CITIZENS' BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1916, Page 4

CITIZENS' BAND.

VISIT TO OKATO. The New Plymouth Citizens' 'Hand visited Okato yesterday, and entertained a largo gathering of country people. Mr. F. Roebuck generously supplied the vehicles by which the bandsmen madje the trip. A numben- of selections were played en routo at Oakura to a small gathering, a collection there producing' £2 Ifls fid. At Okato the visitors were entertained to luncheon by Mr. Sanson, of the Stony River Hotel. A large number of people gathered at the Okato Recreation Grounds where a platform had been wcoted in the shelter of the beautiful native bush. The band was fully represented, and the members were in good form. A programme of patriotic and other suitable music was played, and then, in response to requests made by those present, the band contributed no less than eight hymns. The settlers greatly enjoyed the performance, and at the inclusion Mr. C. Andrews thanked the band for making the trip and entertaining the residents of Okato. He claimed that the band belonged as much to the countrty as to the town, and that periodical visits to the country should be made. Moreover, residents of the country should pay annual subscriptions to the band, as when they visited the town to attend a function they liked to bear good hand music, and it was only right they should contribute to the' band's upkeep. Mr. I'. W. G. McLeod, the band-con-ductor, thanked the residents for their attendance and appreciation of the band's efforts. He agreed that steps ."liould be taken to encourage country visits. Mr. McLeod said a visit would probably be made to Rahotu in February. Mr. Roebuck also thanked Hie band, and said he was prepared to take them to Okato on another occasion, to give an entertainment on behalf of their own funds. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies. As the result of the collections for the day, £2O «a s contributed for the Okato Patriotic Fund. Before leaving, the band played at Mr. Sanson's, and thanks were accorded to Mr. Sanson and his family for their hospitality. New Plymouth was (cached about 7 o'clock.