TIMARU BAND DISPUTE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21051, 1 June 1938, Page 6

TIMARU BAND DISPUTE

To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald ” Sir.—ln reply to “Facts” in to-day's issue of your paper, may I say I was quite suprised that he should have so | openly allowed the public to see he I liked going away for a week’s holiday at the public’s expense. He also stated that a past conductor would I never have allowed such a position to arise. Let me give him the true exI planation, "The band members of that period would have outed any hostile element or squashed it as soon as it arose.” The man in the “middle” was too respected to allow any few bandsmen to start undercurrents. If all is correct that each individual bandsman tells you in town, then Mr Simpson should now be “hung, drawn and quartered.” But, no! Not one man is willing to publish one single “fact” that will enlighten the papers and let me tell “Facts” it is upon that argument that I have based my complaints. I sum up the bandsmen’s effort that they are willing to go and put in hours and hours on a march, hymn and two selections, yet they “buck" at being asked to play one hour on a Friday night free for the public. Nice bandsmen! During my 25 years as one of Timaru’s leading players and bandsman, I not only gave of my best as a player, but I studied the individual character, mind and general make-up of all my team mates. In those years, I saw men with a weakness taking sides with some person with an imaginary “grudge." I saw keen men . quickly squash that grudge, and I have seen personal arguments, the root of which originated at the same spot every time. I luckily never participated in any of those affairs but I closely observed the cause and effect. I gave of my best and resigned whilst at my best and I have no regrets. But, knowing how temperamental all musicians are and having never in 30 years’ band and orchestral experience, ever known 20 members to be in agreement on any subject bar music. I was forced and am still of the opinion that the start and building up and the spreading of confidence among the complainants in their complaints has been started by one man. Your correspondent, Mr “Facts,' defends this wonderful man who uses his brains in the wrong direction and I have often felt sorry for him and hoped he would change, but alas its a case of the leopard. Now, sir, on reading the report on the Council discussion, I was astounded at the stand taken by Cr. Foote. I am right in my assertion, he is weak. Whilst protecting the sergeant he has proved to me, at any rate, that another victim has been claimed. Cr. Foote has been upon the Control Board a few days, and he has taken sides definitely, and Mr Simpson can expect no quarter from him—a pity. Mr “Facts” says “Mr Simpson and r.o I band." I take that as a definite challenge to you, Mr Editor, the public and the Council, strong words. Now, let me tell Mr “Facts” that I have canvassed the old members and it may interest your correspondent to know that a new band of 24 experienced players is ready to once aagin make the Timaru band what it used to be—a peaceful, music-loving body, ready to give service on Friday evenings, etc., and not argue over 40-hour weeks, if the present combination holds a stayin strike (as the members say they are willing to do). In closing, Mr Editor, may I make a prophecy? If Mr Simpson goes out (God forbid!) I expect the next conductor to be either a present player or one recently shifted to Dunedin. May I congratulate those councillors who fought for an open inquiry with Press reporters present, and also to notify Cr. Foote that I for one do not deal in red herrings. I left the band of my own free will, but as I said before “I know the ringleaders intimately.”—l am. etc., OLD BANDSMAN. Timaru, May 31.