BAND MATTERS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1145, 13 September 1913, Page 2

BAND MATTERS

(To the Editor). Sir, — As the result of a lengthy band meeting which 1 was called upon to attend,T desire Mr Darcy Knewstubs to tender me a public ' apology for his incorrect, incomplete, misleading, and damaging statement made against me and which appeared in your local of Tuesday’s issue. I beg of him to answer these questions so that the public may see the true state of affairs. How came my instruments in the possession of the band ? By whom were they sought and why ? For what purpose were the destroyed articles in question removed from the band room, and by whose authority were they removed ? Explain why the matter has just been brought forth after such a lengthy lapse of time and by whose auth6rity ? Since lam a trustee and the person affected, why was I not first notified ? Why am I (a trustee and a ratepayer) refused access to the band’s A minute book, thereby not giving me a fair chance to refute the accusation hurled at me behind my back, and why did be not fulfil his promise and duty here instead of messing me about, causing serious loss of time, distraction from business and forgoing an important engagement ? Is he now convinced that I was not responsible for the deficiency iu the yearly finance ? Please produce or prove the , existence of the letter received from the English Church Committee desiring the use of a disused instrument unfortunately destroyed in their bazaar fire. Was this not asked lor in the same manner as those desired by the Catholic Church ? Produce or prove the existence ot the letter he says also received from ihe Horticultural Society desiring the loan of the band’s acetylene lamp. Explain the important connection these latter statements have with the question at issue. Have I not proved him to have made the damaging statement without authority and with prejudice ? Why is he so prejudiced as to stick out he would never publicly retract his . damaging statement should I succeed in proving him wrong ? Please , tell of the kindly motive the Band holds for me, and I for them, and how was it that I and many others were led to believe otherwise ? also why he and his palhave so hurriedly resigned from the Band ? Mr Editor and fellow band enthusists, Thursday night’s meeting proved thereto be two factions in this Band. One pulling against the other, one striving for the harmonious wellfare, and the other opposing good resolutions and businesslike ruling. In some bands one man desires to rule, tries to teach the bandmaster his business, and is blind to his own glaring faults. —I am, etc., J Colder.