MUNICIPAL BRASS BAND.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 589, 3 December 1920, Page 2

MUNICIPAL BRASS BAND.

COUNCIL SUPPORT ACCORDED.

Representations were made to the Pukekohe Borough Council on Wednesday night by Messrs. G. G. Littlejohn and Taylor, on behalf of the recently re-formed Municipal Brass Band, for monetary assistance. It was pointed out ttyit the instruments which were vested in the control of the council required repairing, the estimated cost being £27 12s 6d. A bandmaster had been engaged at the rate of £52 per annum. The deputation strongly stressed the need of a band for the town, adding that the playing membership was about 30.

Cr. Patterson opined that something should l)c done by the council tc support the band, stating that such an organisation was one of the ciying needs of the town. He moved that the instruments be repaired, and that a grant of £SO a year be made towards the upkeep of the band, "if the bandsmen gave their time t<> practice and for various entertainments, the least the council should do was to find means of defraying the salary of a conductor. It was p municipal band." retorted Cr. Patter-

son. v Cr. Keith seconded the motion, and endorsed the mover's remarks.

The Mayor said that under the present circumstances the council could not afford to give £SO. The council'.finances were in such a position that he thought the amount suggested by Cr. Patterson too much. He moved as an amendment that the instruments be repaired, and that a grant of £25 be made. He pointed out that there would be a number of honorary members, and these would greatly augment the band's funds. He appreciated the efforts of the members of the band, and contended a band was absolutely essential, but owing to the state of the finances £SO was too much. The townspeople should assist.

Cr. Patterson: By giving £SO you would get all, and not only a few, "willing horses" in the street. This was the reason the old band fell through. Eventually the amendment was carried, the Mayor, Crs. Bilkey, Armstrong, McGough, and Morrow voting in the affirmative, and Crs. Patterson, Keith and Hamilton in the negative. Crs. Bilkey and Armstrong were appointed the council's representatives on the band committee.