Opening of the Band Rotunda.

+ Last evening the Band Rotunda in Latimer square was used for the first time for the purpose for which it has been erected, that purpose being to enable the various bandsmen, who have ever been willing to perform for the pleasure of the public, to do so with more comfort to themselves, and with greater pleasure for their hearers. Shortly after 7 p.m. the various Bands which had united to assist at the ceremony mustered opposite the Eailway Station; the Garrison Band, numbering 28 members, being under the leadership of Mr Dorn ; the Addington Band, 25, under Mr Poolej \ the Stanmore Band, 26, under Mr M'Killop j and the City Eeed Band, 25, led by Mr Mitchell. These Bands united preparatory to marching to the Rotunda into one monster Band, numbering 105 performers. The players of bass, baritone, tenor, cornets, clarionets, and drums having. been marshalled in that order, the " Marmion "• march was struck up, and a start was made for the rotunda. The bands proceeded down Manchester and High streets, and thence along Hereford street to Latimer square, the "No Surrender" march being played daring the latter part of the journey. Considering that the bands have not had the opportunity of practising in concert, they kept time, and played well together. A crowd of people accompanied them, and another crowd was waiting to receive them on their arrival at the square. His Worship the Mayor (Mr C. P. Hulbert), who was accompanied by the Mayor-elect (Mr A. Ayers), ascended the platform of the rotunda, and said he had been requested by the united Bands, who, in the future, would perform there for the recreation of the public, to declare the rotunda open. He knew that they saw the Square at a disadvantage that evening, on account of the worts in progress there, but when the intention of the City Council was carried out, and it was put in decent order, there would be a nice greensward to promenade on, and he had no doubt that when the Bands performed the public would find it a very pleasant rendezvous of an evening. They knew that the rotunda had been erected by the efforts of the united Bands, assisted by public subscriptions and a donation from the City Council, but the amount gathered had not been sufficient to defray the expense of its erection, and there remained a deficit of between £50 and £60, which those who enjoyed the music of the bands performing there should be willing to wipe out by subscriptions. (Hear, hear.) He had much pleasure in declaring the rotunda open for purposes of public amusement. (Cheers.) The various bands, the Addington band taking the lead, then each performed two selections in the rotunda. Their efforts were greeted with much applause from the assembled people, but the collection which followed was not commensurate with the api .muse, only £4 12s 5d being the total amount contributed towards defraying the debt on the rotunda. A description of the design of the rotunda has already appeared in these columns, but it may be said that it is a substantial and elegant structure, well suited for the use to which it will be put. There is, howover, one defect, and that is in reference to f he lighting. The small gaslights that are fixed around so as to project partially outside the rotunda, are liable to be blown out oy ordinary wind, and it *ould probably be found that a sunlight under the centre of the roof would be an improvement.