BANDSMEN HONOURED

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 13307, 5 April 1941, Page 4

BANDSMEN HONOURED

SERVICE WITH OVERSEAS FORCES ENJOYABLE GATHERING A very pleasant social was held in the band room on Thursday night for the purpose of saying farewell to Bandsmen L. Bougen, F. Bougen and N. Work, who are soon to go into camp. The band room was filled to capacity with the intimate friends of the three bandsmen honoured. The Hon. B. C. Robbins, Patron of the Band, was present and spoke of the splendid services rendered by the Bougen family in the interests of the band over a period of many years. Mr Robbins spoke of the struggles of the band in the past and congratulated the members of its success.

The Chairman of the Executive. Mr A. N. lies, who presided, congratulated the Bougen Bros, and N. Work on their meritorious services to the band, and spoke of the great services he was sure they would render in the great cause of freedom. Mr A. Stewart, representing the Fire Brigade, said that it gave him much pleasure to be present to represent the brigade in doing honour to the departing members of the band and wished them good luck and a safe return to their homes. The band secretary, Mr C. T. MeFarlane, also spoke and mentioned that the band records showed that over a long period of years there had been a representative of the Bougen family in the band and on the Executive committee. He paid a warm tribute to the interest Mrs Bougen had taken in the affairs of the band and the great assistance she had rendered to the band. Mr McFarlane referred to the strong position of the Municipal Band as compared with other bands in the South Auckland district. A telegram was read from Mr N. Jones and wife expressing good wishes. An apology for absence was received from Mr G. Ford.

A very pleasing musical programme was arranged by Madam R. C. A. Smith and contributed greatly to the pleasure of the evening. After supper, provided by the lady friends of the band members, some time was spent in dancing. The programme of vocal items was as follows: —National Anthem: Song “Song of the Diggers,” Mr A: Lowe; song in character, “China Town,” Doreen Pemberton; song, “My Heart is Singing,” and “Blue Bird,” B. McGilp; song, “White Butterfly,” Miss Austin; song, “I Love the Moon,” Madam Smith; songs, “Willie’s Gone to Melville Castle,” “For the Sake of Somebody,” Melvine Upton; songs, “A Bachelor Gay,’ “Rose of Tralee,” Mr C. Edwards; song, “New Zealand Will be There,” Mr A. Lowe. Mr lies than made presentations to the three guests of honour on behalf of the band. The boys returned thanks;