REGIMENTAL BAND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 31 July 1929, Page 2

REGIMENTAL BAND

(To the Editor) Sir, —No doubt "Old Bandsman" is more annoyed than surprised at my letter, which is a statement of undeniable facts. No doubt he would like to have seen me walk out, say nothing, and things go on in the way they desired. He seems to overlook the fact that I have worked hard, given many long 'hours, and delivered the goods. lam not ignorant of the rule relating to the annual appointment of Conductor. As regards the ballot, I have good reason to believe that if the intentions of those concerned were made known, instead of keeping them in obscurity, and both parties giveri a fair chance, the result would have been reversed. I have conclusive proof that young members' votes were canvassed, and it was only when requests to vote by proxy were made, known that it was realised something was in the wind. It is now over twenty-one years since I came to Nelson. 1 personally applied to Mr C. Milner, who can verify that it was on my own merits I was employed, and remained so for many years. 1 played with the band' for several years until such time as I was employed more or less permanently at the various picture theatres, and I may add, I rarely, if ever, was late or absent from band practice or engagements. During the period I have had the band, they have saved something over £2BO in salary, and juniors were not charged a penny for tuition. If matured, capable and enthusiastic instrumentalists are available, by all means procure their services, but the past has revealed that this is not practicable as far as Nelson is concerned. The policy I instituted of continually training young material for the advancement of the band is a proud fact, and it is only by hard work that this end can be achieved. Further, it has come to my notice that when three of the primary movers were asked the reason of the change, not one could give a satisfactory reply. Finally, if "Old Bandsman" gets annoyed, personalities won't serve his end, and it would be better to consign them to the pigeon-hole of obscurity with his identity. I am, etc., THOMAS COLE. uNelson, 31st July.