"A CROWD, A BAND, AND A PROTEST."

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 458, 17 March 1909, Page 9

"A CROWD, A BAND, AND A PROTEST."

Sir,—l was surprised to read tlio nrticlo under tlio abovo heading in this morning's Dominion, and think it a little, unfortunate that your reporter lias so little regard for truth as to send to you such gross misrepresentation about tlio Salvation Army Band playing on Saturday last at 10.30 p.m. Had ho boon on the spot, and not got his information from tainted sources, you might have got something of the truth, 'if ho has any regard for truth at all. Tho facts are these: First wo marched to tho cast of llichmond Street, opposite Palmer's Hotel (not Nelson Street, as stated by your report), held a meeting for about twenty minutes, when tho crowd was not only orderly, but very appreciative, both to tho music aiid speaking. Wc then marched up tho street and made another halt beyond Sydney Street, and held another meeting, when the crowd was again appreciative. . It is true there were a fow good-natured repartees; it would bo a very dead "open air" without them, especially after tho hotels close. As regards the bandsman and the "J.TV," it is just as much igntorted as the rest of the report. I happened to bo that bandsman, a_nd was on my way homo when my attention was attracted by hearing someono using "adjectives." I simply walked over to the said J.P. and asked what was ho so wild about. I get greeted with "adjectives" and what ho could do as a Justice of tho Peace. I told him not to bo so silly as to express himself officially on his powers of the same. I then walked down tho street with the police to explain our position—why wo were out— to the sergeant. The fow men that gathered at this juncture were most respectful to mo as they always are, because I respect them. iNow, sir, how your reporter can twist that and say I was molested (because, he writes, 110110 of tho other members wore molested) is ooyond human comprehension. His (the reporter) whole- aim seemed to pour ridiculo and contempt on our cause, but he can save himself tlio trouble, for the pcoplo in Petone value tho Army and its band. I am sorrv to have to trouble you, but I feel keenly'the disrespect that you try to throw on a righteous cause. Hoping in the interest of fair play you will publish this.—l am, etc., W. B. GOUGH. t, , " , Baud Secretary. Petono, March 15, 1909; [Mr. Gough's statement of the facts differs Utile from that of our Petono correspondent —where they disagree, is as to whether or not tho attitude of tho crowd was appreciative of tho band playing at the late hour stated, or whether it evinced disapproval, the suggestion that the paper desired to throw ridicule and contempt on tho work of the Salvation Army is quite unfounded, as ;.Ir. Coughs superior officers will probably inform him should ho trouble to inquire ] '