THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER. TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 1902. WAIMATE BRASS BAND.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 214, 10 June 1902, Page 2

THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER. TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 1902. WAIMATE BRASS BAND.

With the approach of the Coronation celebrations, the Waitnate Brass Band will be expected to practice thoroughly, so as to assure the success of the day—for without a band any public function, particularly of a processional nature, falls very flat. But from present indications there seems little likelihood of the band being present. For one thing, the trouble has been that players do not come forward in sufficient numbers to keep up the for in a place like Waimate the portion of the population whence recruits and players are drawn, is not a stationary one. Still, if the Band were assisted to a high state of efficiency, these would be forthcoming—for nothing succeeds like success. The way we doing this is by municipalising the Band and engaging it to play, say, every Saturday night—or every Sunday afternoon in the Park. The Borough Council has power to do this, and such power has been taken advantage of in several centres, Christchurch more particularly, with marked success. There are few people who do not recognise the great influence a good band has on a town, and the enjoyment that is derived by the people would surely be worth a fractional rate to meet the annual subsidy. It is said that a prophet is not without honour save in his own country and among his owu people, and the same may be said about almost anything, a Band included. People who do not know a big drum from a cornet look on it as their privilege to find fault with the playing and conduct of the Band. These carping critics never realise that the members are actuated solely by the love of music, that they receive not one penny piece from the small revenue they command, and that the town has not one or tittle of authority over them. As we iuferred at the commence-

ment, there is at present some soreness existing because of unfair and uncalled-for criticism of the Band. We consider that the members have reason to be congratulated on bearing up against adverse circumstances so long, and would like to see their efforts rewarded by something better than sneers. Municipalization would be the true means of getting over the difficulty, If a Hand is to be in existence, its members should be able to devote thoir time to practice, and not need to go round with the hat, and a good Band is a possession few people would grnmble at paying a little for,