OUR BANDS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15274, 26 June 1923, Page 6

OUR BANDS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Our Mr Burley has Indeed worked wonders; in fact, to coign a phrase, he has lifted the Municipal Band out of the Hurley Burley, and placed them at the cross roads. One road has a sign post, “mediocrity,” the other road “first-class contester.” I wonder which road their feet will traverse. There is no doubt the seeming impossible has happened, and we, the citizens of Hamilton, possess a set of instruments that we should be proud of. So far so good. Now this Band is subsidised by the Hamilton Borough Council (£SO), a most ridiculous subsidy, the Band agreeing to give twelve performances. If- r they, the Band, cater for the people, who reside at Frankton, Hamiltors*ja.st, and Whitiora their programmes will have to be played at street corners. I am sure you will agree with me when i say, and be played under most undignified and uncomfortable conditions. Could we not almost attain the seemingly super impossible, and discover another Burley, who will inaugurate a campaign to provide rotundas or platforms at these centres. It is no doubt that in the past the lack of public support has ben responsible for the mediocre standard of our bands. They (the bands) must have opportunities of rendering their programmes under comfortable conditions. Our bands are composed of men who give their time -and talent .to the public, and it is upto us to see that in future their equipment account should be of the best. Mr Burley has shown the way; who will follow on?—I am, etc., THOS. DONOVAN.