CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2197, 2 November 1920, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.) Sir. —Judging by the reply of j\lr A. Smith in Saturday's; issue, he has forgotten all about the Band Controversy, and socks to emulate Don Quixote, Cor he tilts at anything. I was discussing the Band question, not an inquest. I* irst he says I am out to air a grievance againsl himself. Well, 1 challenge him to produce his facts; till then his statements can be taken for what they,are worth. Then he says I got my ideas from him, but so far lie has failed to produce them. Be registration, I discussed that subject with the Bandmaster previous to my conversation with Dir A. Smith, so it shows where the ideas originated, which puts the boot on the other foot. Then he takes me to task for daring to give advice. When did Idpso ? This shows just how consistent Mr A. Smith really is, for he says that he asked you, Dir Editor, to open the correspondence again so that others could express an opinion on the Band question. Then he says “if the Band want my advice they will pay for it.” lam very pleased he values it so, because common sense appears to be lacking in the effusions of the Hon. Secretary, and further, does the Band endorse them? Then there is a reference to not being able to write letters for others. I am able to write my own so that others can understand them, 1 do no one’s dirty washing, nor do I kow-tow to that particular councillor as the Hun. Secretary of “my band” is doing. When I penned my previous letter I was unaware that it was necessary to obtain Mr A. Smith’s-consent, and the reason it did not suit him ‘ was because it drew from him the Foxton Brass Band’s intentions, which he confesses in that “reply” of his. That was just what I wanted. The cai came out. He refused to divulge it to “Pom Pom,” yet almost without asking he gives it to me and the public in general, for which 1 hasten to thank him. As to the question re subsidy, if it is worth having it is worth playing for. I don’t believe in something for nothing, and this cuts both ways, both as regards Ihe “Foxton Brass Band” and the Council. Surely if the Band want a subsidy they would be willing to give a certain number of performances in public during the year. I am also sure the Council as a body Would sanction a subsidy for the Band, providing I hey carry out any agreement which may be made between them. In conclusion, I may stale the Band as a body do not uphold the actions and writings of Mr A. Smith, and I have no reason to doubt that they will assort themselves; pul an end to what has become a farce, and the tootling of a trumpet which, though well supplied with wind, is minus any music.—Yours, etc.,

E. G. MARTIN.