BOROUGH BAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2091, 17 February 1920, Page 3

BOROUGH BAND.

(To-the Editor.) Sir. —Ye “Ragtime Pci ter'’ depicts weird “coffin" scene, and it moves •’The Bard” to tunc his’lyre. Wink at {lie Bal’d should he offend, for he B chief mourner,' and because he fell ill they set him a hard road on which to walk —Ah, me! with u million stings like thorns that bleed. IN MEMORIAM. Gone to rest, in a (second-hand coffin — . The “Last Post” is blown by Captain Gotfin. “Here lies Tom Powell's Ragtime Band, . “That fell beneath a Butchers hand.” Ye Bard-now yearns a private hand, And pleads the cause through (|oUucillor Rand, To let you, “Cleaver,” understand Band “fellers” won't touch the trumpets much While this remains a Borough Band. So some won't, blow the “Do-me-so,’" “Con Forza,” “Non troppo,” “Fury-end-o”; You, “Cleaver,” drowned the trumpet's sound, And “puckaroood” it to Jerico. I am, etc., , YE JOHNNIE FELLER. (To the Editor.) Sir. —ft is unfortunate that t am working out of town and was unable to earlier rectify the slight omission, “not,” in my reply to the Council’s resolution. Cr. hand was ([idle right when he said he did not know anything about it, when asked by the Town Clerk' if he would enlighten (he Council as to tno interpretation of the last sentence oi my letter. In this last sentence 1 was merely expressing my own personal opinion, viz., “and even then I would ‘not’ guarantee a satisfactory

acceptance.” Commenting' on the press report of the Council meeting concerning’ the Band, I. wish to point out that Cr. Bryant mves the Band on explanation for his “Never on voitr life!” Has (he Band done more than they were called upon to do umk'r the agreement, as mentioned hy Cr. Band. li Ir. I-ryam would “gel wise” and consult me personally I would he pleased to. enlighten him on this, and 1 will expect him to make known the results of his impiiries through the public press, from when his- assertion reached me. The Mayor.'too, mak.es surprising statements. He publicly declares the Band a “public duly,” and flint “the Council had treated the Band most’ genoronsiy. • 1 fad to see this, and it is-up to the .Mayor to prove whether such ‘■thumbscrewing” (as “Ragtime’ ponds out) from the Council is “most generous.” The Mayor makes the

statement 11 1 :it mi private employer would stand I’m - ten mimdes the treatment. meted out !).v I lit* Band to tln« Council. He is merely taking “ Pouj-Pom's :il lit ml'. 1 mi (he mallei', when 11 1 e bool should In' on (he other fool/ Mr Editor, Baud lias two engagements In lullil short - lv ’ (Wednesday and Saturday, March 3rd and 6th, No'\v._! four that I mu unable to gel sudioicui men oil, purlieularlv (or (lie (ii-M engagement. M.jiv I suggest Hint the Mayor mid Cr. Bryant take a turn in running around trying to get ruen oil’ to fulfil the (miction ol a Borough .Baud “public <lnly We have to lose time in these matters, so would be glad of (tie .ua\or’s and Cr. Bryant’s assistance as a “public duty.” ft is all very well ffir Cr. Bryant to sanction a subsidy towards a “sectarian” band, which is freed from the conditions we me subjected to, but if our Bandmaster were to organise a sectarian band, and asked for a subsidy, I venture (o say he would have the “P.P.A.’ ’u]i against turn, treaded by Cr. Bryant. himself. —I am, etc., A. SMITH, Hun. See. Borough Band. lAS. —In the capacity of Band secretary, I make public application for open views from secretaries or committeemen of ditforent functions and societies in which the Band has in any way rendered past assistance. Tliis is an important matter affecting the prosperity and future of the Band, and a little appreciation just now tor the asking would serve an honourable purpose during this! critical juncture. —A.S. [THE public, as well as the Council, appreciate the efforts of the Band, which is entitled to generous support. The Band has been handicapped during the past year owing to the illness of the conductor. IT would bo unfortunate if this institution were allowed to fall , through. We believe if the Council's conditions -were modified, and a conference held between representatives of the Band and Council, that the differences could he 'adjusted satisfactorily to all parties. Further correspondence on tha- subject, is closed in the meantime. —Ed.H.]