FUTURE OF BAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23132, 2 September 1938, Page 10

FUTURE OF BAND

MUNICIPAL UNIT

RETENTION DEFEATED Former decision upheld ACTION BY CITY COUNCIL The future of the Municipal Band ;was again discussed at a meeting of the City Council last night, when its retention as a civic organisation was 'sought in a motion introduced by -Mr. J?. Armstrong and supported by other Labour members. After a prolonged discussion in which 10 speakers took part, tho previous decision of the council to 'discontinue the activities of tho hand in its present form was endorsed, the motion rescinding the previous resolution being defeated by 14 votes to five. In view of the large expenditure involved, the council on August 11 ndopted a. recommendation of the Finance Committee to discontinue the activities of the band as it is at present constituted. It was agreed to give ono month's notice to the bandmaster, Mr. IT. J. O'Connor, and the 33 bandsmen, and a committee was set up to report to the Financo Committee with recommendations to givo eflcct to tho proposals, for tho reconstruction of the band as a brass unit on a limited subsidy basis. Tho sub-committee was also instructed to report on the question of providing subsidies to other Auckland ■bands. Tribute to Band Mr. Armstrong's motion night "was ,io rescind the previous resolution land proposed the appointment of a sub--1 committee to report to the council with : euch recommendations as were necessary to give effect to the proposals for I.the retention of the services of the l,band. "I was completely hoodwinked by the ("recommendation ol: the 1 inance Comjmittee at the previous meeting of the "council," Mr. Armstrong said. "I was 'pnistaken then as to its effect, but I ijiow realise that it is quite illogical for Jjthe Finance Committee to dismiss the liband and then ask a sub-committee to j]iold an inquest. Economy is the worst 'possible reason to advance for tho abolition of one of the most valuable cultural/agencies in Auckland." Mr. Armstrong praised the quality 'of the work performed by the band •'and expressed the opinion that it J ranked most favourably with semi-pro-ifessional bands in England. Even if it \were not appreciated by tho City Counijcil, its merits wero realised outside -'Auckland.

Question ol Economy Seconding the motion, Mr. J.Sayegh ifcaid he ' regretted the decision. It :seemed a- striking commentary that the 'council maintained the band for 15 ;rears in spite of the slump and, at a \time of prosperity, suggested that the Umit should be disbanded because it -jtvas .costing £2OOO or more a year. A plea on behalf of the five other Ifcands in Auckland was made by Captain R. S. Judsfon, who said these ■organisations were deserving of much ; greater assistance than they were receiving from the council. He said that .'never had the Municipal Band assisted -•at the Anzac Day services, for which ■other voluntary units had been obtained. It. was also probable that an • expenditure of about £2OOO would be 'necessary within the next year or two •■to provide new instruments for the ! {Municipal Band if it were retained in ljts present form. On a division being taken,, the reticinding. motion was lost. Its supporters •were Mrs. M. M. Dreaver and Messrs. iE. F. Andrews, Armstrong, Savegh and iP. Carr.