PUBLIC OPINION.

Waikato Times, Issue 12906, 29 June 1914, Page 4

PUBLIC OPINION.

As expressed by correspondents, whose letters are welcome, but for whose views we have no responsibility.

THE REGIMENTAL BAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Will you allow me spate in your widely circulated paper to take exception to statements made, by Cr. Tristram in his remarks re the Regimental Hand? I have been connected with the band some five years, and during that time I know of no agreement or condition in reference to borough subsidy; the bardmaster use- his own discretion when and where to piny tho borough concert -. Cr. Tristr; m :akes exception to the bahd not playing a part of these concerts at Hamilton East during last summer. My explanation in reference *o tliis is that from November to February our bandsmen attended over GO practices for the Exhibition Contest. Ninety per cent, of the members of the band reside in Hamilton West, and they decided on Seddon Park as being the most central place to practise in, consequently our Hamilton East friends were deprived of their concerts. Cr. Tristram asserts that the band are the servants of the Borough Council, and should play their programmes when and where the Council directs. Now. Cr. Tristram was once an energetic member of the old Hamilton Town Band, and nobody should know better [ than he docs how very hard it is to keep a country band nn to numerical strength and constant practice to be able to complete a set programme extending over tlie summer months. Might I state one example? Since returning from the contest iu February our band has tost twelve playing members. As for l>eing servants of the Council and subservient to tlieir commands, I think Cr. Tristram only meant this as a huge joke, as no band would barter their liberty for a paltry I'2-j a year subsidy. One distinct feature ot the whole trouble is: What provision has our Council made to accommodate any band wishing to play a programme of music in Hamilton!- look around a radius of twenty miles ot Hamilton; and you will find some very line band rotund-is—;»nd in some instances no bands—while Hamilton possesses a fine military band of 20 members. and they have not jiot even a platform, excepting the one erected by the bandsmen, where a hand could give a performance with anything like comfort. Our bandsmen are abused for not playing otteiier in public, yet how lew people realise what it means tor the band to turn out. Torches, music stand and music have all to lie arranged and carried by the bandsmen, in addition to their instruments, both to and from the spot selected to play a programme. Cr. Tristram would earn the gratitude of our bandsmen if, instead ot abusing them, he would formulate a scheme to erect platforms with lights in the several centres of our borough, giving every section of the ratepayers a chance to hear the band for which their Council pays a subsidy of a vear. 1 will guarantee if such platforms are erected and lighted the Kith Waikato Band will do their musical duties to one and all.

(i. T. BROWNE, President llitli W.l'.R.li

BAND PROGRAMMES. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Tn your report, of the Rorough Council's last meeting you mention that during the discussion of the matter oi the band not allocating anv dates on which to play at Hamilton !vw (V. Tristram remarked, "They are our servants, and not us theirs. We should tell them where they are to play, and they should do it." Now. sir. 1. for one, resent such remarks from Cr. Tristram. As an old bandsman, I play my instrument for the love and pleasure of same, and to endeavor to give pleasure to others, but T certainly object to being termed a "servant" oithe Council, or of anybody else in the matter. If the Council dees contribute a subsidy to the band, the bandsmen must not bo looked upon as automatons. I consider that an apology is due from the councillor in question to the members of the band. FRENCH HORN.