HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY BAND.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1216, 15 April 1880, Page 3

HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY BAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, — As there seems to be a misunderstanding amongst a certain class of the community with regard to the late concert and its proceeds, allow me to say a few words in explanation. The members of the band have £90 to pay for their uniform, also music to provide, and other incidentals out of their own pockets. The takings at the late concert were between £9 and £10 ; but, after paying £4 expenses, and allowing a portion towards the band fund, the amount left was very small indeed. The band since its formation have always lent a helping hand when asked to do so, and I am sure they do not look for any remuneration out of it ; in fact they are out of pocket if loss of time is taken into consideration. It would be as well if the officers took a , little more interest in it, and some of the |l gujierous public who placed their names I em the list for snbscriptions would also forward the necessary — some £30 or £40 — which is still owing. If this were done I have no doubt the ill-feeling would subside. — I am, &c, Tkomboxe.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I see by to -day's Times a letter irom " Citizen," in which he complains that the members of the band have misappropriated the proceeds of the concert held in Mr Gwyune's garden on the Bth March. I beg leave to state that the band fund has nothing to do with the instruments, which is a fund to pay for 'our instructions and our music. All the members have agreed to pay Mr O'Connor one shilling each per week ; they have also to find their own uniform at a cost of £4 per head ; saying nothing about the lost time at practice. The band have always been ready when called upon for any public or charitable occasion, and they have &tuck together purely for the love of music and not for gain. They qlso pay 20 per cent., or four shillings in fcHe pound sterling for all moneys that they receive for their services : this is Supposed to be their share for the instruments. Sir. I think Hamilton is the only plade under the sun where it ever entered into thi head of any person that a "Volunteer band should find their instruments or pay for them ; pay for instructions ; provide their own uniforms ; turn out at all times at the word of command ; and go nowhere nor make no engagoraenfa without leave being first asked and obtaiued from the officer in conmand. — I am, &c, A Member of the Band. ,13th April, 1880.