THE KING'S TRUMPETER. A CIVIC WELCOME.
Mr. W. Shout, King's Trumpeter, was publicly received by the Mayor (Hon. T. \V. Hislop) and Mrs. Hislop, at the Town Hall yesterday. There was a large number of citizen musicians present. His Worship, in formally welcoming Mr. Short to the city, said directly it was known that he was going to visit New Zealand, musicians were anxious to have an opportunity of meeting one so celebrated in the musical world and a thorough master of his art. Citizens were interested in Mr. Short, too, inasmuch as he formed one of a band that was brought into contact with the King, for whom all in New Zealand had the greatest affection and the utmost respect. Mr. Short was also bandmaster of one of the London County Council bands, which council was among the first of British corporations to give out to the people music on a concerted plan, and at the public expense^ — a practice which was heartily endorsed by the corporation of the city of Wellington. He trusted Mr. Short's stay in New Zealand would be extremely pleasant and that as we could learn something from him, so he could learn something from us. His Worship then proposed tho health of Mr. Short, which was drunk with-en-thusiasm. Mr. Short, in responding, said he" had been deeply interested in New Zealand ever since the return of the Duke and Duchess of York from their tour of the Empire. On their homecoming at SandrJngham pictures of New Zealand were shown, and the King, with that kindly forethought for which he was so noteworthy, invited the band in to see the pictures. " I wondered then," continued Mr. Short, "if I should ever be permitted to see the reality. One thing I wished to see particularly, and it was the Maoris, and now I find myself in this beautiful country." Mr. Short said he had been a member of the King's Band for 21 years, and he still stuck to his instrument. Referring to the London Coiuity Council Bands, he j said the people did not seem to mind the id. rate which was levied for the purpose of providing municipal music ; moreovter, the bands were nearly selfsupporting, a considerable revenue being derived from the sale of programmes and the hire of chairs at one penny each. He referred- to his reasons for visiting Australasia, and hoped that his experience would bo of value to musicians. He thanked the Mayor for his kindly welcome, and expressed pleased surprise when tlie Mayor handed him the City Council programme of band performances for the 1908-9 season.
THE KING'S TRUMPETER. A CIVIC WELCOME.
Evening Post, Volume LCCVI, Issue 126, 26 November 1908, Page 2
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