AMALGAMATION OF BANDS

Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 1930, Page 4

AMALGAMATION OF BANDS

! POSTPONEMENT TILL NEXT YEAfI. DISAGREEMENT OVER CONDUCTOR. Further consideration of the proposal to amalgamate the New Citizens and Tardfiaki Regimental bands- has 1 been deferred till after : February 28, 'l9Bl, the date terminating the ■ agreement between Mr. F.- W. G. McLeod, conductor, and the Regimental Band. ' This decision was reported to the Bor. ough Council last night as the result of two meetings of the committee appointed to negotiate a fusion of the two bands. At the first meeting on July 22 Major G. F. Bertrand pointed out his first duty was to safeguard the regiment, which at present had a satisfactory band to meet all its re* quirements. He was, however, prepared favourably to consider an amalgamation of the two bands provided satisfactory terms could be agreed upon. The following terms would be insisted upon by the regi* ment: The amalgamated band should be identified with.-the regimental; Mr,. Me* Leod would continue as bandmaster; the regiment would not assume any financial responsibility. 3 After a general discussion during which it was unanimously agreed every effort should be made to bring about amalgamation it was decided on the motion of Major Bertrand, seconded by Mr. F. Coleman, that should amalgamation be agreed to, the title of the band should embody the words "New Plymouth Municipal" and 'Taranaki Regimental." On the motion of Mr. B. Sturm, seconded by Major Bertrand, it was recommended that Lieut. McLeod should be appointed conductor on terms to be arranged by the joint executive committee. Mr. Coleman asked that his vote should be recorded against this and it was eventually decided to refer the matter to the respective band% the joint commitee io make a decision later. . ...

At a later meeting of the committee Mr. Coleman reported the Citizens’ Bandj had decided it was not prepared to ; accept a conductor unless he was appointed, as a result of replying to a public advertisement. Mr. Sturm said the Regimental Band’s engagement with Mr. McLeod did not,-- terminate until February 28, 1931, and that it was not prepared to amalgamate;.;■ .except under the present conductor, until after the termination of Mr. McLeod’s present agreement.

It was reported, that al! perquisites enjoyed by the Regimental Band would be available for the amalgamated band. Both bands submitted balance-sheets to March 31, 1930, but it was agreed, they should be asked to provide amended statements up to July 31, 1930. These will be submitted, to a special finance committee comprising the Mayor and a representative from each band, the regiment and the council. This committee will bring down recommendations regarding the financing of the amalgamated band.