Dreyerton Sports—An Explanation.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXX, Issue 8428, 19 April 1906, Page 5

Dreyerton Sports —An Explanation.

[to the editor. I

Sir, —A good deal of disappointment was occasioned by the absence of a Band, at the Dreyerton sports, on Easter .Monday, and the management were somewhat severely criticised by a section of the public who were present for advertising that a Band would attend the meeting, they, no doubt, being of opinion that no Band had been engaged. I may state that arrangements had been completed for the attendance of a Band (twenty strong) of Carterton and Masterton bandsmen—chiefly the former—under the leadership of the Carterton Bandmaster. The Committee had accepted the oiler of the Band at practically their own fee, and, in addition to paying fares, etc., had ordered dinner at the local hotel for the twenty bandsmen expected, and had given special instructions for dinner to be prepared to suit the arrival of the train by which they were expected. Further, the Band Secretary was notified that afternoon tea would be served to bandsmen on the ground, yet they neither came nor sent any explanation whatever for their absence (nor have they done so yet). No one was more keenly disappointed than were the Committee, as the absence of the Band somewhat marred what would otherwise have been a much more enjoyable and successful gathering.—Thanking you in anticipation, I am, etc., G. A. Donovan, Hon. Sec, Dreyerton Sports Club. [On being interviewed this morning, in reference, to the above, Mr F. O'Connor, Secretary of the Masterton Municipal Brass Band, informs us that the Secretary of the Dreyerton Sports Club, wrote asking if the Band would accept an engagement on the day of the Sports, but the reply was sent stating that it was found impossible to muster a band on that day. Mr O'Connor surmises that it is probable that the Carterton Band were engaged and expected to secure several Masterton players to assist them.]