BAND’S ENGAGEMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 39, 16 February 1939, Page 8

BAND’S ENGAGEMENTS

WANGANUI PIPERS AT HASTINGS ANSWER TO CRITICISM "The Wanganui Highland Pipe Band has not violated any law, unwritten or written, in accepting an engagement to play at the Hawkes Bay A. and P, Association's autumn show in March,” remarked Mr. A. McSkimming, president of the band, when asked by the "Chronicle” if he had anything to say regarding the Hastings message published in Tuesday’s issue.

I The message intimated that er ticism of the action of the Hawke’s Bay A, and P. Association in engaging the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band to play at their autumn show was made in a statement by Mr. C. Bryant., chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Brass Bands’ Association. “I strongly deprecate the action of the A. and F. As* 'c.ction in going outside th? province Io secure a band when there are several bands in Hawke’s Bay available 1o play at the show,” said Mr. Bryant. "The cost of bringing over the Wanganui band is quoted at £25.” "This is double what it would cost to use a Hawke's Bay band. There is an unwritten law among bands that one does not encroach on another’s territory, and in view of this I will be surprised if the Wanganui pipers come to Hastings to play.” When the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band was playing at the Waipukurau Show on January 23, stated Mr. McSkimmin£, the president of the Hawke’s Bay A. and P. Association was so impressed with their playing and the drum-major’s display that he was desirous of engaging them to play at the Hawke's Bay autumn show. Though keen to pay a visit to Hastings and Napier, the band did not desire to be placed offside with like organisations. for relations with the Ruahine Pipe Band, with headquarters at Dannevirke, have always been very cordial, and it was felt that this band would fill the bill. So insistent was the demand for the Wanganui band, however, that the president of the A. and P. Association, after consulting his colleagues, made a special trip to Wanganui to discuss the matter, and produced a guarantee for the expenses. The band is not charging a fee of £25. That sum includes £2l 10s for transport to and from Hastings, a.nd at the most there will only be £3 10s for the band’s uniform fund. The president of the Hawke's Bay A. ano P. Association personally contributed £5 toward the expenses, and 15 other members of the association have put in £1 each. "I do not wish to encourage a controversy on the subject,” said Mr. McSkimming, "but I want to make it clear that the engagement was not sought by the Wanganui Highland P ; ne Ecnd. They accepted the invitation as a matter of courtesy, and appreciate such recognition of the high standard which they have endeavour'd to maintain.”