CITIZENS’ BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1921, Page 4

CITIZENS’ BAND.

CONDUCTOR’S RESIGNATION. c(& ’ ■ - ' ACCEPTED BY COMMITTEE. OTHER RESIGNATIONS WITH DRAW& The disaffection among members of the New Plymouth Citizens’ Band, involving the resignations of the Conductor (Air. F. W. G. McLeod) and Messfe. E. J. Sole and R. H. Cattley, chairman and secretary respectively, which was discussed at a meeting of the committee last week, was again discussed last night, when the Citizens’ Committee met members of the to hear their grievances.

There was a representative attendance of the committee and about twenty-four bandsmen were present. Mr. W. J. Penn was voted to the chair. Lengthy discussion took place, a number of bandsmen speaking in regard to affairs in the band. After the conductor had replied the position was discussed in committee, and the outcome was the acceptance of Air. McLeod’s resignation, while Alessrs. Sole and Cattley are to be asked to withdraw theii resignations. In opening the proceedings, the chairman said the committee had been reluctant to accept the resignations until they bad tried to get at the bottom of the discord. After hearing both sides to some extent last week, they thought it would be best to meet the bandsmen and ascertain if it was possible for the band to 'carry on under the present conductor and “bury the hatchet.” Air. McLeod was a very capable conductor, but if the band could hot see its way to come to practices and make itself cfficient\ under him, then there would have to be a change in some direction. The committee wanted to kn6w if there was any possibility of the band continuing, added the chairman. Whatever happened he urged that whether the resignations were accepted or not that the band should keep its engagement at the forthcoming race meeting being held by the Taranaki Jockey Club, for the club had always been very generous in its support of the band. Air. Penn said that personally he did not want any recriminations or any washing of “dirty linen,” though an open discussion was desirable., It had been suggested that a ballot should be taken among members on the following questions: (1) Are you satisfied with the present conditions in the band? (2) Are you in favor of keeping the present conductor? Mr. G. W. Browne inquired how many senior members were present, pointing out that the majority of bandsmen at the meeting were juniors, and a ballot would only reflect their opinion. A bandsman replied that most of the senior members were represented. Air. J. Smith suggested that as many of the bandsmen were juniors freer discussion might be had if Mr. AlcLeod retired during the proceedings. In reply. Mr. AlcLeod said that what action he had taken was|with a view to bringing the trouble to a head, but it seemed by the direction affairs were taking that he was assuming the position of the accused person. He thought he should be allowed to hear what was flaid, either for or against him. It might be said that some would not say as much in front of him, as if he were not present, but that had been the whole trouble, members being afrai4 to come and make their complaints to him personally. He knew that his resignation was probably playing into the hands of a number. If he severed his connection with the band he did not propose leaving New Plymouth. After discussion, Air. AlcLeod said he would acquiesce in the views expressed, and he retired from the meeting. After various complaints by bandsmen had been heard, the chairman put the question of taking a vote "before the bandsmen, and it was resolved that a ballot be taken of the two sections, namely, senior and junior members, on the issues mentioned. The result of the voting was not disclosed, but the chairman indicated that it was a fairly even ballot. Bandsmen then retired, and the matter was considered in committee. On resuming, It *wBs reported that the following resoluflons had been carried: (1) That Air. AlcLeod’s resignation be accepted and that he be given three months’ leave of absence. (2) That the chairman and secretary be asked to withdraw their resignations. The chairman was delegated to write to Air. McLeod expressing the committee’s thanks for-his work. A subject which has caused some controversy among bandsmen is the matter of payment for their services, and the meeting carried the following motion: That the question of payment of members for engagement be referred to the finance committee, to report to the next meeting