THE BANDSMEN'S DAY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15454, 6 December 1915, Page 10

THE BANDSMEN'S DAY.

$ HELPING TIIE PATRIOTIC FUX». DKMOXSTRATION" IX TIIE SQUARE Substantial aitl was rcndereil to tho Canterbury Patriotic Fund on Saturday bv the efforts of the Christchuich bandsmen, who massed together in tho SfjUaie for.the purpose of giving a big open-air concert. A platform had been erected at the back ol the iram sheitei, and from it an almo.-.t continuous jirograinmo was yiven, >tartii.g shortiy after noon, and continuing until quite late in the evening. At -.-JO p.m. the massed bands paraded at Latimer square, and under the baton of Lieutenant Siddall, marched to Cathedral square, where the. National Anthems of the Allied countries were played. At p.m. an opening speech was made by Dr. Thacker, M.P., after which the following bands occupied the platform iu rotation:—Woolston, Lyttelton Marino, Derry's. and C.Y.C. Items were also given during the afternoon by the Royal Welsh Male Choir and by Messrs East and Hornibrook's Hoys' Choir, whilst members of • tho Scottish Society gave dances. Dr. Thacker in hi> speech gave a little dissertation on and its value, and Sir Jo-eph Ward, who received a warm welcome,' said that he recognised the great importance ami significance of the gathering. Here, with all the element* of peace in evidence. thousands of people had assembled to help the -iek and wounded soldier:-. It was a recognition of tiic great sacrifices men were making |or the privileges represented by the British flag. The people of the Dominion should be proud ol what New Zealand had (.lone. In proportion t<> population, *he bad sei.t more men than the British Me- had >ent. The 'combined bands should be congratulated on their noble action-. As a matter of fact, the country should make u»e of bands in recruiting. Band music had a most inspiring effect oil Itoth men and women. The women of New Zealand had done a wonderful amount of good. Although the sorrow in their hearts was deep, thev kept a brave face, and continued to help the country to play its part ni .-in ii'.on] ;i 1 |i•!.•(! ivar. At 7.1" o'clock in the evening ihe mu-scd bands auain paraded at Latimer square, and marched to Cathedral M'l'.inre. where thev repealed ;'ic National Aoihems. Subsetjiieiitly items were p!-i\ed by ti'e C.D.C.. Uloy's Banjo. Lytteltou .Marine, Uerrv's. anil Wool-ton Bar.iiv v. hil-t a Micocstul auction si'e v, a- conducted bv Mr f,\ MeK All tiie day t'i< v co'iefters Wire busy with their lio\es. a number of lit:'- girls dn-s-ed as lio-pit!i! nurses meeting with much -ncrv-s. At the Chamber .-if Commerce, ofli-ers <>f tho I nion Bank g.onero'is'.v gave up their time in oneniii'i tie "collecting" boxes and check:'.g the contents. A rum.) ir we-u round t• Souar e in the ai'terniioii tliar t!i.' I'loiei'nls of tlie affair were beiii" ijevoted t<> the Volunteer Si-:eriio i:l. leu a prominent ofl'C'H. when <iUe-tlolle 1 mi ;|;e by .". "I're-s repre-entative, denied this, and sta'ed tll;ir 11:. > 'iro'.e.i- would be ha'Vt. d To the P.-trini ie I'tind. 1 lie ioMou m; item- v;ere (xintribnt"d bv nieuibers of the -S-.-otti.-h Society: — Sword Dance. Mi,, Kkj.. Clark: Sennn Truibhai- Mi-s (\ M'lntosh: of Tuiloch. .Mi-se- C M< |n'o-b. K. Clark, I>. Flowortb. I). I'onl: Highland I-'liriir. Mis, D 1 i rrh: Heel o' Tulio' h, Mi-e- I>. I'iowne .-no -loai. ZSrtin. Ma-ti'i- l>. .Mart!:; and .\r<hie Sutherlnti'l. A'i lr:-h wa- ai-<; contributed by .Mi-s D. Fold. Tho total p"in-in» coiltcic-] tluring the dav was C'l i 7.