A PLEA FOR THE BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 182, 31 January 1914, Page 4

A PLEA FOR THE BAND.

II should not be necessary to press Hie claims of the XI. Regiment Band on the notice of the public, but there are special reasons why, at this particular time, the residents of Xew Plymouth should give the necessary financial assistance to properly equip their band, and place it on a sound aiul satisfeictoiy footing. The bandsmen are most enthusiastic over their work, and are very desirous of attaining greater efficiency so that the band may be a credit to the town and to .themselves. The importance of a town is frequently gauged by the kind of band it possesses. Wanij.iliui recognised this many years ago, anJ the residents there took good care to rise to the occasion, and the enthusiasm once created has never abated. As a consequence the fame of the Wangami Band lias spread far beyond the confines of the Dominion. It only wants a similar feeling in New Plymouth to accomplish the same result. It is, therefore, gratifying that the Citizens' Committee which has taken this matter up is making strenuous efforts to equip the local band with a set of new instruments, and to enable it to take part in the forthcoming- contest at Auckland. In taking this course, the committee are actuatsd by tlio best motives. Sending t!ui band to the contest should awaken interest in band ma-tters, besides enabling the players to gain much valuable experience. In addition to this, there is the possibility of obtaining good players to come to Xew Plymouth to reside, and it may lead to one of the contests being held here* The project is one that should commend itself favorably to all New Plymouth residents, and the secretary of the committee, Mr. It. Mlis, will gladly receive contributions. Those who do not subscribe in this way will have a good opportunity of assisting through the medium of the collecting boxes which will be in evidence in the town this (Saturday) afternoon and evening, when the band proposes to pi iy in Devon street and make a special rally. It may be mentioned that Hiwera is sending its band to the contest, This should stimulate Xew Plymouth to do likewise. The help llmt is needed should certainly be readily forthcoming,