WHEN BANDSMEN FALL OUT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2148, 6 July 1920, Page 1

WHEN BANDSMEN FALL OUT.

NOVEL HAMILTON CASE

A ease in which considerable public; interest was taken at ITamill»>n was licurd in the Supreme Court, before Sir John Halmuud, when the Hamilton Municipal Band sought to recover (he common seal, minute books, and certain other books and documents held by the 10ill (Waikato) Hegimental Band. The plaintiffs wore represented by Messrs It. MeVeagh and 11. A. Swarbriek, and the defendants by Messrs ,1. K. Keen, K.C., and C. L. MacDairmick

Counsel for the plaintiffs said that in 1909 the band, which then existed in the town, was incorporated, and £370 was collected by means of a carnival for the purchase of instruments. About, that time there was some talk of the band becoming associated with the Kith (Waikato) '.Regiment, and it did become so associated, although the minutes, which were imperfectly kept, did not contain any record of the decision. Friction subsequently arose, and 19 members of the band withdrew, and eventually formed what is known as the Hamilton Municipal Band. The regimental band retained possession of the instruments, seals, books, etc., and the Municipal Band sought to recover these.

The defence was a complete denial of all the allegations contained in the statement of the claim. Mr Keed said that at the time of the dispute with the bandmaster a number of the members became incens- ' ed with the bandmaster, and left.

An arrangement was then made, to which the whole-of the band agreed, that the dispute should be submitted to arbitration under civilian jurisdiction, and they all signed a document agreeing to abide by the result. The ease was decided against the bandsmen, and despite their signature to the document they handed in their resignations and instruments and went to Fraukton, where they formed a new band. This band they afterwards brought to Hamilton, and milled it by the name of the Hamilton Municipal Band. Judgment was reserved.