid t® the Band Committee straight away. “Have they got the £IOO to cover it” asked Councillor Mansford.

The Mayor: I think wo can be sure of that. If we don’t add these words the band will be without money until the end of the year. Councillor Eliott: I hope what you state is correct.

The Mayor: They get £IOO from their carolling each Christmas.

Councillor Eliott considered that the town had not received value for what the Council had paid the band in the past.

Councillor Fitzherbcrt: Last year we had good value from the band. Wo must have a band in the town.

Councillor Eliott: Yes, a band! Councillor Fitzhcrbert: Our’s is a good band. They might have dissensions among themselves, but wo don’t want to handicap them because of that. They can’t live on air. Their outside income is sure to exceed £IOO.

Councillor J. Hodgens said he did not oppose the payment of £IOO, but the Council had decided to put the band on its mettle this year. The payment of the £IOO would show that the Council was in spirit with them.

The Mayor suggested that the £IOO be paid when necessary, and to this tho Council agreed. At a later stage, Councillor Hodgens urged that tho Salvation Army band subsidy be raised from £25 to £SO. Ho stated that the Salvationists were giving 12 free concerts at the hospital each year, and six at the Old People’s Homo and their subsidy was £25. The Municipal Band gave 20 concerts for a £250 subsidy. Why tho difference when the Council claimed to bo subsidising music} It semed to him that rather the Council was subsidising the corporation. Ho felt that the Council’s spoon-feeding of the band had not been to its advantage.

Councillor Eliott; Hear, hear. Councillor Hodgens’ motion lapsed for want of a seconder.