BANDS IN CAMPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24417, 1 October 1940, Page 11

BANDS IN CAMPS

ro rat editor Sir, —I am informed that the territorial regimental camps are to be without their official bands. ,It is true that, as stretcher-bearers, about 20 of. the band of the Ist Otago Regiment have been allowed to take their instruments with them, but there is no provision lor the presence of the bandmaster, who has so devotedly trained and conducted their performances for many years. This is, in my opinion, a regrettable error on the part of the authorities. The unity and efficiency of band music in the camp are diminished. It is not as though they were going overseas. Even then the value of the official bands has been acknowledged. by. for instance, the British authorities. One of the chief problems of mobilisation camps will be to entertain and inspire the men with pride in their corps. Good band music will do more to realise this important aim than almost anything else. From an extended experience of camps and bases on a peace and war footing, I assert without fear of contradiction that the morale of the troops will suffer if mar. tial music is lacking, and the best band music is part of the soldier’s education and is a high and wholesome feature of the entertainment of the men, which helps to keep them at their best in every respect. I trust that the authorities will reconsider this matter and arrange for the bandmasters to take their pla es with their men and thus encourage their development and the pride of their regiments.—l am, etc., E. N. Merrington, Chaplain to the Forces. Dunedin. September 30, 1940.