A NEW ZEALAND BAND.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16702, 10 December 1919, Page 2

A NEW ZEALAND BAND.

PBOPOSAL TO TOUR AUSTRALIA AND BRITAIN. As has been previously stated, tic proposal for a New Zealand brass band to tour tho Dominion, Australia, and afterwards Great Britain, which was mooted amongst some band enthusiasts in Imnedin a few months ago, has been taken up most enthusiastically by tho Bands' Associations of the North ana South Islands. The idea of a New Zealand brass band to tour tho world was first put forward by the late Mr G. B. Laidlaw in 1915, but it was then decided to postpono the arrangements until tno signing of poace. Active steps aro no» bemg taken by the bandsmen who ajro interested in the maittor to pla<» the scheme upon a definite footing. Mr o. xx. A. Hutton, the organiser, had a splendid reception on his reccnt trip to tho various ccntxcs in connexion with tho formation of the band, and most support was everywhere promisod him. It has been suggested tliat the band should make the tour under the auspices of tlic New Zealand Government, and tho following outlines of the scheme have been sent to the 1 rime Minister for the consideration of the Cabinet: — " i The players to be selected at the con- i elusion of the Duncdin contest in March, l<JiO. Phe band to consist of 30 players, together with advance agent (manager and secretary combined). _ Tho manager to combine with his duties tho delivery of a 10-minutcs' lecture whilo tho band is in Great Britain, on tho advantages of tho Dominion as a tourist resort and as a country suitable for tho immigrant to settle in, the advantages of intensive farming to be nut prominently before tho British public. Tho whole of the revenue to be c. nti oiled by the Government. The Government to supply uniforms (''all black," trimmed with heavy black braid, and adorned with o large silver or gold fern leaf is sujicsted). The whole of tho profits, after payment of salaries, etc., to l>o dealt with as the Government may tliink.fit. and it is suggested that tho following are worthy objects: Totally or partially disabled soldiers and sailors or /their dependants, nnd the widows and ' dependants of man killed in acticn._ Tho j Government to supply whiie in Great Hritnin a complete set of pictures and films, illustrative of New Zealand tourist resorts ami farm lands, together with the necessary plant._ The whole cf the rojources of the High Comnus- | sioner's offite in London to l>e placed nt the disposal of the manager when required. The band to be formed about tho middle of March, 1920, to practise together in one of the centres for six weeks, and to commence i.ts New Zealand tour by the end of May, afterwards tourinfi Australia for x weeks, and arriving in England early in Or toiler. 1920. Ilis E v ' fllen-y tie G lvern'ir(iencral to be asked to ac opt the position of natron, tin- Prime Minister to lie vice-p .tron or president. The '"Otnjio Daily Times" says it is hardly reressary to emphasise the sp!en'!id ndvertis?ment thnt a hand s' lit under the auspices of the New Zenland (Jovornment would be to New Zealand, iK'sides being of groat Ivonefit to the soldiers and th<>ir dependants. It has also l»ocn ti at the services of the bind shon'd l>e. obtained f"r th'» Christchurch Exliibition to be laid next year.