THE CITIZENS’ BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 July 1921, Page 4

THE CITIZENS’ BAND.

The decision arrived at by the committee of the New Plymouth Citizens' Band on Monday night to accept the conditions suggested by the commanding officer of the Xlth Regiment and to become attached to the Fourth Battalion, Wellington Regiment, will, when carried into effect, have an important bearing on the future of the band. While there is much to be said in favor of the step that has been taken, there are also reasons which may cause the citizens of the town to regret the change, which, apparently was favored on account of the valuable assistance thereby to be obtained from the Defence Department in the matter of instruments and uniforms. New Plymouth will not lose the services of the band, except when it is required on military duty, but no doubt there will exist a sentimental feeling of regret that henceforth the identity of the band has been absorbed into the defence system and no longer can be regarded as a New Plymouth band. Possibly that is why Mr. Browne so strongly urged, at the meeting that consent of the public should be obtained to the change before a final decision was arrived at, but the advantages accruing to the band, as set forth by Lieut.-Colonel Cox, were such as to secure an almost unanimous decision in favor of the change. As a territorial band the members will be under military discipline, though those outside military age will be exempt from military duty. This should be beneficial,

though there may be times when the discipline will be felt. Although the commanding officer has expressed a desire not to interfere with the constitution of the band, which will still be controlled by a citizens’ committee, with the addition of two military representatives, yet the defence regulations will have to be complied with, and these are not noted for elasticity. The band in the past has served, the public well and thoroughly deserved the generous support it has received. ■ No doubt that support will be continued in the future, but that will in some measure depend upon the band itself. The public will certainly welcome a full military band, and as the bandsmen will have to become thorougiily efficient as a military unit there seem to be good reasons for anticipating greater pleasure being given by the band’s performances in the future than iu the past, and that is saying a good deal, while the men will be smartened up by drill and uniform. On the whole, the change should be for the better.