LOWER HUTT CIVIC BAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 10, 12 July 1939, Page 4

LOWER HUTT CIVIC BAND

APPOINTMENT OF CONDUCTOR

Mr. W. L. Richards, who has been appointed to the position of conductor of the Lower Hutt Civic Band, has since the resignation of Mr. Ward been acting conductor. He is an experienced bandsman and an able musician. He commenced his musical career when nine years of age, as a member of the Stenalees Band, of Cornwall. While he was associated with that band it won the B grade championship for the West of England. Later it won the fifth section in the contest at Crystal Palace and in succeeding years it increased its grade to the second section. Mr. Richards then joined the St. Denis Band, which held the A grade championship for the West of England, This band won on eleven occasions a trophy presented by the Prince of Wales. This was the only trophy for band competition given by a member of the Royal Family.

In 1931 he sought employment in Canada and for three years was con* ductor of Timmins Citizens Band. He then accepted the position of conductor of- the Bruce Regimental Band and during his three years of conductor-, ship won three leading contests. This band had been in existence for 50 years, and the contests won under his baton were the first -successes it had gained. ;

Mr. Richards returned to England in April, 1938, and again joined the St. Denis Band, with which he remained until he left for New Zealand. In 1938 this band won the Grade Shield at Alexander Place. London. This is the largest contest in the world, and by winning the shield the band qualified for entrance. during the following year in the international contest for. the world's championship, Mr. Richards has taken a keen interest in other classes of music, for he has conducted with distinction choirs in Canada and symphony, orchestras in places where he resided. In addition he was under engagement for three years to sing for one of the broadcasting companies in Canada. On his arrival in New Zealand he became associated first with the Wellington Tramways Band, and led the quartet entered by that band in the Christr church contest. This quartet was under his "irection for only six weeks. and came second in the contest, oeing beajen by only one point.