THE FLAGSHIP'S BAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 199, 24 August 1925, Page 8

THE FLAGSHIP'S BAND.

A FINE BODY OF MUSICIANS. Durino- the stay of the Amovienn battleships in Auckland, the various bands have given a great deal of pleasure to the public. One of the most popular of these clever organisations has been the band of tho flagship California, which comprises some of the finest musicians in the Fleet. In addition to the usual brass band the ship's musicians also make up a most efficient orchestra, which has been heard and admired at several places of amusement in Auckland during the past two weeks. Last night the band went on to the Central wharf, at the invitation of the Port of Auckland Band, and gave a masterly rendering of a well-selected programme. Particularly effective was the renowned Sousa march, "Stars and Stripes for Ever," which was given with splendid verve. The public thoroughly enjoyed the programme and there is no doubt the visit of the Fleet will have a marked effect on the standard of this class of music in Auckland.

BAND AT THE HOSPITAL.

The interest which the admiral and officers of the American Fleet have taken in the welfare of the sick and aged at the public hospital and at the infirmary, has been very noticeable during their stay in the harbour. The size of the institutions have interested them, and they have been anxious to observe our methods of management concerning those who inhabit them, and the conditions under which they live. Yesterday afternoon, at the instigation of Admiral Kobison, the band of the battleship Idaho under Chief Petty Ofli-<-er Bandmaster Douglas, gave a most interesting programme of music in the hospital grounds. Most of the members of the board were present, and the entertainment, which was of a high order, was much appreciated by all who heard it, the patients, especially, being much cheered by the soothing melodies. At the close, Mr. William Wallace, Chapman of the board, expressed his thames to Bandmaster Douglas and the members of the band, for their kindness in t'oming , to the hospital playing for them. Afternoon tea was eerved to the visitors in the nurses' dining room. The sailors expressed their delight at the beautiful situation of the hospital, which had such a wide range of view of tho harbour and surrounding country.