BANDS IN MILITARY CAMPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24420, 4 October 1940, Page 4

BANDS IN MILITARY CAMPS

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—As one who expects to spend the summer in a military training camp, I feel justified in making a complaint. The defence authorities have seen fit to say “No bands,” but what does the public say? As a representtive of the public, I say that bands are desired, and 1 should like to know the motive underlying the abolition of martial music. As a “rookie, I anticipate that camp is going to be hard and that on many occasions we win one foot home after the other to the sole accompaniment of our own monotonous marching feet. Just think of the cheering effect of being met on the outskirts of camp by some stirring march from our regimental band Among the patriotic causes sponsored by your paper, none. I think, has the importance or urgencv of this matter, and the sooner this complaint makes an impression on the powers that be the happier will the trainees be who are leaving their band behind to play in the city parks for the entertainment of the sparrows.—l am, etc.. First Otago, Dunedin. October 2.

TO fHF editor Sir—What are the military authorities thinking about when they are not including bands for camps in territorial regiments? There is something wrong somewhere. I remember reading in your paper, and also in the H;me papers, that, owing to the demand of the people, the Minister of War authorised the reinstatement of regimental bands while the regiments are at home. Surely our Minister of Defence has the power to authorise the reinstatement of regimental bands. If the officers and men of the regiments had the say in the matter, bands would be included op the strength of their regiments. Any old soldier will tell you how a band has bucked him up when he was nearly dead. The fault with the army is that it is run bv a few “brass hais,” and the other officers are not allowed to say anything because if they do it is insubordination, t would suggest that the Minister of Defence form a committee including business men wi f h military experience, so that suggestions from officers and men may be received and dealt with In an unbiased manner. —I am. etc.. Common Sense.