STRATFORD

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD

THE STRATFORD TOWN BAND.

(From Our Resident Reporter.^

It is verv evident that the Stratford J. own Band are-in need of assistance so J " ils plftyinjyr members are concerned. J.here is nothing unusual in this; in fact, it would probably be strange were it otherwise, as our musicians are steadilv moving away to a land where brass tends are silent and brass shells, copper, etc., are setting up a din that if thev do not create music in Ihe air they certainly cause alarm.. The average musician is a peaceable man, but in these times of r.torm and stress the usual man does not desire to hide behind the double B, but prefers to let the trombone slide and do a cakewalk or turkey-trot in an endeavor to secure a Hun scalp or Turkish fez. In the meantime, the bands left behind are languishing, and with a little reasoning this may be avoided. We all need to be up and doing, but we can (the musically inclined) also find time to step into the breach and keep the band going if not the flag flying. The old members are hanging on content to do their bit, but the band needs more "stuffing," and this stuffing must come from those who hitherto have preferred the Preside and euchre pack to the bandroom. The eribbage-board and billiard table must be forsaken, and the lips once more introduced to the mouth-piece. If the oldsters can galvanise a little of the enthusiasm into their work like the juveniles are doing Conductor Ford will certainly be able to demonstrate to Stratford and the district that the band is very much alive. The writer of these lines does not claim to have any intimate knowledge of the merits or demerits of the band, but he is bound to stake his faith in human nature that the public will be found willing in give financial support to the institution. A good band, like system in a workshop, is a necessity to all important towns, and Stratford claims to be important. Let the musicians rally up the old 'uns, and the committee shake up things amongst townspeople, and things will move. This month we have the Stratford A. and P. Show,' and the controlling party to this body would gladly have given the duty of supplying music to the public on those occasions to the'local band had the band been in a position to apply. Again, the races here are now negotiating for a band, and the choice lies between New Plymouth .and Wanganui. Here again with anything approaching the standard of a first or second-grade band the engagement wmild have gone to the body under review. Stratford, enjoys a long autumn, and the summer is very mild, and moonlight engagements occasionally would do well to bring the band into favor. It must not be understood that the band is lacking popularity. That is not so. Stratford is h.yal to its band, only "there 'ain't enough of it," like the small boy with the large appe,tit.e and the wee apple. More members f ara required. SOLDIERS' COMPORTS WEEK BENEFIT CONCERT • The audience at the People's Palace last evening, on the occasion of the benefit entertainment given in aid of the Soldiers' Comforts Fund, took up all the available accommodation. Prior to the entertainment the Citizens' Band, under Mr. F. W. G. McLeod, played .a number of selections in front of the theatre. The leading attraction of the pictures was a fine drama, entitled 'Bought." A recitation and a number of vocal items were contributed, while the selections given by the Lyric Orchestra added to the enjoyment of the entertainment. GENERAL During Octoper there were 14 births, three deaths, and three marriages. The usual sitting of the S M Court will be held on Friday. I understand the Magistrate, Mr. W. R. Hiaselden, will be an absentee from the Bench, being at present engaged in Wellington on appeal cases. The Town Clerk informs me that the value of the building permits for the half-year ending September 30 a mounted to £2381, and for October the figures were £505. To-day November 1, marks the entry of the Borough Council into possession of the Electric Lighting Company's plant and business as a municipal enterprise, and the ratepayers should wish the Mayor, Councillors, and Town Clerk a prosperous run with the new undertaking. The new Municipal Buildings are becoming recognised as desirable business premises. One of the local drapers is shortly to vacate his present shop and become a tenant of the council. Certainly he will have much better opportunities to display his goods. Constable McCo'wan, who was injured during the Rua skirmish in the Urewera, leaves for Raetihi to-morrow. "Mac." was very popular here, but his injury seems to have reduced him 'n flesh, if not in spirit. He will carry the good wishes of all to his new home.

Mr. "Jimmy" Sullivan, manager r.f the Toko creamery, is a busy man nowadays. At present the tally is 2700 gallons of milk daily. Last year the highest reached was 2000, and -he anticipates' that under ordinary conditions the yield will total 2800. Although the weather has been extreemly rough, the cows have come through remarkably well. The Stratford Dairy Company are receiving twenty cream cans daily from the three branches at Toko.