NEW INSTRUMENTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 304, 7 October 1935, Page 7

NEW INSTRUMENTS

FOR SALVATION ARMY BAND.

PRESENTATION IN ASHBURTON.

VISIT OF COMMISSIONER ADAMS,

Recently purchased at a cost of about £650, the new instruments for the Ashburton Salvation Army Band were dedicated and presented to the band by Commissioner Adams and Mrs Mrs Adams, (territorial commanders for New Zealand) at special services held in Ashburton yesterday. There was a large congregation at the morning sendee in the Citadel when the instruments were dedicated to the work of the Army by the Commissioner.

The presentation was made at a public meeting held in St. Andrew's Hall in tile afternoon. The Mayor (Mr W. H. Woods) presided over a large attendance and there were also present Mrs Adams, Mi* W. G. Gallagher (chairman of the Ashburton Hospital Board), Major A. J. -Suter and Mrs Suter (divisional commanders), Major DEB. C. Goffin (national secretary for Salvation Army Bands), Brigadier G. F. Dry (Christchurch) and representative citizens.

The meeting opened with a song, led by Major Suter, followed by a prayer by Brigadier Dry, and Scripture reading by Mrs Suter.

Mr Woods welcomed Commissioner Adams and Mrs Adams to Ashburton, saying that he was sure they would not be disappointed with the work' of the army corps in the town. He said he wished to acknowledge the splendid community service ' being done in Ashburton by the band, and the help received from Captain N. E. Bicknell. He congratulated the band on reaching another important mile-stone in its history, and hoped that the new instruments would be an incentive to further enthusiasm in band work.

“Bands play an important part in the work of the Army,” said Major Goffin, who congratulated the Ashburton Army Band on the progress it had made under Bandmaster G. E. Argyle. Captain Bicknell traced the history of the efforts to raise money for the new instruments, and thanked the local bodies and citizens who had contributed to the fund. He said in November, 1934, there was £l2O in the fund, while the efforts of the bandsmen had raised a further £l4B and public and local body subscriptions amounted to £240.

“The balance is practically assured by the disposal of the old instruments, 5 ’ he said. Bandmaster Argyle said that a fine spirit had been shown by the public in its support of the appeal. The band would endeavour to carry on its work to the credit of the Army as well as to that of the town of Ashburton.

“I am pleased to be associated with this ceremony, which must -be an important occasion in. the history of the band>” said Commissioner Adams. He said the Ashburton bandsmen deserved credit for carrying out a scheme to raise so much money in the times through,,which they had just passed. Salvation Army-band work had made great progress in New Zealand in recent years, and there would soon be 1000 bandsmen in the Dominion. The Salvation Army bands were recognised by the highest authorities in the Empire, and had played before their Majesties the King and Queen and at several cathedrals.

Commissioner Adams then presented the new instruments to the bandsmen.

A selection and an anthem were played by the band, and a vocal selection was given by the Songster Brigade.

One of the bass instruments was presented to the band by Mrs W. Palmer (Rakaia) as a memorial to her son, Private Edney Palmer, who was killed in France in 1918.

At an evangelical service last evening Commissioner Adams gave the address. The celebrations will conclude with a musical festival by the band this evening, when the new instruments will be played. The Commissioner will preside.