BOYS’ BAND ESTABLISHMENT

Northern Advocate, 22 May 1928, Page 2

BOYS’ BAND ESTABLISHMENT

MUNICIPAL HELP SOUGHT

COUNCIL CONSIDERS COST HIGH

“No doubt you ore all aware that we have .started the much-needed Boys’ Baud in Whangarei,” wrote the secretary of that organisation to the Whangarei Borough Council at last night's meeting. The letter continued: “Its objects are to give the boys a pleasant pastime during their critical ago of youth; to further the -musical talent of the rising generation, thereby forming a recruit itig ground for the Alunicijvil Band; and to make the boys more fitted for future citizenship. To do this there will be a large initial expenditure of somewhere in the vicinity of £IOOO which moneys we intend to rais’e, by

way of entertainment, appealing to local bodies and organisations for donations, and by an organised collectin drive, first circulating the whole of the residents of the town and district. Gentlemen, we feel sure that by these means wo will be able to start the lads off on a good footing and we now appeal to you for a donation towards the above organisation. ’ ’

In moving that the council could not see its way to make a contribution, the Mayor, Air L. J. Brake declared that he was sorry to have to say it, as ho realised that a boys’ band would do good. He pointed our, however, that the local body had already burdened itself with expenditure of a considerable amount for the Municipal Silver Band. He thought that too much money was being spent in such directions.

Cr D. Mciklo contended that £1(109 was a big sum to mention and he thought that the band could be started for less. The Municipal Band, however, was bound to lose some of Us old members, a ml, consequently, he would like to see formation of the boys’ band encouraged if It were possible to do so. His suggestion was that further consideration of the matter be left in abeyance meanwhile,; Having been assured that the council actually had appointed three representatives to act in the matter of the proposed formation, Cr A. ,T. Brainsby hold that the local body should be led by them, as they should become cognisant of the why and wherefore of what the council should be prepared to do. He also thought that £IOOO sounded e'xcessive, but If it were proved to him that such an expenditure would do corresponding good lie would give the application his careful attention, as he considered that it affected a matter of first importance. Agreeing with the previous speakers that a large sain had been mentioned for establishing the band, Ur L. T. Pickmere quoted a lesser amount which had been required for a similar purpose on a previous occasion. As an amendment he moved that further consideration of the application be deferred until the .committee of three, already constituted, had reported to the council, and that course was -agreofl upon. f