THE BOROUGH BAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1158, 14 October 1913, Page 3

THE BOROUGH BAND.

COMMITTEE MEETS COUNCIL,.

In consequence of the recent differences in connection with the management of the band’s affairs, the Borough Council at its last meeting passed a resolution asking band members to attend the next meeting c c the Council and bring with them all instruments, uniforms, etc., belonging to that institution, and at last night’s meeting Messrs W. Ebbett, Knewstub, F. Ebbett, C. Rand, J. Newth, H. Osborne and E. Murphy (the baud committee) were in attendance for the purpose of discussing matters with the Council.

The Mayor stated that the Council’s reason for asking for the instruments, uniforms, etc., to be brought along was tor the purpose of making out a fresh inventory of the property. Mr Knewstub said that the baud members thought the most convenient way to get an inventory was for the Town Clerk to inspect the property in the baud room. It would be a troublesome job to remove all the property to the Council Chamber.

Cr Freeman said there had been some trouble in the band and the Council wanted to know just how things stood. Cr Coley didn’t think that anyone knew who had the different instruments—the Council at any rate did not know. He considered the best plan would be for each member to sign for his own particular instrument, then they would know who had them.

Mr Rand said that the practice suggested by Cr Coley had been tried but was not successful. The bandmaster often found it necessary to change members from one instrument to another and the continual signing for different instruments was a source of trouble. For the information of Cr Coley he stated that the band had a committee and that committee knew who had each instrument.

Mr Newth explained that when the band was first formed provision was made that in the event of it breaking-up the instruments were to be sold and the proceeds donated to the Palmerston Hospital, but that had been since altered and the property of the band was now vested in ihe Council, He would like the Council to understand that the band had bought and paid for the instruments etc. The Council was really only in the position of a trustee. Cr Barber suggested that the bandmaster should supply the Council with a list of members who had instruments.

It was pointed out the rules of the band provided that a member upon receiving au instrument had to sign for it. The Mayor said the Council wanted to help the band as much as possible, but they wanted au understanding. The Council should have an inventory of the baud’s property.

Cr Green suggested that the Town Clerk and bandmaster should take an inventory of the property.

In answer to questions it was stated that at the present time the band was eight uniforms short and some of the ones they had were practically useless. It was 12 years since the uniforms were procured. The bandmaster asked it the Council could assist by way of a donation in the purchase of new uniforms. They had established a fund for this purpose and wanted some assistatice. He suggested a benefit picture show. The Mayor said that if the band would provide the first part of an entertainment the Council would give a picture programme for the second half. He asked the band members to discuss this suggestion and make a proposal to the Council.

It was decided that the Town Clerk should take an inventory of the property on hriday evening next.