Vagrant bands must be dealt with

To chairman of the board of police commissioners, Jan 14, 1890

Chief Constable’s Office

Jan 14, 1890

Vagrant Bands

"Vagrant Bands parading the streets at night have given the police a good deal of trouble, composed, as they are, of rowdy youths belonging to no responsible Society or organization. They play party tunes for the distinct purpose of being offensive, and with the object of causing a disturbance. They are usually accompanied by a rabble who are always glad of an opportunity to throw stones, the damage from which might be serious, and a breach of the peace is always imminent. The police cannot be on the spot at all times, not being aware of the movements of the bands before hand. I would recommend the passage of a By-Law making it obligatory upon all bands (military excepted) to obtain a permit to play through the streets after sun-down."

From H. J. Grasett, chief constable

City Council Appendix, 1990, 4