HAMILTON CITY BAND.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15275, 27 June 1923, Page 6

HAMILTON CITY BAND.

(To the Editor). Sir, —I have read the letters by X.Y.Z. and Thomas Donovan with a great deal of interest, and as one who has been interested in the band for very many years, I am going to speak nty mind. In reading the report of the winding up of the Municipal Band and formation of the City Band, one is almost moved to tears by the utter absurdity of the whole proceedings. According, to report Mr Burley was the only citizen present, outside the bandsmen. Thanks to -Mr Burley the town possesses a set of instruments second to none, but they are, so I understand, to be the property of the citizens. They could not be paid for by the old organisation, yet are now handed right over to the same body, who merely change their name I Have not the subscribers a right to have a say in the matter? Hamilton has done well in following the excellent lead of Mr Burley, but as one who has ‘‘done his bit," I am totally opposed to perpetuating the muddle we had previously. Look at Mr Burley’s advertisement re the uniforms bought from the Salvation Army I If a balance sheet had been issued by the Band previously, the public would have seen where the Band stood, but we were advised a few days ago that the Army had been a creditor to a Band that was not even registered, and as no balance sheet is now available, who is to say others will not crop up in the same way. Candidly 1 say it is a disgrace to the town for such a stale of affairs to be allowed to come to pass, and when the band was known as the

Municipal Band, outsiders were justified in believing that the municipality had some control over it. Now that it is the same concern under the name of the Hamilton City Band, will others not have a right to assume it Is a citycontrolled band? I have the greatest respect for bandsmen, for they give of their time and get more kicks than ha'pence, and it is because of this feeling that makes me so assertive that unless a citizens' committee is appointed by subscribers, to manage the band, both financially and the appointment of its officers, bandmaster, Conductor, etc., the band will not be the success we all so much need. As Mr Donovan points out, the band is at the cross roads, what is the result going to be? Summed up the position is this: Properly organised and managed means success, while muddling along as in the past means disaster —and the town cannot afford that to take place again.—l am, etc., FIVE GUINEAS