NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' BAND

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 43, 19 August 1918, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' BAND

There was a large audience in His Majesty's Theatre last night when the band of the New Zealand Natives' Association gave another of its enjoyable 1-ecita.ls. The instrumental items were relieved by vocal numbers, those contributing being Mr. Harry Phipps and Mr. R. Meates. The former has a tenor voice of sweetness and richness, and was heard in "Swe&t Early Violets" and "Scent of the Lilies" —both were warmly received by the appreciative audience. Mr. Meates was in excellent voice, and acquitted himself creditably in "Brian of Glenaar" an& "The Mighty Deep." 'The band played the march "Belgian Guards," by Bulch, with vim and fervour, but perhaps itsbest performance was in Verdi's .."11 Trovatore," the popular operatic telection, in which there are many favourite excerpts, was rendered with delicacy and intelligence, and followed closely tho idea of the composer. The quickstep, "Undaunted," wa-s another ■ interesting selection. The 'cello solos by Mr. A. S. Hilliker were a musical treat. He displayed technique, and secured a full round tone in the bracketed numbers "Eomanza" and "La Cinquantaine." The odd contrast in composition revealed Mr. Hilliker's musicianly control over his instrument. The cornet duet

"Badinage," with band accompaniment, was well played by Messrs. W. H. Bowman and H. O'Brien, who were well received. Lieut. T. Herd conducted with his, usual efficiency.