OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND BANDS' CONTEST.

Evening Star, Issue 12026, 26 October 1903, Page 6

OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND BANDS' CONTEST.

The Port Chalmers people, having undertaken the carrying out of this year's Otago and Southland brass Bands' contest, are resolved to do it thoroughly. The arrangements are now complete, and there is every reason to suppose that they will be such as to serve the convenience of competitors and ensure the comfort of the public. In respect to the very important matter of birikiing accommodation the 'Committee have been exceptionally fortunate, the Kailway Department having kindly lent the large transhipment shed, 150 ft long by 42ft wide, capable of seating 2,000 persons, and the Union Steam Ship Company undertakmg to light the place with electric lamps. The Union Company have also lent forms for seating the boSding. A stage measnring 20ft by 20ft has been put up lor the use of the bands, and a judge's box is fixed up overhead. The judge, Mr G. A. Martin, formerly of Dunedin, now of Wanganui, arrived in Port Chalmers on Friday evecing, and was met at the railway station Ly Messrs Gibb, Clark, and Fisher, members of the Committee, and on Saturday visited the shed and expressed himself as highly satisfied with the arrangements made for bim.

Nine bands are expected to take part in the contest—viz., Bluff, Cromwell, Milton, Momington, Mosgiel, Port Chalmers, Qoeenstown, Tuapeka, and Wintou. The Gore Band cannot attend, having made ;>n engagement to play at the Gore races; and the Riverton Band have had to forego tie pleasure of attending owing to their conductor being laid up in hospital on account of a medical operation.

The bands will assemble at 1 p.m. sharp on Wednesday, and after being welcomed by the mayor they wifl march to the parade ground, where the quickstep competition is to commence at 2 p.m. The ' Southern Cross' is the quickstep chosen. Arrangements have been made for two of the military judges to take the inspection and two to judge the drill, pacing, etc. This should expedite the movements, and get through the whole performance in good time. The ladies have arranged to liave a refreshment tent at the entrance to the ground, in order to help to cater for the convenience and comfort of the public at popular prices. The adnrissjon to the ground and upper road will be a badge costing Is. In the evening the test selection,' Beatrice di Teadi,' will commence at 7.30 in the railway transhipment shed. Admission will be by ticket, which may be obtained at boxes about 50yds from the entrance doors, so as to avoid confusion. Prices of admission are : Reserved seats 2s, rest of hall Is.

On Thursday the solo corapetitaons 'will be taken, commencing at 10 a.m. sharp. There are fifty-sis entries for the various solos; also four entries for the drums, the bass and side drums playing in pairs, the test being to play the quickstep part from memory. The quartet and solo cornet competitions will be held in the evening. For the cornets there are nine entries, and f<-r the qnartet eleven entries. The test qnartet ' Vital spark' is expected to produce some good work. Mrs F. Montague is to be the accompanist in the solo- competitions.