SOUTH ISLAND BAND ASSOCIATION.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1575, 19 October 1912, Page 9

SOUTH ISLAND BAND ASSOCIATION.

AGAINST AMALGAMATION WITH THE NORTH. (Dy Toloeraph.—Press Association.! Duncdin, October 17. The annual nieetiiifj of the f-outli Island Band was held this morning. Dr. T'hacker (the president) occupied the chair. The committee stated in their annual report that four bands had affiliated during the .rear, bringing the total to 32. The executive expressed the conviction that amalgamation with the North Island Association would not be in the interest of the South Island, but amicable arrangements might be' made with the North Island Association to prevent clashing of contest'dates and other matters of detail. The finances were reported to be in good condition. The president, in moving the adoption of the report, said he thought the bands 111 New Zealand should club together ami invite good men like 51 r. Morgan and Captain Bently to come here, men whose instincts were in Australian or Home music, or even men from America. Let thorn come here and stay with the band.*, conduct them, and talk to bandsmen, and introduce new ideas. The only alternative would be to pick out four'or five of the best bands in New Zealand, and send them for u tour of the Old Country, but he did not think that would be as good as importing one or two men. If he was'going to retain his position on the association he had made up his mind to approach the Government for assistance. The Government should assist the bands to travel. They should give them free railway passes. The Union Company could also very well afford to assist them. Mr. Bristow seconded the motion, which was carried. A motion was' carried against amalgamation with the North Island Association. II was stated that the next contest would probably be liel.il at Invercargill.