The Tomahawk Kid

The Bay Big Band and Ken White. The Right Note Column

2008-07-02T12:02:00.003+12:00

I recently spent an afternoon talking to Ken and Margaret White at their house in the Whakamaramara Hills, and I left the place many hours later under the cloak of darkness thinking that somebody needs to cordon the house off, and register it as a house of historical importance!

Not because of its architecture, or its physical location (although you can just about see China from up there!), but because Ken has 3 or 4 entire rooms busting at the seams with shelves and boxes of historical video footage of local bands and jazz music (amongst other things.)

An archive the national jazz community would be very wise to have documented for its hisorical importance.

You see, not only does Ken - an alto sax and clarinet player, once documented as the youngest big band leader in the UK - go way back in the local music scene, and who can be credited as one of the originators of the Bay Big Band, and the annual Tauranga Jazz Festival, but he also completed a historic video and documentary on their conception, (which is available from the Tauranga Library on DVD should you wish to view it).

The White’s have lived such an interesting life that it was hard to keep them on the topic of music for long before the tale evolved into some other equally interesting, mind boggling adventure or piece of historical revelation. At one stage, Ken asked me “what ever became of the Orange Festival Parade?” - an important, annual event of huge community spiritedness - and recalled how their float would stop at the Tauranga hospital, and his jazz band would walk through all the wards playing jazz, so that those unfortunate enough to be bedridden at the time would not feel left out of the community celebration!

I suggested that there was probably a law against that kind of voluntary gesture these days, and that the council department of community spirit would have to organise and approve of it now! (at a charge of course!)

Another fascinating story Ken told me was that he imported a series of records entitled "Music Minus One," which were rehearsal records of jazz standards for musicians, and of which you could purchase different series depending on which instrument you played. One series would have the entire band minus the trombones, or another minus the sax or melody line, or yet another minus the bass guitar, or drums.

These were designed for the musician to practice and jam along to. Ken took these records to yet another level and recorded them to tape. He would then hire his services out to venues as a one man band, playing his sax or clarinet, along to his backing tracks, and which he continued to do into the 1980’s! And who thought playing along to sequenced music or backing tracks was a relatively new phenomena?

The photograph above was taken of the Bay Big Band in 1958 at one of a series of concerts held in the Town Hall, one of which was broadcasted live - a great honour at the time - on local radio.

The 16 piece band consisted of 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, Piano, and a 4 piece rhythm section, and shown here conducted by an Englishman by the name of Stan Farnsworth.

Stan was a child prodigy, and had been a professional musician from a very early age. Unfortunately his playing career was cut short after suffering a heart attack whilst playing in the Covent Garden Opera orchestra, and his doctor advised him that he should not perform, playing a wind instrument anymore (remind me not to go to that doctor!) and so he came to live with his daughter in Tauranga where I believe he taught music, and did the odd bit of conducting (if the picture is anything to go by!) Ken White is pictured front centre, on sax. Other members of the band incled Gordon Sutherland on Piano, Alby Rawhiri (who owned the local fish and chip shop) on guitar, Paul Gillett on Bass.

California to Legalse-it

2008-07-02T11:56:00.002+12:00

There is an initiative in the works that could end up on the November ballot that allows for marijuana to be sold to anyone, and anywhere that already sells alcohol. Its being called The Inalienable Rights Enforcement Initiative. From the full text of the measure:

This initiative will amend the Constitution of California to defend and safeguard the inalienable rights of the People against infringement by governments and corporations, providing for the lawful growth, sale, and possession of marijuana. Marijuana will be taxed through a system of stamps and licenses--a $5 stamp will be required for the sale of an eighth ounce of marijuana and a $50 annual license will be required for the growth of one marijuana plant. To protect participants and encourage participation in the system, such licenses and stamps will be available anonymously in stores where marijuana is sold.

So instead of getting some quack doctor to give you a prescription for $100 because of your supposed "anxiety" or alleged "insomnia", you will just pay an extra tax each time you buy yourself another 8th.

Aside from allowing all willing adults to be able to buy weed easily, this initiative will start to generate revenue for California, and stimulate our struggling economy. More weed stores means more jobs for Californians, more taxes to be collected, and more people enjoying better weed. And finally marijuana will be put into the same file as Alcohol and Cigarettes where it belongs, instead of it being equated with crack-cocaine and heroine.

The initiative goes on to say why they believe this to be a necessary measure:

Go to this link to read the rest of the article

Petrol prices only $1.25 Litre (the rest is Government tax)

2008-06-16T20:15:00.001+12:00

What a bloody joke!

How stupid do they think we are?

“Very stupid” it seems!

The government are appointing a “fuel commissioner” (there goes more taxpayers cash down the drain) to monitor fuel prices.

Have you considered the following?

Oil companies would be willing to sell petrol to you at $1.25 a litre!

The rest of the cost is made up of “government tax!”

For their $1.25, fuel companies prospect for crude oil, mine it, refine it, market it, and deliver it around the world! A very fair price I reckon for the standar of living that refined oil allows us to benefit from!

So what does government do to justify doubling that figure?
I would like to see petrol stations advertising their fuel as $1.25 “plus government tax”
All government are doing is frantically looking for somebody else to pin the blame on for high fuel costs!

They are searching high and low for a “smoking gun” when they are squeezing the trigger with their own thieving fingers.

I suggest commerce minister Lianne Dalzeil look in the mirror, where she will get an eye-witness look at the offender - I suggest she handcuff the culprit immediately - give herself a good talking to - maybe even rough-herself up a little - try and knock some sense into herself or is there a law against beating yourself!

The real dope on the dopes

2008-06-16T20:11:00.002+12:00

A corner dairy in Matua that was manned by the families young son was recently held up by thugs who jumped the counter and stole cigarettes

Here is my letter to the editor concerning this all too frequent occurence.

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It’s sad isn’t it?

Yet another dairy held up - another innocent family traumatised, as thieves hold them up for cigarettes!

You know what the really sad thing is?

It’s your fault!

Why?

Because you keep voting for governments who do not promote personal responsibility. (The National party’s constitution incorrectly states that they “do,” but it’s just another of their flip-flops!)
Because smokers are a drain on the sick system (I mean health system) they must make cigarettes artificially expensive, to pay for those demands.

But if we were not deterred from being responsible for our own health by being forced to pay for the failing health system, smokers could afford to have private health care, consequently making cigaretttes a fraction of the price!

Cigarettes are so expensive that those who want them have to resort to the armed robbery of innocent people to get them. Cigarette smokers would be more than happy to sit at home with a cup of tea and have a cigarette, rather than have to go on an armed robbery to get the smokes first!

Just like most people who do drugs would rather sit at home and quietly get smashed rather than have to go out and commit armed robbery to get the cash to purchase the drugs first!
The lives of “Innocent” kiwi’s are being put at risk in direct relation to laws made by governments-elected by you - to save us from ourselves!

Smokers choose to do harm to themselves. Shopkeepers don’t choose to be the victims of robbery - the government has done that for them!

People commit crimes because they “want” drugs, not because they are “on” drugs.
Government are trying to save the lives of one group of people (who know the risks they take), whilst putting everybody else in danger! - Its bloody stupid!

If you are looking for somebody to blame, look no further than those who tick boxes before considering the “real” facts when they vote!

Ritchie Pickett - The Right Note Column

2008-06-09T12:25:00.003+12:00

Ritchie Pickett - Gone For Water

I Wish I Wrote That
(Every week I include an excerpt of some of my favourite lyrics )

Nickis' Song
Ritchie Pickett - From the Album "All Strung Out In A Bunch"

Over the anvil of mistakes
The beatings I have taken
In the name of love
And some of the places I've found hate
where warmth once used to flow
It can chill you to the bone
If not for you
I dont know what I'd do
You pick me up each time I slip behind - I never thought I'd find
A woman who would listen, who would think
when all she'd hear was drink
As the devil took my tongue
And If I had to pay you back in kind
I would disappear and you would find
You're too good to be true . . .

In 1983 what is regarded by some as the best country album ever produced in New Zealand was recorded at Stebbings recording studio in Auckland, featuring two of Tauranga’s most respected musicians - Ritchie Pickett, who although originally from Morrinsville, was living here at the time, and Kevin Coleman.

The album is entitled “Gone For Water,” and in 2008 is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its release.

This album is an interesting milestone in local and national regard for several reasons apart from the staggering playing and songwriting talents therein.

The band comprised of Ritchie Pickett on Piano and vocals (and guitar on one track), Noel Lamberton on drums. Kevin Coleman on Guitar, Dave maybee on Guitar, and Jimmie Wallace Jnr on Bass.

Ritchie of course needs no introduction to anybody that has spent any time in any of the watering holes around New Zealand, or sitting in front of the TV during the 1980’s, as he was a regular performer and breath of fresh air on the popular TV show “That’s Country.”

Kevin Coleman is a multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist and although he has not played for about 10 years is even today highly sought-after and pestered by local bands and musicians (myself included) who would be only too happy for him to play almost “any instrument” in their band from bass, lead or rhythm guitar, or piano!

Anyway. The other reasons this album is remarkable is that it was produced by Ray Columbus (not that Ray did a remarkable “job” of the production!)

Ray, through his extensive experience and contacts in the industry managed to swing some finance for the album, and also to get sponsorship from none other than Jim Beam (hence the pic on the back cover of the guys swigging back a glass of the sponsors product, and a half empty bottle on the table)which happens to have been taken by a good friend of mine - also from Tauranga - who sadly died a few years ago now by the name of Roger Jarrett.

This was a major coup by Ray, as they were only the 2nd band in the world to be sponsored by Jim Beam - the other at the time being country music legend Hank Williams Jnr. Gone for Water was the guinea-pig album for the very first digital studio in New Zealand.

Unfortunately this was not such a good thing, as digital THEN is not what it is NOW, and consequently the sound of this album suffered extensively. One reviewer was known to have commented that it should be turned up as loud as possible. And then you should walk out of the room, and listen to it from the room next-door!

This unfortunate problem with the production in no way reflects on the staggering passion and delivery of Ritchies songwriting and vocals.

I have an original mint condition LP, and on listening critically to it, must say that I am not of the same opinion, but then again I must admit to a predilection or fondness to the pretty scarce recorded works of Mr Pickett.

I recall at one of Ritchies gigs, some unfortunate out-of-towner, who, unaware of Mr Picketts legendary sharp tongue, started heckling him, and called him a rather vulgar name which I shall not repeat. Ritchie instantly spat back a retort, which was “if you are going to say (the word), then say it like you WANT one, and not like you’ve GOT one!

This attitude perfectly describes Ritchies vocal style! To witness him pound the keys and sing and spit out lyrics with such passion and vehemence gives me goosebumps.

I have been told that the band actually recorded a demo for a follow-up album during the same sessions, and apparently this is even better than Gone For Water! And the good news is that it is believed that Stebbings actually still have the tapes. What a treasure that would be if that ever got released.

One of my favourite albums of all time happens to be an album Ritchie released in about 1996/7 entitled “All strung out in a bunch.”

It was recorded by Zed Brookes at the Zoo studio in Hamilton, and released by Nigel masters at The Boatshed studio in Whakamaramara.

Ritchie was unable to secure a release deal with a label at the time, and approached Nigel, who was in the process of trying to up the profile of his studio at the time, and who willingly obliged.

To my mind, this album has to be one of “the” most undestimated, and un-recognised albums in New Zealand music history!

It is a masterful piece of songwriting and performance, and if there is anybody anywhere in the world that can deliver a lyric better than several examples on this album, then I have yet to hear them, and I say this with the utmost sincerity.

My favourites are the heartbreaking, anti-love song “I wanna Stop,” co-written with Simon Lynch, and which features a sax solo by another Tauranga musician, Miles Tremlet, which makes me shivver every time I hear it;

“Nickis Song” which appears to be of an autobiographical nature concerning some bad behaviour and the regrets he has for hurting somebody who had been pretty special to him, and “3am Hamilton Sunday Morning,” where his lyrics are so descriptive of the scene and the occasion that you almost feel yourself stagger in the drunken stupour of the character, and shiver in the fog and the cold!

The only song not penned by Pickett is entitled"The First Rule of Love," on which Ritchie's vocal delivery is at its most vitriolic, and countered with the clashing Telecaster (I can tell!) of Ian Jefferies, and the Blood-chilling sax solo make this song particularly chilling

If this album had been released by anybody across the Atlantic, they would be living in comfort and rolling in the accolades, but it wasn’t.

This incredible album flew way under the radar, and was picked up by a very lucky few - and more’s the pity!

This album is unfortunately out of stock as only a very limited number was originally released, but if enough interest was shown, I am sure a re-pressing would be on the cards.
Anybody interested in this exceptional locally produced album, please contact me and we’ll see what can be arranged. Contact: brilleaux@xtra.co.nz

Need Beats Greed

2008-06-06T09:47:00.002+12:00

It’s an over abundance of those who believe their “needs and wants” are enough to justify the theft of other peoples property that truly gets my back up, and the editor smugly entitling my letter “Greed beats Need” is a prime example of this mentality in operation!

If what I say is so wrong, explain why “taking other peoples money by force (otherwise known as THEFT!!!!) is more moral than a persons property rights!

You wish to attain social benefits through the most immoral action one man can take upon another - the use of FORCE! - Why is this OK?

How is this a MORAL thing to do?

Isn’t stealing BAD?

Why is it different because government or council do it?

Why is trying to PROTECT private property from the grasp of THIEVES called GREED by the editor?

Justifying these actions as “for the benefit of the community” is twisted logic! - The community is but a collection of individuals - Those whose rights you would deny!

The editor appears to define “greed” as somebody trying to keep hold of their personal property!

I define greed as people who are not happy with just their OWN property, but truly believe they have a right to other peoples property also!

PROPERTY RIGHTS RULE! - Ask anybody who doesn’t have them, yet all some do is want to abuse them! - CRAZYNESS

The REAL REASON petrol prices are so high

2008-05-30T13:11:00.003+12:00

PASS IT ON!

Inspired by an article on the best blog in the WORLD - NotPC, I decided to initiate my OWN SPAM email, based upon the old "pass this on to 10 people and Bill Gates will send you $100, or something good will happen to you" chestnut.

The only difference here is that something good really will happen! You will be bringinging awareness to people that it is BIG GOVERNMENT that is responsible for the high fuel costs! maybe 1 or 2 will actually NOT VOTE for MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROL in the future.

Oh well - we all have a DREAM I suppose!

The REAL REASON petrol prices are so high

We’ve all received those emails telling us to boycott BP/Mobil/Shell/Caltex to “send a signal” that their “profiteering” has to end, and pump prices come down.

Profiteering?

If you want to know who takes the largest chunk of local pump prices think again -- it’s not the oil companies, it’s your government.

Despite economic illiterates bleating about the “exorbitant profits” oil companies are making, the money ripped of by the Government from oil and petrol dwarfs the amount earned by the oil companies who actually produce the stuff.

Personally, I am happy to contribute to rising profits of oil corporations and I thank them for delivering the goods successfully.

At the same time I am annoyed at politicians, both domestic and foreign, who are hobbling production efforts, collecting enormous taxes, and promoting false sympathy for the consumer’s pain.

For all that money that the unproductive (government) steal from the productive (oil companies) motorists get the joy of watching most of their money head down the black hole of big government to buy even bigger government with even greater powers to hobble production, collect more enormous taxes, and cry more crocodile tears over the motorist’s plight.

Think about this next time you pull up at the pump, or receive one of those illiterate emails. Would you rather give more money to those whose goal appears to be the long-term strangulation of oil production? Or to those who make the long-term reduction of oil prices possible?

In fact, don’t just think about it: do something.

Next time you hear a politician saying there’s nothing they can do about high oil prices, write a letter saying
“Bullshit!”

The Right Note Column - Taurangas WURLITZER

2008-05-30T08:31:00.004+12:00

Before I get in to my column this week, I must first explain that I am not a Bay of Plenty Times “reporter!” My column is not really intended to publicise coming events, or give exposure to up-and-coming talent. It is more about celebrating the phenomena that is the Tauranga music scene. Introducing you to some of the interesting characters and events that have shaped the intriguing, ever-evolving theatre of musical entertainment in this area through my own experiences (where possible) and via stories related to me by some of the characters themselves.

I am what may loosely be described as a “rocker!” A local musician with a few years experience in the rock/blues music fraternity. Therefore my knowledge and experience of a “wurlitzer” is limited to the swirly writing on the front of a juke-box, but what I do know is that everybody loves a good old-fashioned mystery with a plot and a story with more twists and turns than a Winston Peters party political broadcast!

Yes, the Wurlitzer Organ - what a fascinating and mysterious creature she is!

I say creature because it is like an organic, living thing, that is tended and nurtured by its supporters, and has the ability to “grow” and attain new “voices” according and attributed to the activity of its care-givers!

I mean, what other instrument do you know of that has its own “society” or group, dedicated to its health and welfare! What other instrument has a dedicated PA (personal assistant) with the auspicious title of “keeper of the organ?”

To me she has the aura of a 1940s murder/mystery, or of a secret society like the royal antediluvian order of buffaloes, or the phantom of the opera. I mean, where is she? - We have all been to Baycourt before, so where does she live?

Where are all the pipes and stuff? Before I reveal some of her secrets, let me tell you of some of her fascinating life. The Wurlitzer organ was shipped to New Zealand from North Tonowanda, New York, USA in October 1926 and was installed in the De Luxe Theatre Cinema, Courtney Place, Wellington, and made its debut in 1927 with Sydney organist Emanual (Manny) Aarons It’s main function being the accompaniment to the silent movies of the era. With the demise of the silent movies, she was put up for tender in 1958.

Some crazy guy from Tokoroa (Mr Eddie Aiken) scored it, and installed it in a “Honey Shed!” where he held many concerts for friends and locals until 1967, when it found a new home in the Tokoroa High School. (no disrespect intended Mr Aiken, but I can’t think of any other way to describe installing a monster like this in a honey shed! - I mean - wherever did you find room for the honey? - or the bees for that matter! - crazy!)

In 1971 the organ came up for tender once again, when the now extinct (no thanks to the local council who enforce compulsory community spirit via your rates) community service group called the 20,000 Club purchased it and in a superhuman effort, with over 5000 VOLUNTARY man hours, and tremendous VOLUNTARY material support from sponsors, installed it in the Tauranga Town Hall.

When the council demolished the Town Hall a new home for her had to be considered, and after many months of repeated hard work, she was installed into Baycourt, and the inagural concert was held on 17th December, 1988.

The organist, Dennis James, came from the USA for this very special occasion.

The organ society was formed in 1987 to provide support, and continual maintenance for the organ, and who now work closely with Baycourt management and friends of Baycourt to meet the needs of the grand old girl. Concert-goers get to watch, as she rises majestically from her home under the stage with a great flourish and ceremony, as the curtains draw back on both sides of the proscenium (part of the theatre in front of the curtain) to reveal the thousands of pipes and traps in the sound chambers, that produce the amazing voices of this grande-dame of the theatre age.

Now, the Wurlitzer is a rare and specialised creature, and those who can play it are apparently few and far between, but I can’t help but imagine if somebody like local keyboard legend Grant Winterburn was let loose on it!

Now, I do not suggest for one moment that he roll around and wrestle with it on the stage, or throw it to the floor and play it on his knees like I have seen him do with his own keyboards on many occasions - (One) because it would be impossible, and (two) the society members wouldn’t let him out of the theatre alive - besides, he has matured quite a bit since those days (I think!) BUT, a bit of dry ice, a light show, and the spectacle of the beast rising out of the smoke - Grant Winterburn astride like on a giant Harley Davidson - to join an amazing rhythm section and guitarist like he brought to the recent Jazz Festival, and he would have the old girl - and the audience - singing like never before to a brand-new generation and set of devotees.

Anyway, enough from the fantasy world, and back in reality, the Wurlitzer Society have a concert already planned.

Please get along to Baycourt on Saturday the 7th June to hear premiere organ entertainer from the UK, Chris Powell put this amazing piece of “world musical history” through its paces, and marvel at the spectacle of the Opus 1482 Wurlitzer.

Once again - right here in Tauranga!

On behalf of myself, my children, and the people of Tauranga I would like to thank the volunteers who gave up their time and efforts voluntarilly and without compulsion to provide us with the opportunity to experience this early wonder of technology.

And to all you compulsion-touters out there may this be a lesson in how real community spirit is achieved - Amen!

Christian values and FORCE

2008-05-26T18:42:00.003+12:00

My reply to a Christian woman, complaining about schools teaching contraception and vaccines to enhance immunity to HIV diseases.

She says the REAL CANCER is "its your choice", brandished through media, family planning and schools. and the solution is to force them to be educated with a return to Christian values.

I say the REAL CANCER is busybodies wishing to enforce their will upon others

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Margaret Muir - I would love for you to be free to have your children educated by the principles of your religion, unfortunately, it sounds like you would not return me the courtesy of letting me have mine educated by principles that I value, and would like to force MY children to be educated under them also.

The REAL cancer you talk about is not “freedom of choice” upon which you misguidedly lay the blame - it is in people like you, wishing to enforce your beliefs upon others! - The cancer you seek is called FORCE!

You are forced to pay for an education system that does not meet your principles. That’s not my fault - it is yours! I refuse to vote for those who would take away my right to provide the best healthcare and education for my family.

Remove the state from the education sector, and you would be free to send your children to a school that teaches christian values and creationism etc, and others would be free to send their children to a school that teaches evolution and contraception. That way everybody gets what they want, and nobody is forced against their will! The only people unhappy are those who wish to impose their will upon others by force. Unfortunately there’s no vaccine in New Zealand to cure the epidemic of busybodyism, so I have to make do with trying to expose spreaders of the disease via letters to the editor!

TECT Refunds and Property Rights

2008-05-26T18:32:00.002+12:00

Here is a brief rundown of the situation.

A Power Company in the Tauranga area gave shares of the company to all the people who used it.
A board of trustees is elected each year by the shareholders (I am one)
Every year profits are shared out to the shareholders, and we each get a cheque of about $150-200.

It recently was brought to the publics attention - (not that the situation was ever HIDDEN,) that if they sent the shareholders ALL of the profits, they would get about $300 - $400 EACH

The TRUSTEES who have been voted in, chose various CHARITIES, and give out money to those they think are worthy - some of whom are community things like the Rescue Helicopter. - some are golf clubs or Kindys etc
One is an ARTS group (ref to Tracey Ruddock below)
A couple of people have been voted onto the board by saying that the money belongs to the SHAREHOLDERS, and it should ALL go to them.
It has become quite a topic with all the looters and beneficiaries of TECT handouts trying to talk people into voting these people OFF, otherwise their handouts would cease.

I do not deny that some of the charities are worthy, community causes, but the fact remains that there is a lolly scramble for other peoples money, and it is not RIGHT.

Besides, people are quite able to donate money to charities of their own choice should they chose to do so. The more money in peoples pockets, leaves them in a better position to AFFORD to give to charities.

Many of the trustees of TECT have such a low opinion of people that they think they must be FORCED, and I am against this.

Here is a letter to the editor of the BOP Times. I doubt it will be published as it is over 200 words long. MEANWHILE, the LOOTERS are out in FORCE - several letters to the editor, and 2 columnists - Tracey Ruddock, and Tommy Kapai pleading for TECT Shareholders to vote away the rights and property of others.

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Imagine what life would be like without property rights!

If you wanted something, all you would had to do was take it by FORCE!

If somebody had money, and you wanted it, all you’d have to do was take it off of them, perhaps persuade some friends to help you take it off of them - strength in numbers!

This is how savages, and those who do not live in the civilised, world gain - and lose - wealth! - By conquest - Strength and brute force!

Property rights, capitalism and freedom of the individual, are amongst the most SACRED things in a CIVILISED society, yet all I hear lately are people attempting to destroy, remove and DISTORT them.

This is why people - like myself - spend so much time trying to defend and educate people on the importance of property rights, and the immorality of force, whether by the individual, government or council!

I am talking about the TECT lolly-scramble with other peoples money!

I agree that many of the charities of the TECT lolly-scramble are worthy causes, but will just one person admit that It is NOT their money - Pure and simple FACT - it belongs to the Trustees.

What is more, the sound of the squealing from those whose “funding” is at risk is pitifull and demeaning.
Have these LOOTERS become so dependant on other peoples money, that they no longer know how to earn it?

The arts community will not suddenly collapse just because Tracey Ruddock doesnt get her $250,000 worth of other peoples money!

Now Tommy Kapai invites you to VOTE AWAY the property rights of others. He seeks to accomplish or achieve a “GOOD” via IMMORAL actions, and that is WRONG, and despite the fact that the charities of which he speaks have existed for DECADES funded by un-forced community spirit and charitability of VOLUNTEERS!

It is NOT community spirit - it is THEFT!

Charity is a VOLUNTARY thing, NOT a thing of FORCE or SLAVERY.

If we agree to hold other peoples property rights with such disregard, then perhaps we could all vote on what charity to donate Tommy, Tracey, and Graeme Purchases wages to - it is the SAME THING.

There’s much talk of TRANSPARENCY, yet some seem happy to hide behind words of deception like TAX and FUNDING, when it suits them, regardless of the MORALITY of their actions.

Underground Jazz Club in Tauranga, circa 1962

2008-05-11T20:16:00.004+12:00

In 1962 I was 4 years old when Ken Hayman (trumpet) and Ken White (reeds) Stan Day, and Del Peterson and a bunch of other Jazz and big band enthusiasts started the 17 piece Bay Big Band in Tauranga, and which is still going today!

They already had a 4 or 5 piece band regularly playing at a venue in town which had attained for itself the grandiose title of “The Starlight Ballroom!” Rumour has it that this name came about because Ken White imported from America a kit to make the first mirror ball ever to make an appearance in Tauranga.

Nobody had ever seen anything like it before, and you can imagine the impact it would have had at the time. The venue was the St John ambulance hall which was in the building on Cameron Road where the YMCA is now.

Anyway, these guys thought is would be a good idea to put a Glen Miller style swing band together to play the dance music of the era, and this was the seed from which our present jazz festival blossomed into! The Jazz Society itself was started by Dave Hall, and was inspired by the movie “Jazz On A Summers Day” and the very first Jazz Society gig was actually called “Jazz On A Summers Day” and then continued on to become the Tauranga Jazz Festival more or less like we have it today.

This is just one of many intriguing little stories I listened to, sitting down over a beer or two with Dave Proud and his neighbour Brian Geoghan recently.

Now, I have been a party to a great many of the musical (and otherwise) escapades associated with the music business in these parts, but just listening to these two talk about the exciting stuff that was going on while I was still in nappies brings into perspective that what I was doing a few years ago, and what some of the kids are doing today has all been done before!

For example, In the late 80s I had a band called Austin Texas, and we played the late shift downstairs at the St Amand, while Hard to Handle were playing upstairs.

When they had finished, they would come downstairs for a drink and a jam until closing time when Scotty, Wendy and Fraser (the Scots) would kick everybody out, and they would lock the place up.

Actually, while I am on the subject, of kicking out stubborn punters, Fraser Scott had a most unique and effective way of getting those last stubborn stragglers out of the bar. He would put on a cd of this insane whistling, which although was undoubtedly most skillfull, actually became unberable in a very short period of time, and the bar would clear as if by magic!

Anyway, once all the strays were on their way, the fun would really start - jamming until daylight, and then staggering out onto the Strand in bright sunlight early the next morning.

We had amazing and inspirational jams back then, and for the privileged few punters, hospitality staff and those in the “in-crowd, these times have left us with priceless memories (and hangovers).

These goings on though were nothing new at all in fact! In the early 1960s, in a corrugated-iron shed called “the Sample Rooms” situated on the Strand extension, down towards the Harbourside - so called because this was previously where the commercial travellers stored all their samples - there was an illicit, underground jazz club happening.

All the local musicians would finish their gigs at about 12 or 1, and then make their way to this little den of iniquity, where they would often jam away till 5 or 6 in the morning!

They even sold their own booze at the club, which was stricly illegal of course, on top of the fact that it was 10 oclock closing in those days, and who was going to give a licence to a bunch of debaucherous, musicians of ill repute?

Now, I wrote a couple of weeks back about how Cloud - a 70s band got their gig closed down because the music they were playing was “too way-out” well, this was 10 years earlier, and this was pretty much the same view that respectable folks had of the Jazz musos at the time!

There was nothing “too dodgy” going on in here (well, not that these two characters would admit to anyway) just a bunch of grown-ups pushing the boundaries of respectability, playing music and having a whale of a time. This early Jazz club went for some time, and was the regular haunt of members of all the trusted and vocations lawyers, accountants, police, car dealers, you name it - they all turned up here to let their hair down (and all of whom shall remain anonymous - all cash deposits gladly accepted!)

Anyway, one night some guy was too drunk to be served any more drinks (how about that? - people used to be responsible without all the bureaucracy of today!) and was told to be on his way.

This guy went and made a nuisance of himself at the local pie cart, (remember the pie cart on the Strand?) so they called the Police, who immediately came and arrested him, took him back to the station, where they asked him to empty his pockets before they gave him a bed for the night!

He proceeded to empty a handfull of green tickets onto the table, where upon questioning it was discovered that these were drinks tickets from the “sample room!” Word got back to the organisers that the police inspector had got wind of their little operation, and that they had better put a stop to it, as they (the police) were planning a raid. (spoilsports!)

In those days, the police were a respected and feared institution, and as these were all mostly respectable people, they didn’t want to get on the wrong side of the law, so they took this warning in and that was the end of that.

And mores the pity I say! I can feel the buzz right now and see the band through the thick haze of cigarette smoke jumping and swinging.

This would be as close to the real McKoy as you could ever hope to get - right here in Tauranga!

Margaret Bloody Wilson back in Town - aaarrrrrggghhhh

2008-05-11T19:48:00.004+12:00

Now that Margaret Bloody Wilson has quit her job as speaker of the house, she is looking for something new to do.

Lucky old Tauranga looks like it will be the benefactor of her activities, as it was reported recently that she is moving back to Tauranga, and has become the new figurehead and patron of Creative Tauranga - a council funded group that interferes in the arts etc.

One area Margaret intends to interfere in (or develop as SHE puts it) is Taurangas Music scene!

WTF!!!

She wants to see more venues for musicians, especially those trying to break in to the industry.

What! like supplying them with sound gear, or free practice rooms etc?

There is a saying that goes” The result of saving men from folly is to fill the world with fools!” Well, this can be equally applied to the music business! “The result of saving musicians from paying their dues is to fill the world with CRAP MUSICIANS!”

Tauranga has one of the most vibrant and successful music scenes in the country, which it has achieved through merit and achievement, fuelled by passion and desire to achieve, and NOT by artificial council-funded sponsorship.

I mean you dont see “sponsored by the Hackney city council” on the back of the Iron Maiden CD covers do you? NO! These guys did it because music was their life, their passion, and they would have done it if they had to walk over broken glass, and not because it was made easy for them by being given other peoples money to rehearse.

However did we manage before she came along?

What the FUCK does she know about the music scene? (sorry about the profanities, but this really is something to get angry about)

The best thing ANY bureaucrat can do for the Tauranga music scene is get out of the bloody way.

The Tauranga music scene needs Margaret Bloody Wilson like a guitarist needs a broken string.

Volunteers needed

2008-05-11T19:40:00.003+12:00

There have been several article in the local paper lamenting the lack of VOLUNTEERS for anything. Here is MY take on the situation.

Humans are a naturally benevolent lot! - It’s in our nature to help those who are in trouble, suffering, or in danger. That’s why we have heroes - people who put their own lives at risk to save the life of another. They don’t do it because they’re FORCED to do it, they do it of their own free will - it’s a natural reaction, and part of the human psyche.

When people are FORCED - through taxes - to be benevolent, they become of the mind that they have “done their bit,” and are paying for somebody to be benevolent on their behalf - (council, government etc) and THIS is the reason we have so few VOLUNTEERS for anything these days.
They have already made their (forced) donation, havent they done enough? Why should they donate even MORE.

In the past if an area needed a playground, a group of concerned people - usually service groups like Lions or Jaycees etc would get together, fundraise, find sponsorship, pool their skills, and then get together on a Sunday morning, and dig holes, pour concrete and paint things.

This was called community spirit.

The demise of public spiritedness, has come about because instead of doing the work, groups like mother-for-museums just hold their hand out, and plead a NEED.
It is greed for things that belong to other people (a disregard for property rights), and the use of force that are denying us of our natural benevolence.

You will not find a solution to this problem until you admit to what is the cause of it!

Socialist Berserkers in a bloodlust for other peoples money!

2008-05-06T11:55:00.002+12:00

Joyce Adams and her ilk would love it if I stopped complaining! - They would then be able to go about the business of taking other peoples money and property unopposed.

It must be very inconvenient when individuals put up a fight whilst being robbed of their rights and private property! - If only they would keep quiet like the majority of the sheeple!

I have a deal for all the chardonnay socialists out there. If they stop trying to take my money, dictating what I can and cannot do with my life, and taking out mortgages on my grandchildrens life to pay for museums etc, then I will stop complaining about it, but until they put a stop to their thievery, I will fight them every step of the way!

Like Mothers for museums who want to take the subject of the museum “out of the political arena” Why? So they can harrass council - unopposed - for a share of the ratepayers loot! It’s much easier when nobody puts up a fight.

I have better things to do than be on the constant lookout for thieves, and looters who all have a better idea how to spend the money I earn than I do, but they just wont leave me alone.

I spend a great deal of my time in an effort to expose their immoral addiction to other peoples money in the hope of helping others beat the addiction of dependance on state and council,
but some people are like a shark with a taste for blood - they just can’t stop themselves.

If only these people would just go home and slip into something more comfortable . . .!

Like a COMA.

Greed Beats Need

2008-05-02T12:02:00.001+12:00

It’s an over abundance of those who believe their “needs and wants” are enough to justify the theft of other peoples property that truly gets my back up, and the editor smugly entitling my letter “Greed beats Need” is a prime example of this mentality in operation!

If what I say is so wrong, explain why “taking other peoples money by force (otherwise known as THEFT!!!!) is more moral than a persons property rights!

You wish to attain social benefits through the most immoral action one man can take upon another - the use of FORCE! - Why is this OK? How is this a MORAL thing to do? Isn’t stealing BAD? Why is it different because government or council do it? Why is trying to PROTECT private property from the grasp of THIEVES called GREED by the editor?

Justifying these actions as “for the benefit of the community” is twisted logic! - The community is but a collection of individuals - Those whose rights you would deny!

The editor appears to define “greed” as somebody trying to keep hold of their personal property!
I define greed as people who are not happy with just their OWN property, but truly believe they have a right to other peoples property also!

PROPERTY RIGHTS RULE! - Ask anybody who doesn’t have them, yet all some do is want to abuse them! - CRAZYNESS

The Right Note Column - Joel Shadbolt

2008-04-29T22:14:00.003+12:00

Not every child has a natural talent to do school work - some children seem to have an in-built aversion to it while others take to it like a duck to water.

With our child brainwashing system the way it is, many children with exceptional talents in all kinds of potential job vocations get swept under the carpet, or relegated to the corner of the room so as not to disrupt the majority because their particular talents and strong points are not catered for, or seen as important in the one-size-fits-all system.

I do not mean to say that fundamental skills in Mathematics and English should not be achieved simultaneously, but Instead of wasting young lives sitting through algebra and French lessons, these young budding child prodigies could be honing the skills that they have a natural aptitude for.

Many of these children - who are left with nothing to do but make a nuissance of themselves or bore themselves to death in uninspiring classrooms - have exceptional talents in the field of art or performance, or sports or music.

I have met and worked with several extremely talented musicians who would have fallen into this category, and I have often wondered what levels of virtuosity they would have achieved had they had the opportunity to study and concentrate on these skills rather than sit daydreaming about them during lessons on pythagoras's theorum!

Not that I am suggesting for one moment that the young man I am about to mention had any such aversion to schoolwork, but one thing for sure, from a very young age he certainly showed all the hallmarks of achieving excellence in the field of musical performance.

About 13 years ago now, When Joel Shadbolt was about 4 years old, two local musicians - Jon Michaels and Bruce Rolands - had a residency at The Astrolabe on a Sunday.

Every week Brian and Jocelyn, his parents, would go along to watch, and take Joel, who would stand in front of Bruce for the entire gig, mesmerised by Bruce and his guitar playing, and understandably so, as Bruce is very passionate about music, and his performance, and has always made a striking figure on-stage.

Brian found an old ukelele at the dump, and Joel would take it along to these Sunday gigs, and take up his position in front of Bruce and strum along.

Many years later Bruce is reported to have said “If I knew he was going to turn out this bloody good I would have told him to bugger-off!”

Anyway, the real reason for all this is as many of you may be aware, Joel has been invited to attend the prestigious Los Angeles Academy of Music Summer School programme, and all his musician friends, aquaintances and well-wishers have put together a fundraising concert to help him find a portion of the $12,000 or so dollars it is going to take to get him there and back again.

To many of the hard-working, struggling musicians around these parts if this had just been some bloke looking for a sponsored trip to the states the bill for this event would have been empty, but as it turns out, it is full to the brim, featuring some of the best performers this area and some from out of town who know Joel - has to offer.

My view on this is that people cannot help but see the potential in this young individual, and wish they had had the same opportunity, and as they did not, are more than happy to help somebody they believe has the potential to excell, get there. (so you better come home with some SUGAR boy!)

I invited Joel up to jam with my band at a private function when he was about 12 years old, and if I hadn’t already had a good guitarist, I would have snapped him up then - at that age he was already more than capable.

I, along with my band Brilleaux, and all the amazing artists on the bill this coming Sunday sincerely wish Joel all the very best on the exciting adventure he is about to embark upon.

Tim Cooper, the organiser of this event (man this guy is awesome!) has said that “every single cent” made at this gig will go towards Joels mission, and The Colosseum have donated their time, all the cost of all the advertising, refreshments for the musicians, and who knows what else.

This is going to be a Sell-out concert, so if you don’t want to miss out, I suggest you purchase your ticket BEFORE then. It's going to be a wicked day - I can't wait!

National Party back in the telephone business again - Oh No!

2008-04-26T19:58:00.002+12:00

Oh No! In their attempt to bribe you to vote for them with the money they stole from you in the first place, National intend to talk you round by getting government back into the telephone business again by promising Broadband for all!.
Remember the last time government were in the telephone business! - It took 6 months to get your phone connected!
Anybody that falls for THIS promise has learnt absolutely NOTHING from history and should go back to school (preferably not the same school system that they also run, - they will only offer to teach you what they want you to learn there)
All the major political parties have to offer are identical versions of Nanny State, who will shamelessly steal control of your lives and your property, and just because you are sick of the red team doesn't mean the blue team is the answer to the problem! - It most definitely is NOT so don't be sucked in by a gormless smile - because the lights are on, but theres nobody in the kitchen!

Give me a child till he is 9

2008-04-25T12:22:00.003+12:00

A local celebrity is trying to get council to build a museum now by getting children into the debate.

Here is my letter to the paper concerning this.

Give me a child till he is 9 and he will be mine for life.

That was the Jesuit motto, attributed to Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the Jesuit Order.

The implication is that the best opportunity to indoctrinate a person in a lifetime of belief and devotion to religion is when they are young.

This is the reason socialist governments place such importance in keeping hold of the government-run education system - to ensure they have a supply of socialists in the future to keep their political viewpoint alive - no matter that it doesn’t work. It is hard to change from something you have been taught to believe is right your entire life.

What has this got to do with a museum?
Bringing children into the museum debate is part of the same old trick.

Try asking them if we should have a FREE lolly shop - they will mostly say YES! What do THEY know of where the money comes from to pay for it, or who has their rights and their property STOLEN from them for them to be given that FREE lolly shop!
Do they realise that when THEY become ratepayers they will be FORCED to pay for it in the FUTURE what the CHILDREN of yesterday DEMANDED!

There are better and more moral ways to achieve what you want without the use of FORCE.

Mothers for a Museum

2008-04-25T12:20:00.000+12:00

I am a father, and I agree with all the things reported in the story “Children should not miss out on museum”

HOWEVER

it says that you “wish to take the museum debate OUT of the political arena”

YET YOU STILL WISH TO FORCE OTHER PEOPLE TO PAY FOR THE MUSEUM!

You are IMPLORING the city council to keep a museum in THEIR PLAN.

What you are doing is asking the COUNCIL to USE FORCE UPON RATEPAYERS

You are putting pressure on the council to TAKE MONEY from people BY FORCE

Once the council make the decison to build a museum, all those who pay rates have NO CHOICE but to PAY or be Fined or Criminalised for not doing so!

You are asking the council to be a BULLY on YOUR BEHALF!

Isn’t bullying BAD? Isn’t it WRONG? or do we allow bullying sometimes!

The use of FORCE is BAD, and is NOT a good thing to teach children is it!

Children should be taught to use their MIND, not resort to FORCE to get what they want

Do mothers for a museum think it acceptable to demand council do the dirty work of bullying on their behalf? -

There are many ways to achieve a museum WITHOUT THE USE OF FORCE

For Example

Before COUNCIL took it upon themselves to be everything to everybody, we had beautiful childrens playgrounds, swimming pools, fountains etc.

These were provided by COMMUNITY SPIRITED SERVICE GROUPS like Lions, jaycees, Rotary etc.

THE COMMUNITY would see a need for something, get together and plan, fundraise, and get sponsorship etc then they would all get together on a weekend, and dig holes, build swings and slides, pour concrete, paint and decorate, have a picnic together, and BUILD THEM

FREE OF CHARGE and COMPULSION and BUILT with COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

What happens now?

People go to the council and DEMAND they provide it (whatever it is) trying to shortcut the process, and in the process have KILLED community Spirit

You cannot FORCE people to be community spirited, (although people do insist on trying to)

As long as you insist on FORCING OTHER PEOPLE to pay for what you want, you are doing your children a disservice, and teaching them that it is OK to use FORCE, and to be a BULLY

Why not try a different, more MORAL approach to achieving the museum you all so desire?

Your children will thank you for THAT

Especially when THEY become ratepayers, and do not have to continue paying for it!

The Right Note - 6 24/04/08

2008-04-22T21:14:00.001+12:00

The Tauranga Jazz Festival

In 1986 I was working as a graphic artist, putting together the programme for the 25th anniversary of the Tauranga Jazz Festival.

For several years I had been working closely with 2 volunteers from the society. One was a musician himself, and the other was just a lover of music. The two gentlemen in question, were Paul Hills, and Brian Norman (both of whom I’m afraid to say are no longer with us) - Two of the nicest and most dedicated gentlemen you could ever hope to meet.

One day the jovial Mr Norman turned up, and he was beside-himself with anger. His curly, fair hair was almost bristling, and he was not a happy camper!

In between words that I will not put into print, I learned that the Council had refused to let the Jazz Society put banners up in town advertising this major milestone in the festivals history.

The festival had been drawing large numbers of people into the town for 25 years, and even back then (we are up to festival number 46 now,) this festival was a huge attraction, and becoming more successful by the year.

In those days the festival was run without major sponsorship, and without recognition, help, or support - financially or otherwise - from the council! In fact, it was almost as if the council were going out of their way to make things difficult for the organisers of this annual event. They weren’t of course, - it was just every-day bureaucracy at work [sic] but that is how it seemed.

These dedicated music enthusiasts of the Jazz Society Committee were busting a boiler to put on a huge event of international proportions and international stars that even in those days entertained thousands from all over the country, and some petty twit with a clipboard wouldn’t let them put up banners!

In these earlier days, the festival was held at the Tauranga Racecourse, and the jazz Society ran and operated the bars and the catering, which amounted to a healthy income, which in turn enabled them to pay for the impressive list of international jazz giants that they have featured, including greats such as George Gola (guitarist) Don Burrows (sax/clarinet), Bud Freeman (sax). Anyway a turn of events put a halt to this source of income, and the society had to find a new way to stay financial.

It was about this time that the society changed the venue from the Racecourse to the Otumoetai Trust Hotel.

One day a chap by the name of Trevor Graeme, who was a correspo ndent for Melody Maker magazine (Australia) turned up at Joyce Colour and Sound (the record shop on Wharf Street I wrote about recently) and asked Marion Proud who was working there, what the Jazz scene was like in Tauranga, and she put him on to Dave of course! Trevor had with him a bunch of records of the Denton Texas Lab band, which was like a university youth jazz band competition in America. Dave thought this was a great concept, and spoke to Jim Langabeer about it, and Jim grabbed the concept with both hands and just ran with it.

Over the 25 years the festival had been in operation, the committee and society members reconised that the players were getting older and older, and they needed some new blood. Some of the musos were a little posessive about their music, and about getting all these kids involved, but they were not so stupid as to not realise they needed a new injection of numbers. Little did they realise they had created a monster! - an amazing monster that at one time had over 200 new people playing jazz and bringing with them their families, supporters, teachers and old Tom Cobley and all! and anybody who has seen this youth jazz competition will tell you what a joy it is to hear, not to mention the outstanding talents it has produced. The Tauranga Jazz Festival Youth Competition is something schools all round the country now strive to attend and win.

Anyway, pushing s_ _t uphill with a sharp stick becomes tedious work even for such dedicated battlers, and from the position of my involvement, I felt the momentum of the festival falter for a few years, as some of these committee stalwarts passed away, and the committees changed, and the new recruits struggle to get to grips with the increasing demands this extremely popular and growing festival demanded.

Then, right out of the blue, two most unsuspecting youngsters by the names of Derek Jacombs and Demian Forlong (who were at least half the age of the previous organisers) got themselves elected onto the committee and in a manouevre that was not unanimously popular at the time, took hold of the festival by the scruff of the neck and radically changed the format by dragging it to the downtown bars and cafes, and in a brilliant turnaround of events even managed to get each of the venues to pay for the bands.

After a tentative first festival, the bands and public alike embraced this new concept, and that was the beginnings of the vibrant, hugely successful internationally recognised street festival we have today.

After years of hard-work and success against the odds by a gallant few, mayor Jan Beange came to the conclusion that as this festival was not going to go away, it could actually be a worthwhile event to support, and provided some council funding (yeuch - I hate that word!), and offered the councils co-operation in closing off the streets etc.

The next thing I read was the mayors introduction in the festival programme welcoming visitors to OUR JAZZ FESTIVAL!

I took exception to the council claiming the product of decades of blood, sweat and tears of “real” hero’s as “their festival,” and several interesting and passionate letters were exchanged in the BOP Times debating the subject.

Anyway, that is all water under the bridge, and the Tauranga Jazz Festival is now a destination event for musicians and music lovers from around the world.

A standing ovation is the standard response to an outstanding performance in our business, and to those early pioneers, originators and organisers of the Tauranga Jazz festival such as Dave Proud, Ken Hayman, Stan Day, Del Peterson, Ken White and all the committee members too numerous to mention, this is no less than they deserve.

On behalf of musicians and music lovers everywhere - Thank you.

On a final note, I must reinforce that I am not associated with the Jazz society in any way, and this column voices my own views and opinions, and not those of anybody else.

Today the festival is made possible by a team of mostly volunteers and passionate music lovers who make up the Jazz Society, and who are responsible for attracting millions of dollars worth of trade to the bars, cafes and businesses of downtown Tauranga over the easter period. If these businesses fail to recognise, reward or assist this goose that annually provides them each with a golden egg, instead of taking it for granted and taking all they can get while the going’s good - then they may find the festival choses to re-invent itself once again so as to benefit directly from the millions of dollars that it attracts, in order to become more financial and sustain the world-class event we have all come to look forward to every Easter.

The Right Note Column - 5 NAMBASSA

2008-04-22T20:54:00.004+12:00

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Mike and Geoff Chunn of Citizen Band
Gary McCormick on his own portable stage
Grant Bedford, leader of the New Zealand Marijuana party outside the Police HQ
Queues of cars and a couple of guys making their way to the entrance.
The BOP Times front page, where some of my pics appeared

Nambassa Festival

One hot, dry weekend during mid-summer 1979, thousands of cars, buses, and house-trucks descended on the tiny town of Waihi. Their destination was a green and rolling farm on a cliff top overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean – site of Nambassa, a unique music, craft and alternative lifestyle festival featuring workshops and displays of alternative medicine, natural foods and all the associated, groovy, hippie kinda stuff.

My parents didn’t have a snowflakes chance in hell from stopping me attending this festival (unlike the Ngaruawahia festival a few years earlier!) I had left home and taken the first steps of being responsible for my own life now, and had started my apprenteship at the Bay of Plenty Times.

Nambassa was a series of 3 hippie festivals held between 1976 and 1981 on a farm in Waihi.

New Zealand in the 1970’s was about 10-15 years behind the rest of the world in just about everything, which was a drag in some respects - especially when it came to obtaining new technology like TVs and Stereos etc or watching Coronation Street (if that was your thing!), but in other respects it was kinda cool because we got to have a go at experiencing our own Woodstock 10 years after the fact!

I found out about Nambassa because I spent a lot of time in a shop called Calico Mill. Now, of all the shops in downtown Tauranga, and I’m talking about the days when downtown was the place to go shopping - when EVERYBODY went downtown on a Friday night just to walk around and around, or sit on the metal railing on the corner of the Red Square outside the Star Hotel - there was only ONE cool shop.

It was situated at the bottom of Devonport Road, just before you went round the corner into what is now the Red Square. Janice Mathews was the owner, and it was a revolution to the young people of Tauranga. The shop sold Batik skirts and bedspreads, insence, herbal cigarettes and all kinds of groovy, ethnic stuff that we had never seen the likes of before. Before Calico Mill arrived, if you wanted jewellery, you had to go to a jewellers. Not now! Calico Mill introduced the funkiest ethnic silver rings and bangles at affordable prices, and when you were only earning $28 a week this was awesome.

Whilst waiting for my girlfriend on one of her shopping marathons, (she must have purchased one of EVERYTHING from there at one stage or another!) I picked up a booklet with some freaky artwork on the front cover and started reading.

I took one look at all the bands appearing, and purchased my ticket there and then. I told Ross Brown, Chief Photographer at the BOP Times, that I was going to Nambassa, and he handed me half a dozen rolls of black and white film, a Camera, and a press pass, and shoved me out the door, and said bring back some pictures for me, which I did, and they appeared on the front page of the BOP Times Monday 29th January, 1979.

Apart from the odd international headliner, these festivals were a major opportunity for homegrown talent to play on a big stage to a crowd of music-lovers. Bands such as Golden harvest, (who had a major hit with a song called “I need your love.”) Progressive Rock band “Living Force.” and Schtung, not to mention Citizen Band and Split Enz, were playing on a level equivalent to that of anywhere in the world

I recall being one of the 5-10 thousand hippies, led by the leader of the Marijuana Party, one Tauranga resident, Mr Grant Bedford, who converged upon the police HQ, threatening to storm it if the arrests for smoking cannabis did not cease (there had been 58 arrests).

For a while the situation was very volatile. The organisers arranged a meeting with the police and advised them that they had made their point.

He told them that if these petty arrests continued then he too, would join the civil disobedience campaign and have the police removed from the festival. A deal was struck and potential disaster avoided.

The huge body of people then withdrew from the police compound, but not before a certain hippie-version of santa-clause - lollie scramble style - threw hundreds of bags of dope out into the sea of waving arms. Another Tauranga character by the name of Kenny Shaw captured more than his 15 minutes of fame being broadcast on national TV smoking a monumental Marley-sized spliff.

No further arrests were made, and at the post festival de-briefing the police issued a press release congratulating the organisers for the way they managed the festival, and the 75,000 festival patrons for their good behavior.

Socialism is like Herpes - It just wont go away!

2008-04-22T12:30:00.003+12:00

The talk in Tauranga at the moment is how the council are about to startcharging for the use of boat ramps, and possibly start, or at least increase user charges at the public library. One councillor - Rick Curack has even had the nerve to suggest closing the Greerton and Mt Library altogether (shock horror!)

This got me to thinking how we came to find ourselves in this predicament! When did people start to EXPECT AS A RIGHT to get given things for NOTHING!

I dont have the answer to that question, but I do know that it is a disease - much like herpes - it just wont go away!

Here is my letter to the editor on the subject

*****************

Where, in some peoples life do they get the idea that they have a right to the fruits of anothers labour?

What makes made them believe “I want to do something and somebody ELSE should be FORCED to pay for it?”

Free Libraries and boat ramps etc are a lovely concept, but the FACTS are that to achieve these things somebody somewhere is having THEIR property taken away from them by FORCE to pay for you to enjoy that privilege!

Whatever makes you think that’s OK?

If they weren’t funded by council, it doesn’t mean they would disappear! It means they would become MORE EFFICIENT, and ONLY the people that use them would be paying for the privilege, and not those who DO NOT! Why is THAT a bad thing?

Instead of trying to be everything to everybody, and succeeding at neither, council should remove themselves from these activities, and concentrate on essential services, that they are struggling to provide successfully.

The socialist disease epidemic is doing this by making you believe it’s acceptable to resort to the most uncivilised action that one man can enact upon another - FORCE!

It is NOT OK, MORAL or Civilised, and it’s destined to fail! - take the die-while-you-wait health[sic] system, and the failing education system as examples.

Who are all the top achieving schools? PRIVATE! Where is all the best medical care available? PRIVATE!

You too could benefit from these superior services if you weren’t forced to pay for the underachieving government-run versions