THE CITIZENS’ BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1921, Page 4

THE CITIZENS’ BAND.

From what transpired at the meeting of the New Plymouth Citizens’ Band,Committee on Tuesday evening, when the resignations of the conductor, the chairman, and the secretary were under consideration, it appears that the germ of disaffection has got in some of its evil work among the bandsmen, and brought about a climax that will cause general regret. Those who have had practical experience in band matters are woll aware of the difficulties that crop up fr’om time to time, most of which, however, can be overcome by tactful treatment. So far only one side has been heard, so the public should withhold judgment until after the meeting of the band and the committee next Tuesday, when the whole trouble should be threshed out. Without in- any way, commenting on the cause of the present unfortunate trouble that has arisen, it may be stated there are certain princi- ’ pies the observance of which cannot be dispeh-sed with if a band is to be a success and a source of pleasure and profit to the members and. the public. Unity of aim and purpose is -of paramount importance, discipline efctfential, and self-sacrifice inevitable, while absolute confidence in and loyalty to the conductor can alone produce that efficiency for which all good musicians should strive with all .their . might and skill. The Citizens’ Band has - deservedly attained a high reputation, and has proved that it is animated by a fine public spirit. Among the members of the band there may be a few who feel aggrieved at some details of administration. That is probably inevitable where a number of men are concerned, more particularly as musical men are apt at times to be peculiarly sensitive in small matters, but when such grievances are discussed together they invariably either disappear or bring about remedies. It may fairly be assumed that the great majority of the bandsmen have full confidence in their conductor (Mr. McLeod), wlio has thrown himself heart and soul into the work of making the band a credit to the members, himself, and the town. It is, therefore, to be hoped that all matters of disaffection and all grievances will be fully and frankly discussed at the forthcoming meeting, and it will certainly be surprising if harmony is not restored. The idea of forming a fresh band is one that should only be adopted as a last resource. The cultivation of a spirit of esprit de corps would do much to prevent underground currents of disaffection arising. If there are any irreconcilables in the band their obvious duty is to retire.