N.Z. Band Made Hit At Expo

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32349, 15 July 1970, Page 32

N.Z. Band Made Hit At Expo

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent)

OSAKA, July 13.

The New Zealand National Band, one of the undoubted hits of the “Kiwi in the Sun” festivities at Expo 70 over the last few days, will leave Osaka tomorrow with its eyes pinned on regaining the world brass band championship in the Netherlands next month.

The band survived a minor flu epidemic, which began just before it left Auckland, to make its distinctive mark on the New Zealand national day festivities and the next four days of entertainment D. Hoy, of Christchurch, who was taken to hospital in Hong Kong with severe influenza, rejoined the group at Osaka yesterday, and another six members who fell sick in the last few days are also up and about again. The 54 playing members of the band and its Aotearoa Maori group of eight will be particularly remembered for bringing to life the “Green are the Islands” pageant on New Zealand’s day last Wednesday. The pageant showing the symbolic history of New Zealand was flagging badly because of acoustics, a strong wind which played havoi; with costumes and scenery,' and a restless audience, when the band brought the show to life.

Ilie scarlet-clad bapd, with its rousing marches and precision formations, continued to attract crowds with more shows on Thursday afternoon and evening. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they marched round nearby roads' to the New Zealand pavilion, where they performed on the open-air stage set up near theentrance.

Japanese melodies specially arranged by Oswald Cheesman, with poi and actions devised by the Wellington choreographer, Lee Brewer, were a particular hit with local spectators. The band will spend tonight in Tokyo before flying to Moscow. During its tour of five months and a half it will tackle the world championships in the Netherlands, play at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, and visit Canada and the United States. The manager. l Mr P. Brooker. nf Wellington, said today: “The band has already proved it is at least as good as its predecessors and Tm

very hopeful of regaining the world title New Zealand won in 1962.”