OPHIR BRASS BAND.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 350, 22 January 1903, Page 5

OPHIR BRASS BAND.

TO THE EDITOR Sut, —4 a there has been some considerable enquiry regarding Blacks band matters lately, I think some little explanation on behalf of the band would not be amiss. It seems that this band is always in trouble of some sort, let it be playing on Sunday, or for not playing in the procession on Coronation day, or something else. Now, it seems to me that a band cannot be expected to carry on year after year without some little funds; yet whenever any public gathering in this district wants a band to play without pay, Blacks Band is asked, but as soon, as tawe is >ay for th«e%

services some other band is procured. Blacks Band was asked to play at the Show gratis, which they did, on the distinct understanding that they were to get the engagement for the races. The engaging of a band for the races on January Ist and 2nd, was, I understand, left in the hands of two gentlemen, one of whom distinctly made the above promise to the Blacks Band. Tben, after failing to get the St. Bathans Band, they fell back on Cromwell Band, even paying £5 more than they were authorised to do. It remains to be seen whether the Jockey Club will pass the payment of the extra £5, but perhaps those two gentlemen intend to pay that out of their own pockets. Regarding the remark passed by the secretary of the Jockey Club on New Year's Eve, I will say nothing, as I think it only served to lower him considerably in the estimation of his hearers, without doing Blacks Band any harm. The Blacks Band have now decided not to play at any public gathering whatever unless for payment, and, while I think they are quite right I under the circumstances, still I must remind the public that had this band received a fair amount of support financially I am sure they would be quite willing to give their services gratis when necessary. People seem to forget that it costs money, and not a little either, to carry on a band successfully, but here where-the band is receiving the services of the bandmaster free, it is surely not too much to ask the public to provide lights, music, &c. Trusting I have not monopolised too much of your space.—l am, &c, A Sport. Ophir, January 17th.