NEW ZEALAND BAND

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21733, 16 March 1936, Page 18

NEW ZEALAND BAND

CHAMPIONSHIP TO TH* EDITOR or TH* PRESS.

Sir,—ln some publicity in “The Press” of March’ 4. it was pointed out that the Woolston Band gained more points and prize money than the Cairns Band, which won the New Zealand Championship. Such a comparison is unfair and is a ■reflection on the efforts of the Cairns Band. Though many bands enter for all events, most of them concentrate on the test pieces, which I consider is preferable to pot-hunting. As was the case in the 1923 contest at New Plymouth, the Cairns Band did remarkably well, It is a very young personnel, and also holds rank as the 31st 'Battalion Band, Australian Military Forces. After travelling such a distance from northern Queensland, it was necessary to engage on a concert tour of the North Island before the contest. The real test of the band s ability is in the selections. Any other awards have no standing concerning the premiership. As far as contest work goes, the Cairns Band is yet a youngster. I write advisedly. The Woolston Band has won the New Zealand championship on three occasions only: in 1928, by getting second place to Wanganui Garrison (in the tests); in 1930, by third place in the first selection and second place in the second selection. In 1933 Woolston Band was placed first in both selections. At New Plymouth, Woolston gained third place in the first selection and first place in the second selection, whilst Cairns, although gaining second place in both selections, was first in the aggregate octets, which decide the championship. In view of the foregoing, why was such publicity given as a comparison in “The Press . should improve those failings in ourselves before we, point out those of our visitors. On some of the occasions when Woolston won the contest, it was helped by “Music on the March.” This is now deleted from the event for some time; its inclusion was not a fair test. The only bands to achieve the distinction of defeating an Australian band in a championship held in New Zealand are Wanganui Garrison and Kaikorai (Dunedin). This was at Christchurch. However, we are catching up on the marks. This time it was two points difference; on the last occasion we were 19 points behind Malvern. — Yours ’ etc ” . dunedinite. March 14, 1936.