THE BOYS' BAND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 131, 18 July 1941, Page 8

THE BOYS' BAND

SUBSIDY NOT INCREASED I NOTICE OF MOTION RESCINDED A lively debate ensued at the Borough Council meeting held on Mand'ay night when the notice of motion moved 1 by Cr C. S. Armstrong that the minute on the book granting the Boys* Band £20 be rescinded was introduced. The issue was argued on the assumption that, if the notice of motion was carried, the grant to the band would be the £52 asked for. The discussion was orderly and sound on both sides, although not without its lighter and occasionally warmer moments. In speaking to his motion Cr Armstrong contended that the £20 granted was inadequate to enable t.he band to carry on. It had been the policy of the council in the past to make the grant sufficient to 'keep the band going, and in those past years the members had been adults many of whom provided their own instruments and made calls on their own pockets. Boys' Keenness. The present band had been formed when so many of the Citizens Band had gone overseas that the organisation could no longer function. Forty boys had responded and thus revealed their keenness, but only f? few instruments were available and others had had to be borrowed, whi!.»s in addition music had to be supplied and tuition provided. Paying for Tuition. At present the boys were paying one shilling per week for their tuition, but it did'not seem fair that when the band was made use of by the Borough that the members should pay from their own pockets. The Borough should then give them more support. Cr Armstrong pointed out that during past years the Council's average donation to the band had been £31 per annum and he contended that the boys were more deserving of assistance than the adults organisation. A Band Essential. Cr A. J. Canning seconded the notice of motion, and related the circumstances which had forced those in charge to either form n Boys;' Band or have no band at all. The officials/Of the band had taken a keen interest and worked hard, but felt that they could not carry on without the £52. "The band is wanted. to-day more than any time —wo need music," said Cr Canning. "Wa want that band when the boys como home from overseas." Lack of Instruments. Continuing he said that the band had made rapid progress, but the handicap was the lack of instruments. He and Mr Jarrett had borrowed instruments from friends and other bands and had had to guarantee that these would be maintained in good order.

"That'is a Threat." This position was not satisfactory and the additioanl funds wanted would assist with the purchase of necessary pieces. "If the council wants the band it should help more" he said, "but if it shows that it does not then we will give back the >"20 and disband." Gr. W. Sullivan: "That is a threat I Your Worship!" Care for Finance. Expressing admiration of the good work done by officials of the band and of lady helpers, and expressing his personal sympathy 1 with the movement, Cr S. S. Shapley rose tn oppose the suggestion before the meeting. He added that appreciated service had been given by Cr Cann-» ing in connection with the band, but as was often the case when persons took a keen interest in organisations, they allowed their fight for them to | overbalance 1 their judgment. I Council's Duty. The councillors had a duty to tlo their best with the finance and at present the funds in sight were nof as good as might be, for instance several hundreds of pounds being lost in power restriction. Cr Shapley continued that all organisation? making applications, for grants could make as good a case as the band, but it would be impossible £o increase them all. Other Organisations' Need. He continued to quote other grants which the council was called upon to provide. The Domain Hoard was hard up and received £100, the Piui<ket Society, a worthy cause, received only £5, while the Library which in

most towns was maintained by fho oouncil, was voted only £25. On such a basisi he regarded £20 for the band as liberal, while it was also generous considering the set vice received in return. Lack of Service. When the sum had been raised to £52 last year it had eventuated that the band had not once played, except at the Winter Show and on Anzac Day when everyone paraded and should not require payment. He felt that the council had not leit the band down but that the 1 band had let the council down. "We have not had the service from the band and we need the money badly. We must use the funds to the best advantage of the community," he concluded. Opinion Unchanged. No argument to justify his; chango of opinion had been registered, according to Cr W. Sullivan, who add ed that the councillors were guardians of ratepayers money and if they gave an increase to all who put up such a case: for subsidy then there would be no funds for work in the town. The band was useful and had his sympathy and support, but he did not feel that the council would be justified in raising the sum. Cr Canning Criticised. Cr Sullivan objected to the direct threat issued by Cr Canning, and also criticised that councillor's action' in attending a public meeting and "thrashing" two fellow councillors. "That sort of thing is not done —this room is the place for our arguments.'" Public Interest. Cr Sullivan continued that when the band made its applicatron for the subsidy its balance sheet had shown a credit of £48 and only live pounds was shown to be derived by way of its own revenue. The band should make some effort for itself . He added criticism of people who wrote letters to the BEACONI—if1 —if the band was worth while, and he thought it was, then the public should help ii and not write' letters to the paper. Should Help Itself. Referring to Cr Canning's criticism of himself Cr Sullivan pointed out that he had been instrumental In obtaining £180 for band uniform: and had always supported the organisation. The council had been as fair as possible, but could not affordfiuor*'

"The initiative lies first with the bandsmen, ami if people will not support the band then throw in thy sponge, Cr Canning—it is not fair t>> make a threat now." "Same Old Tripe."' That the "same old tripe had been re-hashed" and nothing said to alt?* bis opinion were the opening marks of Cr Creeke, who added that despite what had been said all coui*iilors. were lovers of music. "An effort is being made to get us to alter our first judgment, backed by th<> BEACON and a few weak-kneed councillors, but the argument should be something out of the ordinary.'' he said: Wise Spending Needed. At this, juncture Cr Canning intersected and the speaker turned t" His Worship with "May I remind (*»' Canning that this is a solo event" and continued the council's respon sibility was to see that the ratepayers had wise administration of their funds. Called to Ordter. He added that there was no assurncel that the boys would maintain their, enthusiasm and in the meantime councillors who were well served by every service wished to sperd money on things other than services. His Worship called the speaker to order and obtained the withdrawal of the remaik which suggested preferential treatment to some ratepayers. A remark aimed at the mental it.v ot' the movers followed and His Worship again ordered a withdrawal. No Thanks. Cr Creeke continued that sympathy had been shown the batfd an<! not one word of thanks had been received for the donation. Instead i-rt-verse. criticism had been aimed nt the Council. This he considers not fair play and the threat offered bv Cr Canning was not the right spit it He felt that the request for the increase should have come with more respect and courtesy. He concluded l».v saving that with many works be ing deferred owing to lack of funds Hie money could be better spent. More Important Needs. A similar opinion was expressed, by Cr T. Cummings who had in spected the 1 Borough with Cr Creeke unci lound many works needed. lie felt that £20 was sufficient undo the circumstances, and expressed the opinion that the boys could raise funds in other ways. (Continued in next column).