The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1874-10-28
HoNoLuLu. OF. 27th. ls7l


Editor Of he Gazens-Sir The AdCeIfise1'
has long been notorious for espousng any cause
of doubtful merit. Their latest move appears to
be "anent" the Band, and by vicious close
listed kick to blackma this community for fur
Their tribute for the graceless worthless who are
already so literally provided for. " No more
money, no more music" band, baton and drum
will be dumb until we shell out or shout r.
But first let see the 4" why and wherefore"
of the matter, before this costly cormorant eats
US out of house and home. $4,000 is voted from
the pockets of the people to support it already,
and if | remember rightly the most plausible aud
speciOus arguments in favor Of the appropriation
were its public utility and the pleasure it would
afford our citizens. But alas i: appears that we
have pped unto them and now they refuse to
dance. think it will not be very generally de-
MED that the public of Honolulu owe less to the
present blndmaster than to any OF the others
who have preceded him since the formation Of
that cay-mutinous- corps of performers.
Who that were resident in those days but will re-
member with pleasure the frequent and enlivening
strains that were wont to greet them at early
dawn and dewy eve by the parade of the band
through our Streets headed by that interchangeable
leader Northeott, and subsequently by Frank
Medina, both of these gentlemen spontaneously
and cheerfully contributing to the qualification of
the community, without fee or hope of reward.
! have always looked upon this appropriation
as the Most useless and expensive luxury of this
small kingdom; ii is too dear at any price in our
circumstances, even il We got value for our
money. But we don't and therefore, / now hold
it is a downright monstrosity and an absolute
waste of money in our impoverished condition.
We are, in fact, paying too dear for our whistle.
The bandmaster's billet is tolerably fat one.
No restrictions are placed upon him. and his ser
vices are always at the disposal of those willing
and able to pay for them, and for the work he
performs he is the best paid man of my acquain-
lance. If be is not disposed to give US : qaid
pro quO,' move that he be allowed to live at
his own expense. There are plenty of men to
be procured who would be considerably more
accommodating for less money.
But am now tempted to ask why it should
be 10 The pOrer Of the bandmaster to refuse to
play for the benefit of the public who support
him The demands of the community are not
exlravagant; one hour or two week is not too
much to ask from our high-mnded and liberal
souled major domO." Why should we have to
beg for what we are entitled to in common fair
ness. and the sooner the authorities wake up to
the consideration of the subject The better. Uu-
less some very great change takes place in the
conduct and the management of the band there
will be no more popular platform for the next
election than the dismemberment and total aboIi-
ton Of the band" and it is possible it may not
exist to test its efficiency, for very widespread
feeling Of dissatisfaction walks abroad
Yours, &c. oKPHKUs
RENARKs.-We insert the above as our col
umns are open to far criticisms on any depart
ment Of public service, but we do not agree with