SHORTAGE OF MUSIC

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 295, 10 September 1941, Page 5

SHORTAGE OF MUSIC

N.Z.E.F. Band In Egypt Official War Correspondent with the N.Z.E.F.) CAIRO, August, 16. Nowhere perhaps is the charm of music more fully appreciated than in 0 military camp situated far from anything resembling a busy metropolis. Few bauds indeed have been su fully appreciated as the band attached to the brigade which left New Zealand about a year ago, as it has just completed a series of concerts in one of tlose isolated areas. While tlie eamp where the bund has leen stationed for some weeks is situated in ideal surroundings, the locality is nevertheless a fair journey from anything resembling bright lights. Furthermore, the area lias beet) v'sited Ji.v German bombers. The concerts have not been confined to New Zealand camps. Many English units have been visited, and the concerts were warmly appreciated, particularly in I lie more remote camps. The concerts have also been appreciated at a convalescent hospital where there are many New Zealand patients.

There have been few changes in the personnel of the band since it left New Zealand nearly a year ago. It Iris been greatly in demand in Cairo, mid one of its feature performances was at the reception given to General de Gaulle by Sir Miles and Lady Lampson. It played again at a garden party given by Lady Lampson tor convalescents.

One difficulty experienced by the band has been the shortage of music. Brass band music is unprocurable in Egypt. The possession of a wider selection of music would better enable this popular combination to perform tlie necessary work that has already won the praise and gratitude cf Allied units throughout this area.