BAND UNIFORMS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3423, 22 February 1936, Page 5

BAND UNIFORMS

COUNCIL APPROACHED DEPUTATION FAVOURABLY RECEIVED The need for new uniforms to outfit the Cambridge Municipal Band was placed before the Borough Council on Thursday evening by a deputation consisting of Messrs B. H. Bishop .(chairman of the Band White (a past chairman), and C. Kelly (a member of the band).

Mr Bishop stated that the band was working harmoniously, but the need for new uniforms was badly felt. A special meeting had been held, and as a result, the deputation was appointed. Three months ago the band was at full strength, said Mr Bishop, but now the number was reduced to 16 or 17, while six or seven more would return if new uniforms were procured. The band had entered for the South Auckland contest at Easter but members were not inclined to go unless they were fitted with new uniforms. All the assets of the band are vested in the council, continued Mr Bishop, and at present there was £4O towards a uniform fund. The band would be willing to fall in with any suggestions made by the council, but it was hoped that financial assistance would be forthcoming.

Mr Wilfred White said that 13 years ago the band bought a dozen uniforms, and with others that had been reconditioned and eight on hire, these were all that the band had had. At the last Easter Contest at Te Aroha, the Cambridge band was the shabbiest on the ground and the members now felt that they could not attend another contest in the same state, continued Mr White.

He also stated that the band-room, instruments and all music were vested in the council. The subsidy from the council was very inadequate when it was considered that from it the bandmaster’s salary had to be paid. To the Mayor, Mr Bishop stated that the band had raised about £4O during the past year. Mr Priestley said it had to be admitted that the council had always been sympathetic to the band. In the past, it had been difficult to secure harmony in the band, but he was pleased to hear that the band is now in unison. He assured the deputation that the matter would be favourably considered.

It was stated that the total cost of a set of uniforms would be £l6O. Mr C. Kelly assured the council the band is working harmoniously. The band had been asked to do something for itself and as show-n by the roll attendances, practices had been well attended. Sunday night concerts had been held but the support had been very disappointing. The Nigger Minstrel Show' was then organised and £27 raised. He hoped that the council w’ould see its way clear to back' the band in its endeavours to secure new' uniforms.

After the deputation retired the council viewed the matter in a favourable light.

Cr James stated that he felt the band would reimburse the council as far as possible for any money advanced. He also pointed out that with the inroads which “tinned” music was making into the community it was necessary to preserve “flesh and blood” performers w'hereever possible. The band w'as an asset to the town and very necessary on many occasions.

Cr Wilkinson asked how many times the citizens of Cambridge heard the band. He considered that if the people wanted the band they would atend the concerts.

Cr James agreed that there was a certain amount of apathy towards band concerts, but there were many occasions during the year when the presence of the band was necessary. It was decided that the Mayor, Crs James and Nicoll E>e a committee with power to act on any arrangement made. Cr Wilkinson voted against the motion.