BRASS BAND FOR OTAKI.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 17 May 1920, Page 3

BRASS BAND FOR OTAKI.

i A CAPITAL START. I , j AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. A public meeting, convened by Mr J. P. Brandon (chairman of the Otaki Town Board), was held at the Druids’ Hall on Friday night last, for the purpose of establishing a brass band at Otaki, and putting same on a proper basis. There were between twenty and thirty presont. Mr J. P. Brandon, who was voted lo the chair, explained the object of the meeting, and asked Air Puku Rikihana. to explain what had r already boen done in connection with the establishment of a band. Mr Brandon said he thought all would agree that a band was a very nccesary. adjunct to the. town, and, /if properly established, would receiVe the hearty ''support of the townspeople. In discussing the matter, the Chairman said he hoped all reference to the old Otaki AJaori Brass Band would be omitted. The old band was dead and gone, and should be left to rost peaceably.

Mr P. Rikihana stated that a set of twelve instruments bad been purchased from Messrs- Begg and Co., and the members of the old band had taken it upon themselves to use these for the J time being, pending the proper consti- ! lution of the band. There was no intention whatever of the band being run as a Maori band, but as a band for Maoris and Europeans alike. They .wished to have the organisation run on business-like lines, bonce the present meeting had been called. ! Mr M. H. Ayre, who had been nct--1 ing as hon. secretary and treasurer of I the movement temporarily, explained ! that the twelve instruments purchased . had cost £I3S (is Gd. Of this £99 had ! been paid on account, and they had a I credit balance in hand of £7 11s lid. I There was also a small amount of promised subscriptions yet to collect. ' The Chairman explained that the j band had been organised hurriedly, as j it was hoped to get ready to play e* tin; occasion of the promised visit of the Prince of Wales. The instruments had been purchased, and now those interested wished the band put on a proper footing. This was very ncces- * sary if it was to have the confidence of the public. There were several ways in which the band might be Tun. It might be purely a town band, vested in the Town Board, but before that could be done the instruments would have to be free of debt. Then am incorporated society could be formed, or, thirdly, those interested might band themselves together and run the band as they pleased. Mr Brandon expresed himself strongly in favour of i the band being run by an ineorporat- ! cd society. This would give security, and the band could then sue or be sued. Mr IshcTwood. said he had taken an interest in this matter, and had a notice inserted in the “Mail” re the formation of a band. He had nlso set to work canvassing for funds for same. There appeared lo be a certain amount of opposition between the Natives and Europeans in the matter, and he wished lo obviate this, as ho saw no reason why Maoris and Pakehas should not work amicably together. He had found, in canvassing, many people who said they would not snpport the band if if was to be managed entirely by Natives. If the band were properly managed ho thought he would be able to collect another £3O for the funds, funds.

Mr P. Rikifcana said he weuld lika io put Mr Tsherwood right with respect to the Maori Band, and stated that Iho old Maori Band had not received * penny from tho public right from its formation in 1890 until its disbandment in 1914.

Mr Penn urged that thero should be no display ef feeling in the matter. The Maoris wero excellent musicians, and a band could not very well be formed in Otaki without them. On the other hamd, the Natives would bo strengthened by the inclusion of Europeans, more particularly as regards tho management. He urged that Maori and Pakelia join hands to form a hand that would be a credit to the town and district. Mr Jack Fielding, speaking ns an old and experienced bandsman, gave a few hints as regards tho management of bands. “The Otaki Brass Band.’’

After some little further discussion, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of Mr Isherwood. seconded by Mr P. Rikihana. that a band be formed, to be known as “The Otaki Brass Band.” Mr J. R. Bills moved and Mr Penn seconded, “That five trustees be appointed, viz., Messrs ,T. P- Brgndon. J. R. Bills, Jack Fielding, J. D. Howell, and Pirimi Tahiwi.” This was carried unanimously. Other Officers. ‘ The following other officers were elected: Patron. Mr TV- H. Field, M.P.; president, Mr J- P- Brandon, vice-presidents, Messrs J. D. Howell and J. R.-Isherwood; management committee, Messrs H. Fielding, Tranter, H. Knox. Utiku Hapeta and P. Rtkrhana, with officers ex officio; secretary. Mr Jack Fielding; treasurer, Mr M. H. Ayrc.

Other Business. It was unanimously resolved, *n tho motion of Mr Penn, seconded by Mr j R . Bills, that tho baud be incorporated. ' , The following names wore handed in as playing members:—Messrs Jack. Harry and Robert Fielding. P. Fergutom P. Kikihana. Hcnare aniU’irimt Taliifiij XFharc Ahum. Krioeks. W. Retter. Take Rikihaaa, Utiku Hapeta, Brown Hapeta, Hon*. Webber and Riri Maliima. Messrs Alex. Bills, J. T- Trembatfi: C. Field and P." Patching handed in their names as active members. After considerable discussion r? I membership fees, it was resolved to leave this to the committee to deal with. Mr Sikihaa*. suggested that *• com-

mitteo of townspeople be set up to decide where the band should play in public, but it was pointed out that the band committee would deal with this matter. j* JS«I. Mr Jack Fielding gave some information ro the conduct of band business, fees,«etc., and suggested that a professional musician be engaged, for a time at least, to coach the members. Some little discussion ensued with 1 regard to some of the new instruments not chording with the others.. It was pointed out that the sellers of the instruments had consented to change any instruments found unsuitable, and it was agreed that this matter should be attended to at once. Mr Jack Fielding and Air Isherwood pointed out the necessity of having good instruments of uniform pitch. A most enthusiastic meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks lo the chairman for convening the meeting and so ably presiding.