MASSED BANDS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18534, 9 November 1925, Page 8

MASSED BANDS.

! MEMORIAL IN THE GARDENS | FOUNDATION STONE LAID. j The bandstand in the Botanical Gardens erected bv the South Islaud Bands' Association as a tribute to bandsmen who served in the war. and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice will, in days to come, be pointed cut to visitors as one of the noblest in a city rich in memorials. The base is of stone, and six pillars support a massive roof. Although the memorial is •nearly completed, it was not until yesterday afternoon that the lay.ng oi tuo foundation stone could bo performed. This was done bv the Hon. Sir .!>,. Hcaton Rhodes. M.L.C. The bands which took part in the procession assembled in the Square, and marcher! to the site by way of TTorcester street and Oxford terrace. Tho First Canterbury Regimental Band (Conductor, Lieutenant HoskTns) led the march, followed bv a senior cadet drum and life band, Derrv's Militarv band. Dcrry's .Military Band (..Mr K. C. Perry), the Christchurch Municipal Band (Mr A. Schnack"). and the Woolston Band (Mr R. J. Kstiilb. The Ceremony. At the memorial a very largo crowd had gathered, and the massed bands played, ttfider the baton of Mr S. B. Siddall. the selection "The Croat Little Army.'' Mr George Harper (chairman of the Christchurch Domain Board) presided at the ceremony of laying ibe foundation stone. He apologised for the absence of Mr J. J. Dougall. president of the Navy League. In a brief speech. Harper referred to the selection of the site. Sympathy for Relatives. Tho Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) said that tho citizens had the greatest sympathy with the relatives of bandsmen who lost their lives in tho war, and would hold in sacred memory their great work and sacrifice. It was fittiug that the ceremony should bo held on Sunday. All knew tho value of-music, and military men could tell them of tho power it exercised over soldiers on the .march, or actually engaged in warfare. The pipe bands of the North, and tho brass bands of the South had put new determination in tho British soldiers during the great struggle against tho Central Powers, and had really taken a great part in the victory. Bands also played their part in times of peace, and Ghristohureh was tremendously indebted to its bandsmen. Mrs Julia Bonne!!, mother of the buildors, Messrs Rennell Bros., then presented Sir Heaton Rhodes with a. silver trowel, and Miss Bettv Andrews handed Lady Rhodes a bouquet. Bandsmen's Part in the War. Sir Heaton said that the rotunda had been placed in very appropriate surroundings. The oak trees which gave shade all around reminded him of Gallipo)i, where the Turkish oaks were well-known to tho New Zealand soldiers. Ho regretted that his Excellency the Governor-General could not be present, as he also could have told them of the value of bands in recruiting, and in cheering on tho soldiers in the campaigns. It was regrettable that no record had been compiled of the war service of bandsmen. Ho could imagine that on tho transports music was a great factor in keeping up the spirits of the men. When tho bandsmen had embarked for Gallipoli they had gono to face all the dangers of the men in tho trenches, or as stretcher bearers, to bravo the enemy shells. OnTy one band could bo formed from the four bands which wont to Gallipoli. the casualties were so heavy. Colonel Braithwaite had had to issue an order, stopping the bands playing, as it attracted the Turkish shell-fire. In France also tho bandsmen had made great sacrifices, and shells had frequently fallen among the bands. The Rifle Brigade was tho greatest sufferer in this respect. The morale of the New Zealanders who had been rushed up to assist in filling tho gap made in the British lines in March. 1918. had been maintained by the bandsmen, who had plavcd stirring music within half a mile of the Germans. Sir Heaton Rhodes then performed the ceremony of laying tho foundation stone, which is of dark granite and suitably inscribed in gold lettering. Music a Great Factor. Colonel It. Young, Officer-in-Charge of the Southern Comma ud, said that music was one of tho great factors in sustaining men when on the march. Ho did not think there "was a better band in tho New Zealand Division than the First Canterbury Band. Not one of the bandsmen fell out of tho march, and their packs wore often much heavier than those of the ordinary private. The ceremony was concluded by the playing of the National Anthem.