Marine band set to drift away...

Press, 19 November 1982, Page 1

Marine band set to drift away...

Brass band music will waft from the Lyttelton Club this evening, sounding the end of an era for the port’s marine band. About 90 former bandsmen from throughout New Zealand will gather for a reunion and what will probably be the band’s last concert.;

Old-timers at port say that the band was founded in the late 1890 s. But changing times mean changing musical tastes.

In spite of its proud past, interest in the Lyttelton Marine Band has gradually dwindled until band practice now is no longer worth while. •'"■■■’

This is a far cry from earlier days when the band had so many members that it could split into three, and each section could march about the port playing Christmas carols.. It held its last practice about 18 months ago, but only four bandsmen attended.': .

Proud moments in the band’s history include winning a Dominion contest in

1908, two of its members being selected for the National Band, and playing for the Queen when she first visited New Zealand in 1953.

The band was an important part of town life in days past, said its president for the last 20 years, Mr Ted Adams, aged 71. Sunday concerts from the old band rotunda, where the Lyttelton entrance to the road tunnel is now sited, were also a feature.

“Not many people came round because all they had to do was open their doors and windows to listen,” said Mr AdamSi

Dressed in its dark Naval uniform and decorated with gold braid, the band always used to play for cruise ships visiting port It also played for troopships and ships bringing immigrants to New Zealand after World War 11. Mr Adams said that the band was at its peak from the end of World War II until interest started to wane in the early 19705. He blames the Lyttelton

tunnel for the fall-off in interest. After it was built, some band members moved to Christchurch and others preferred to play for Christchurch bands. Mr Adams, who joined as probationary third cornetist in 1935, is sorry that the band will probably never play its Sunday' concerts again. “It is sad, because music is so much a part of our lives,” he said. He looks forward to donning Ids old uniform this evening and, possibly, playing a solo oo the double bass. Those days are gone, and it is at least 20 years since the band has played for a cruise ship. However, the band still has a good set of instruments and its clubrooms, which unfortunately have become run down. These will be given to the Lyttelton Borough Council in trust Meanwhile, 90 former members of the Lyttelton Marine Band look forward to what could be their Last Post this evening.