National Band

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29984, 20 November 1962, Page 3

National Band

Sir,—As an old bandsman I, too, and many others, would like some more information about the travelling done by the National Band of New Zealand. How many concerts were given and what was the financial return, less travelling expenses, advertising, etc.? Since the band left New Zealand at the expense of the taxpayers to the tune of over £lO,OOO and on return to New Zealand received another amount of £2500 from the Government to play at the four main centres, plus theatre receipts, surely we are entitled to a full report on the band’s doings. It is rumoured that the band was £4OOO down When it returned to Wellington. What we want is a detailed report of the bands

played against with points and what moneys the band earned. The president (Mr Belgrave) has stated that he considered the band’s conductor one of the “greatest conductors in the world.” Can he quote the authority for this statement? I have never met the conductor and therefore do not know him personally.—Yours, etc, ANOTHER B.YND LOVER. November 11, 1962. [The secretary of the National Band of New Zealand (Mr G. R. Mbwat), said: "A detailed report regarding the points earned and placings at the world contest in Holland and the Edinburgh Festival Contest was published in ‘The Press’ recently. The number ot performances given by the band in the 15 weeks they were together (excluding travelling), was approximately 76. Mr Belgrave’s statement that he considered Mr Smith one of the greatest band conductors was probably based on Mr Smith’s record, as he is the only person in the world to have won the major contests of five different countries. The official magazine of the New Zealand Brass Bands Association is available to former bandsmen and band supporters at a nominal subscription, and this magazine has had. and will have, further articles on the tour, including details of the tour’s finances.”]