HOME AGAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 271, 14 November 1936, Page 12

HOME AGAIN.

BLIND INSTITUTE BAND.

SUCCESSFUL SOUTHERN TOUR,

The band of tho New Zealand Institute for the Blind returned to-day from a seven weeks' tour of North Island centres, in every one of which they received a fine reception. Everywhere they went they played to packed houses, giving in all 51 concerts. On Monday, November 23, a "welcome home" entertainment will be given in the Town Hall by the members of the band.

Particularly popular was Mr. Allan Morton, holder of the New Zealand cornet championship, whose technique came in for high praise from the many bandsmen met on the tour, and whose tone and beautiful rendering of favourite solos brought many encores.

Audiences were much impressed, too, with- the versatile nature of the party and the manner in which many of its members handled three or four different instruments and were equally at home with all. Mr. Joseph Papesch, for instance, gave vocal solos, led the band in sea chanteys, and played with precision the piano, clarinet, saxophone and piano-accordion. The programme revealed, however, that his principal instrument was the pipe organ.

People who- came ,to the concerts, expecting, perhaps, to be saddened and to find the music second-rate, soon found themselves at home with their entertainers, and enjoying well-played music. The results of the tour, said Sir Clutha Mackenzie, were beyond all expectations. The band had made thousands of new friends for the blind community, and were very grateful to their hosts for the warm welcomes and many kindnesses extended everywhere.