THE TEMUKA BRASS BAND AND I.O.O.F. ANNUAL SPORTS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 334, 28 December 1880, Page 2

THE TEMUKA BRASS BAND AND 1.0.0. F. ANNUAL SPORTS.

TO THE EDTIOR,. Sm,—iii your issue of the 23rd inst. "One of the Committee" lays a charge against the Tcmuka Brass Band of rather a disparaging character, viz., "That it is the members of the Band who have been the cause of the disagreement said to exist between the 1.0 O.F. and us."

Now, Sir, the facts of the case are as follows :—The Secretary of the 1.0.0. F. wrote the Band asking what their terms would be for playing at the sports for the day. The Secretary of the Band replied £B, which was considered by the Committee of the 1.0.0. F. as too high, and they therefore declined our services. The day following their meeting, their Secretary (MrUprichard) paraded the town brim full of indignation to think that we should charge so much, and told several members of the Baud that it was absurd; rediculous, and a disgrace, and said in the presence of Mr G. Mason and Mr R. Guy that he would do the Baud all the harm he could, and that it.would certainly be the means of depriving us of a number of honorary members next year. The bandmaster (Mr Hadfi»ld) saw Mx~ Uprichard the same day, and had a con- l versation with him about our charge, and told him that ralh?r than do anything that would annoy, lie (the bandmaster) would take upon himself to say that we would play for £5 or £6 so/as to come within the means of the Order. Mr Hadfield even went further. : he said; " I leave it in your hands with the understanding tbs.t we play for you at your own terms, if you think £5 or £6 too much."

On the following night (Thursday) Messrs Hemy, Fauvel, and Rutland again met Mr Upiichard in the street and told hi in that we were willing to play for £6 (not knowing at the time that Mr Hadfield had seen him). He said he was then going to a Committee meeting of the Order, and would lay the matter before them, and gave us to understand that our services would be accepted.

The members of our Band have never expressed the least annoyance at the L0.0.F. engaging the Fife and Drum Band ; far from it, as we are all of opinion that the Order were perfectly justified in engaging any Band they thought proper. The above being the true facts of the case, the public will plainly see that no blame can possibly be attached to the Brass Band.

In conclusion, we are of opinion it would have been more straightforward and manly if your annonynious correspondent had signed his name in full.—We are, &c,

David Henry, Chairman of Band Waltjek G. Rutland, Secretary.