THE LAST CHORD.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15184, 9 March 1923, Page 5

THE LAST CHORD.

DRAMATIC BAND INCIDENT

GUARANTORS SEIZE INSTRUMENTS.

AGENTS PRESS FOR PAYMENT. - A somewhat 1 ) dramatic incident occurred at Hamilton, last night, when just as Bandmaster G. Croxford had raised his> baton to commence the usual practice of the Hamilton Municipal Band, the guarantors in whose names the instruments are held stepped into the room and claimed them.’

The position of the Band is a somewhat unfortunate one, its career, for years, having been of a troubled and uncertain nature. About 12 years ago a carnival was held for the purpose of raising money to purchase a set of instruments, and something like £BOO was obtained, and instruments duly procured. These instruments later came into the possession of the military authorities, and were used by the Band of the 16th Regiment, whifeh Included quite a number of of the former municipal band. A few of the older hands, however became irreconcilable to the new order of things, and an agitation for the return of the instruments to the Municipal Band (which had still been kept alive in name) culminated in a Supreme Court action, when a decision was given in favojir of the military authorities, who were allowed to retain the instruments. An effort was then made to raise another instrument fund, and altogether the promoters succeeded in collecting £6OO, which they paid on account of a set of Boosey silver. Instruments, costing £I3OO. Difficulty was found, however, in liquidating the balance owing, and seven local gentlemen became guarantors to the, extent of approximately £IOO each. Another carnival was held a few weeks ag°> i n a final effort to raise the necessary money, a paid organiser being engaged ’from Auckland. When balances came to be drawn, however, it was found that after expenses had been met only about £4O wag available. The seven guarantors, who naturally did not consider themselves justified in carrying what is really the town’s responsibility, and in view of pressure for payment by the agents fop Boosey and Co., decided on the drastic action of last night. The bandsmen naturally received something of a surprise when the guarantors entered. The position was explained to them, however, and they admitted the reasonableness of the action. They passed a resolution agreeing to hand the instruments over, and then retired, leaving "the guarantors in possession of the im* struments and practice room. ;\ The Band had an engagement to play at the .Municipal sports tomorrow, in addition to several other early bookings. The question now arises as to whether the people of Hamilton will allow the instruments, which, are estimated to be worth £IOOO, and on which already >£6oo of their money has been paid, to be handed back to the agents, or whether they will come to the rescue and make smother effort to retain them. The agents are, we understand, quite willing to take them back ir^ liquidation of the debt.