BANDS AND BANDSMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 138, 10 June 1905, Page 10

BANDS AND BANDSMEN.

(By Presto.)

The following notes are culled from the Greymouth papers re their late contest: A Greymouth amateur musician, whose fondness for music is undoubted, says that the best tiling he enjoyed during the recent contest was the "Ragtime March" of the massed bands at the Park. "It was purely accidental," said the critic, that some of the bands .at the Park, having lost the beat of Judge Laidlaw's baton, quite blew 'The Challenge' to pieces—for while some of the bands were 'attacking,' the others were 'rallying'—but, no doubt, as so cultured a musician as Mr. Laidlaw might smilingly say, "It afforded a beautiful ragtime."

At a meeting of those favourable to the formation of a West Coast Band Assoeiaiion the Mayor, Messrs. Guthrie, Phillips, Seymour, Iveddell, and Petrie were appointed a temporary committee to draft proposals to be submitted to a future meeting.

On the announcement of the result of the slide trombones at Greymouth. the judge, Mr. Laidlaw, said lie was delighted at Mr. Cummings' performance, and considered it a- perfect treat. He was much pleased with the B-fiat cornet and euphonium winners, and finally shook hands with Messrs. T. Goodall, CummJng, ajid Beva.ii. The judge remarked that he had never heard anything that pleased him more than the clarionette solo by B. Peterson, a lad of 12 or 13. The Mr. Cummings referred to is, I understand, a brother to the one who gave such a fine exhibition on the bass trombone at Auckland (the left-handed player).

The Wellington Garrison Band, under Lieut. T. Herd, interpreted an excellent programme of music at the Basin Keserve last Sunday. There was an audience of at least 2000 people present. Included in the selections played were the overture "Tancredi" (Rossini), march

"Distant Greeting" (A. Doring). morceau "A Summer's Night" (0. E. Putton), fantasia "A Souvenir of Spain" (\V. Rimmer), march "A Signal From Mars" (E. T. Paul), and the Anthem "Blessed be Thou, Lord God." A collection, amounting to £26 10/5. in aid.of the Consumptives' Hospital Fund, was made by the ladies' committee.

Mr. H. Blakely. of the Helping Hand band, has sent mc a letter with some particulars re the late Mr. Conway. He backs up the statements of the other men in regard to the late gentleman, and T am pleased that one and all speak so highly of his many qualities. I forgot to mention that the Garrison Band played the "Dead March , ' from "Saul" at his funeral.

T am pleased to chronicle renewed activity amongst our band secretaries. Messrs. Williamson (Garrison) and Key (Devonport) have both sent in an account of their doings; but what about the Battalion, Impey's, etc.? Where are Messrs. Ilankin. Tucker, and Co.? Drop a. note to "Presto." care of "Star," and the. citizens of Auckland will become acquainted with your doings.

The Auckland Garrison Band, under Mr G. E. Cater, played at the Costley Home last Sunday. Owing to the da nip,weather they played in the large dining-room. The old people were carTie rl"away *wTtrr rhemushr and were no doubt heaping blessings upon the heads nf the bandsmen for their kindly action. After playing in the room for a while the band went into the hospital and played to the old people who Merc unable to leave their beds, and it was indeed a sad sight to see them trying to show their appreciation for the music. Mr Skynner thanked the band warmly for the afternoon's enjoyment, and asked them to come again. Good on you, boys! That's the sort of thing T like; going to the homes and cheer; ing up the sick and suffering. T wish some of the other bands ■would make a move in this direction. To-morrow week the Garrison are going to the Hospital to give a programme there, and later to the Veterans' Home, so their work is well mapped out. Messrs Flyger and Co.. tailors, have presented n handsome gold medal for the best attending member for the year in N the above band.

The Central Mission Band will give a concert next Monday night in connection with their anniversary services. Included in the programme of vocal and instrumental items appear soprano cornet solo. "O Lovely Night." Mr W. Upton; horn solo, selected , . Mr Crosby; euphonium solo, selected, Mr Shugg.

Mr Walter Gladding has been appointed bandmaster of the Auckland Salvation Army Band. The appointment is popular, and without- doubt a good one, and the band should go

ahead again under their new leader. I notice Mr Jack Collev pJaying soprano cornet with his band*. He is an old Waihi and Oamaru bandsman, and in his day was a player of some note.

Mr E. Ford, who for some time past has been chairman of the Regiment Band. A.M.R., has resigned owing to other business taking up his time. Mr F. Martinson has been elected to fill the vacancy, and all concerned are looking for a prosperous time under his chairmanship. Mr Ford, however, assured the band that he will still remain a staunch friend and supporter of the band, and iv this the hand is fortunate, for Mr Ford has been a good friend and worker in their interests. Last Saturday the band journeyed to Clevedon and gave a programme in the evening, and attended church parade on Sunday morning. Twentythree members undertook the trip under their conductor, Mr T. Adams, and are reported as having a, "good time." Since the contest several new members have joined the band, including Mr Alf. Bartley, who is well-known in musical circles.

Both. th*e Devonport and Garrison Bands have decided to go to the Hawera contest next January, so that looks like business. What about the Battalion? 1 shall be glad of some