MASSED BANDS

Evening Post, Issue 82, 6 April 1936, Page 5

MASSED BANDS

SUCCESSFUL DISPLAY

The popularity of bands and band music was fully proved by the crowds which visited Newtown Park, m rather unpleasant weather, yesterday afternoon, for the massed bands display. The authorities are to be congratulated upon a really excellent effort for Sunday entertainment of the public out bf doors. As winter is approaching it is improbable that further functions of a similar nature under review will be held, but next summer those responsible for yesterday's arrangements can with every confidence rely on the support of the public if displays of equal merit are offered.

Proceedings began with the Junior Band playing one or two items in the rotunda. Upon the arrival of the main body the individual bands marched from the gates to the south end'of the park, where they joined in mass formation. Meanwhile, the Wellington Regimental Pipe Ba.nd, very effective in its khaki and tartan, appeared from the trees on the western bank and marched down the drive to take up a position with the other bands, playing en route.

The massed bands performed various evolutions, with stirring march tunes at intervals, and later, at the south end, pleased the large crowd with impressive hymns and lively marches. A cornet player stationed among the trees played "Somewhere a Voice is Calling," and was replied to from the opposite bank with "I Hear You Calling Me." Selections by the pipers, and more massed items, followed, with the National Anthem making an effective finale to a most enjoyable afternoon. There were eight jpands taking part in yesterday's display, these being the Wellington Regiment, Lower Hutt Civic, Lower Hutt Municipal, Boys' Institute, Artillery, Legion of Frontiersmen, Wellington Regimental Pipe, and Wellington Junior Bands.