FOXTON SILVER BAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2643, 9 October 1923, Page 3

FOXTON SILVER BAND.

SERENADES THE COUNCIL REQUEST FOR GRANT AND PRACTICE ROOM. It is an unusual occurence for the “city fathers” to be serenaded in their stronghold, hut such was the '■use last night. The Councillors had just settled down in their now quarters and the Town Clerk was trying out the acoustic properties of the Council Chamber when the strains of the Silver Band outside the building to the tune of “Our Hands are met, hut not our Hearts” interrupted the proceedings. On investigation Cr. Adams was able to reassure the councillors that everything was all right—“it was only the band.” Work ceased for a short time, while all listened in rapt silence to the soothing strains of the refrain, which was followed by “Wairoa” —interpreted by the bandmaster as “Why Roar?” At the r conclusion of this selection the band members filed into the Chamber and Messrs Titchison and Golder requested Ihe Council to grant the hand a subsidy and to give them the use of the old council chambers as a practice room, which building they considered they had a claim to ns it. was previously a. band room. They considered £SO a year a fair thing as a subsidy, for which they would give at least 12 concerts. Mr Golder then went into the finances of the hand.

The Mayor said he was pleased to see the hand resusitated and on behalf of the citizens thanked Mr .1. Golder for his services and the generous way in which lie had acted. He said that the Council could not grant, a subsidy this year as the item had not been included in the estimates, but provision would be- made for this next year.

Cr. Smith endorsed the Mayor’s remarks. He said he wished to clear up a misleading rumour which bad got about to the effect that be was up against the band. This was not so. He was only too willing to help the band in any way. possible. Tn regard to his notice of motion re using the old council chambers as a library, this was only a temporary measure. The Council collected a library rate and therefore be considered the Council should'do something for the ratepayers in connection with a reading-room. The Mayor said that the Council would consider the question and the deputation withdrew.. NOTICE OF MOTION. Later in the- evening Cr, Smith’s notice of motion , that “when vacated the present, building used as Council Chambers he used as a temporary measure for the public library and reading-room” came up for consideration. Cr. Smith said, in support of hi.s motion, that the Council collects £56 a year as a library rate and they should give something in return t:o the ratepayers. It was only a temporary measure and when finished with, the building should he handed hack to the band. The Mayor moved an amendment, seconded by Cr. Bryaut, that the eld council chambers will he handed to the band when finished with by the Council and promise a subsidy next year. The Mayor said that he tvas opposed to Cr. Smith’s motion as it. would entail needless expenditure. The motion was then put and lost Crs. Smith and Parkin, alone voting for it. The amendment was then earned.