AN EXPLANATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 21 November 1907, Page 2

AN EXPLANATION.

To the Editor. Sir,—Your remarks re the Garrison Rand in yesterday's paper arc a hit out of place. In the first instance, you say the band has decided to go into "Ji" section; it was decided for us, inasmuch as the Association chose who should go in "A" and "II" grades. The rule reads that bands who have won a third place in the last three contests be graded in "A'' section. There is a proviso, of course, that any band in ''1!" grade can go into "A" grade by giving four months' notice previous to the contest. You also say the "B" grade was instituted lor the purpose of encouraging young bands to enter competition ranks'. No such thing; the "B" grade was started to help the bands who have never won a third prize, and also to utilise the Shield presented by Messrs. Boosey and Co. for that purpose, and which has been in the colony for a considerable period poiuliii|( the'starting of that section. Of course, the Association is pleased (0 welcome bands of the West Coast Association into its ranks, but they were not taken into consideration when the grading was proposed, although there was a talk of trying lo get that Association to join in with the North Island Association and make a "l"' grade. I think, myself, that the band* who wore in "B" grade should have given it u start, as the winners had only to play once in that grade. When the Garrison Band heard how many entries there were in "B" grade they were- unanimous that they should withdraw, hut the question is, will they be allowed to do so? The Association has made the rule, but they cannot break it without the permission of the "A' grade hands. However, the Association has been approached on the matter by the band. This is the first contest in which the grading has ocurred. and. boiim the local hand, it would have been bad last.- nn our part to have declined to approve of (lie Association's decision in placing us in the "B" grade. -T am, etc., T. B. McCONNELL.

[Wo are pleased to publish Mr. McCoimell's vieivs, but they only serve to confirm our statements. We cannot see where the "bail taste" towards (he graders comes in. If it exist, the local band Ims now erred ill good vide entries.—Ed. Mews.] '