BANDS AND BANDSMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 276, 18 November 1905, Page 10

BANDS AND BANDSMEN.

(By Presto.)

While in Whangarei a few days ago I had occasion to call on the editor of the "Northern Advocate," when I made it my. business, to inquire how the band was coming on, and hie surprised 7 mc by saying, "Band! why it is almost a thing of the past here." He said for a town like Whangarei there ought to be one of the finest bands in the Auckland district, but owing to the lack of public interest in the matter the players seem to have become down-hearted. He said there is nothing he would like better than to have a band fit to compete in small contests, such as the charity contest, which is to be held here at Christmas. Mr Babbington intends shortly to bring this matter before the public, and appeal to them to assist him in reinstating the band once more.

While at the Thames I went up to hear the Hauraki Band practising, and I find that the reports I have been hearing about them are quite true. They have a real good combination, and I fancy, if anything, they are better now lhan they were at the JBig Contest." The selection they were on (which I 1 suppose is their contest piece) is a ' fairly difficult one, but their conductor (Mr Booth) seemed to be taking great pains with them.- I happened 10 meet Mr Booth and Mr Gibbons (secretary) next morning, and had a long chat with them over band matters. Mr Booth, whose heart and soul are in the band, informs mc that on the arrival of the "Star" at the Thames the first thing they look for is the "Presto" column, as it is practically their only means of finding out the doings of the various bands. He thinks the Auckland bands are properly in luck's way, in getting the £50 subsidy each, and he hopes it will set the Thames people an example, and assist them in getting the same for their own band. The Thames Battalion Band has just imported a splendid acetylene gas lamp for use at night, when programmes are being played out of doors. It stands about ten feet high on iron legs, and sheds a splendid light all round. It is greatly superior to the flickering torches, and must be a great help to the. players in reading music. The Hauraki Band have been under a misapprehension as regards the "rules" of the A.P.B. Association (with which they are affiliated). They have understood that they were not allowed to play for less than 12/ per man per day. Since my return I have seen a copy of the rules, and find that there is no such a rule in existence, the bands being practically at liberty to charge whatever price they may choose.

The Karangahape Band has decided to compete in the Charity Band Contest, and is quite excited over making their first attempt. I must say I ad- ! mire the.actions of-the different couni try bands in connection with this ! affair. It will cost several of these | bands to come down no less than JEGO ; for travelling expenses alone, not to ' speak of board and lodgings while here, and the prize-money for the contest so far all told is only £80, so that even if one of these bands should win, they j would not anything like clear expenses. j 1 trust the people of Auckland will on I the arrival of these bands show their j appreciation by giving them the hearty i reception they deserve-

Bandmaster Hunter informs mc that the Garrison Band was almost unanimous in its decision to withdraw from I the Charity Band Contest, because the postponement of the contest, has brought it right into the busiest season of the year. The engagements of the . band, vhieh include a full share of cbar- , ity work, render it impossible to enter. ! The twenty programmes for the Park alone .wiH necessitate the practice Of at least a hundred and twenty pieces, and it is unreasonable, he thinks, to expect ! members of the band to- do more than 'they have in hand.