WESTPORT BOYS' BAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 5, 7 January 1944, Page 3

WESTPORT BOYS' BAND

The Westport Municipal Boys' Band made its first appearance in Wellington last evening at the Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt, and created a most favourable impression. During the afternoon they played at the Railway Workshops. The band comprises 40 boys and was formed two years ago. Originally intended as a "feeder" to the adult band, it has developed into an outstanding personality of its own. As Flight Lieutenant Gladstone Hill said at the reception to the band, it was an example to senior bands throughout the Dominion. The present trip was being undertaken, Flight Lieutenant Hill said, as the result of a suggestion made by the Air Force Band twelve months ago in Westport. The members were so impressed with the playing of the boys that a tour was recommended so that a wider audience could be met and experience gained for the boys. Christchurch had been visited last Easter and now Wellington. The band is under the conductorship of Mr. K. G. L. Smith, and will be in Wellington and district until January 17. It will play at the Basin Reserve tomorrow night, the Botanical Gardens on Sunday afternoon, and the King George Theatre on Sunday night.