N.Z. BAND LEAVES FOR HOME

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27150, 21 September 1953, Page 3

N.Z. BAND LEAVES FOR HOME

170 Performances Given In Britain ' “LOOKING FORWARD TO REST ” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 19. The 42 players of the New Zealand National Band—the first to visit Britain since 1905—sailed for home from Southampton today. With them went the honour of winning the Edinburgh Festival band contest, and the Belle Vue (Manchester) contest. The deputy-conductor, Mr Ralph Simpson, said: “When we left New Zealand it was reported that we were confident we were going to win. It was quite .untrue, but the lads are certainly pleased about it all.” Altogether the bandsmen gave 170 performances, in about 20 British cities, and visited a number of counties to study British band music. The band is takin ghome to New Zealand its circular bass, reputed to have been first brought from New Zealand with the band of 1905. It was used throughout the tour, and caused considerable interest among British bandsmen. Three wives are returning home with their husbands in the band. The other bandsmen are single. The band’s last performance was in Wales, where 2000 Welshmen stood up and sang three hymns. “Everybody was deeply moved,” said a spokesman. Mr Ken Smith, the musical director, said: “We all enjoyed the trip very much, but there has been rather too much work with 170 performances. ■ The band is looking forward to resting 5 on the return trip. The bandsmen, who had been given the use of a coach and its driver free since they arrived in Britain, agreed: “The British are marvellous people. We enjoyed every minute of our tour.” The tour cost £32,000.