BANDSMENS’ CHRISTMAS BENEFIT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 145998, 3 December 1917, Page 7

BANDSMENS’ CHRISTMAS BENEFIT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—Referring to‘the above bonding, it will perhaps lie remembered that last year the bandmaster brought forward a now'Scheme to take the place of “midnight” Christmas carolling, it haying been the custom here to allow the bandsmen to devote the cash proceeds of such carolling to their own benefit. The system or custom was not a. very popular one with residents, and ■in addition it was very‘fimoh abused, and the suggestion was made that a special bandsmen’s benefit, he organised, and special bandsmen's benefit he organised, and'special 1 donations bo solicited, so : as to dispense with the old system. Last year’s response was very satisfactory, and the citizens’ committee arc asking that this method he adopted-an-nually. With this in view, the hands■mcn will give a special Christmas recital on Thursday evening next (December G). in Pukokura Park, when the 'programme will bo of an appropriate nature.. Private contributions to this fund will be accepted by the undersigned up till Saturday evening next. December 8, after -which the appeal wilt be closed. As lias been pointed out on .several occasions, the men are making sacrifices all the year round, and some small recognition of these services in the wav suggested should he forthcoming. It is not the actual amount raised that concerns ns, so much aa the sentiment underlying the effort, because when you come to divide £3O to £lO Hast year’s approximate figures) among 30 to" '4O bandsmen, it can scarcely be considered recompensing them for their 12 months’ sacrifices. We trust that this year’s result will far surpass that of last year, and he in keeping with, and worthy of the special efforts made by the bandsmen to-give pleasure to the ■public.- We make this appeal'with the ‘utmost confidence, because - wo'fool that it is a just one.—Wo are, etc., E. D. SOLE. Chairman’s Citizens’ Committee. F. W. G. M‘LEOD, L.T.S.. Conductor. New Plymouth, December 1, 1017.