READERS CONSIDER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 36, 22 December 1950, Page 5

READERS CONSIDER

THE PARADE Sir, —Once again, the committee in charge of the children’s fancy dress Christmas parade wishes to express its thanks through your columns to all whose work made the afternoon a success. While we know that their main reward was in seeing the pleasure of the children, particular thanks go to the members of the Women’s Institute who assisted in the catering arrangements, to Mrs V. Peck and Miss L. M. Lawes for their competent judging of a bewildering array of fancy costumes and to the pipers, Graham Bell and George Johnson, who led the procession. Father Christmas, grown perhaps a little stouter during the year and at times feeling the change in temperature from his usual cool isurroundings, receives our homage. To the children themselves and the mothers who prepared costumes, we say “Thank you! You made the show." Yours otc. THE WHAKATANE CARNIVAL COMMITTEE. December 21, 1950.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Sir,r-E. D. M. Burgess’s letter about our bahd playing Christmas carols and then making a collection and suggesting giving a performance and passing round the hat—. she does not know wJiat she is writing about. The band has been struggling for an existence and its only income is about £4O a year from the Borough Council to pay for music and instruments and the bandmaster’s remuneration. The open-air concert, as suggested, has been a failure. On'many occasions, when the band gave these concerts, few turned up and, when the hat Went round, silver coins and coppers dominated. When you ask a band to give of its best and the amount collected averages about a shilling for each bandsman, it is not much encouragement. If your correspondent cannot assist our band, she should refrain from trying to destroy it. Good luck to the boys for their carolling. Do not be discouraged. \Most citizens are delighted to hear the carols. Many invited them to supper. Yours etc., A. J. CANNING, Life Member, Whakatane Citizens’ Band. December 21, 1950.