POOR SUPPORT FOR BANDS

Evening Star, Issue 23701, 8 October 1940, Page 3

POOR SUPPORT FOR BANDS

AN UNDEMONSTRATIVE PUBLIC COMMENT BY THE MAYOR Tito poor support afforded to the city bands by the public was the subject of comment by the mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) at last evening’s meeting of the City Council. The matter arose during the" presentation of the General Committee’s report and a clause in it relating to the council’s subsidy to the bauds. “ 1 feel that the bands are getting poor support from the public, and that the allocation is not sufficient,” said Mr Allen. “ I hope next year when ivc arc making the allocations we will be able to make the amount £SOO. I am prompted to make these remarks by reason of the undemonstrative manner of the people when the National lieserve Battalion paraded through the streets last Friday evening.” It was a very impressive parade, the Mayor continued, “ but it was really depressing to see the lack of enthusiasm by the crowd. Apart from a cheer from two men who had climbed to the top of the ‘ Dugout,’ and who cheered when possibly their mates came by, there was not a sound,” he said. Two bands, widely spaced, did stir up a little enthusiasm. Referring to the difficulties of the hands the Mayor contended the people wore largely to blame. If any band wont to the Gardens and played, what it received in donations was very small. What was wanted was more hands, and if the council could give a larger donation there might-ue an improvement.