OUR MUSICAL BANDS. Wherefore Do They Exist?

Free Lance, Volume V, Issue 243, 25 February 1905, Page 6

OUR MUSICAL BANDS. Wherefore Do They Exist?

WELLINGTON in common with the large towns of the colony, possesses a garrison band We are reminded of the fact because it has been competing in the usual brass band contest for prizes — this time m Auckland — and has just managed to get beaten by the Wanganui brass band. But, the public would not be one whit the poorer if there was no garrison band at all. The only occasions on which it is heard in Wellington seem to be when the wind is being raised for the means to go to some distant place to compete at a band contest. » • • It would be a pleasant thing, and would greatly add to the charms of city life if, m the balmy summer evenings and the calm nights of autumn, one could count say twice a week upon an open-air band performance "Why should Wellington not ha,ve a, Municipal Band to supply this want ? The City Council long ago went to the expense of erecting a ba,nd rotunda on the Thorndon Esplanade, and another on Jervois Quay, but they are so rarely occupied that the money might just as well have been thrown into the sea * * * In Christchurch there is a band performance two evenings a week in Victoria Square It is a continual feast to the citizens , a source of great enjoyment to visitors. Other towns are similarly favoured. Why is the Empire City an exception? It is not for "lack of grounds or open spaces Thorndon Esplanade, Jervois Qiiay, Newtown Park, Kelbume Park are all available There is no lack of appreciation on the part of the public Just try them. * * * We do not suggest that the bandsmen should perform this public service for pure love and philanthropy. It would not hurt the City Council to vote a moderate subsidy for the purpose. But even if they did not feel disposed that way, an appeal direct to the citizens would smooth the monetary difficulty away in one- act Has the Garrison Band sufficient public spirit to take the initiative in the matter « Has it a soul above band contests and pot-hunting? If so. let it get a move on. * ♦ * In any case, there is room for a good Municipal Band to give open - air performances at regular intervals in the summer and autumn evenings Music softens the manners and promotes the enjoyment of a people We have not too much of it in. Wellington There are several capable brass bands m the community. Which one will take up this contract, and pave the way for its due recognition as the Municipal Band of Wellington?