MR J. P. SOUSA.

Evening Star, Issue 14633, 1 August 1911, Page 4

MR J. P. SOUSA.

A CIVIC WELCOME. Mr John Philip Sousa and his company of bandsmen arrived by the II o’clock express from Invercargill to-day. A mixed band in civilian dress, under the conductorahip of Mr H. F. Davie (Kaiftorai Band), preceded Mr Sousa’s carriage to the Town Hall, where the Mayor (Mr W. Burnett) formally welcomed him. There was a big crowd at the station, and the council chamber was full. His Worship said that when tho request was made to him to receive their honored guest he had felt very pleased indeed that an opportunity had occurred of recognising the work of city bandsmen, who were always willing to give their services to the citizens on public occasions. He was very pleased to see Mr Sousa, whose visit, he hoped, would be pleasant and agreeable, and to whom he extended a very hearty welcome to the City of Dtmedin. Mr Sousa, in the course of his reply, said that when he was in Australia he had believed that New Zealand was part of tho Commonwealth, but ho had found that it was an entirely xxx dependent country'. They found in Australia their own people, speaking the same language, and had enjoyed themselves wherever they went; and here they found the same kind criticism, the same people, and the same enthusiasm. They were very happy to be here. He had realised before he left America that he was great, but he had not realised until ho came to Australasia that be was quite as great as be was. (Laughter and applause.) Or J. M'Donald also spoke. FIRST CONCERT TO-NIGHT. Tlxe band will give their first concert in Dunedin this evening at the Garrison Hall, and it will be under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor. The programme will include selections from * Taiinhauser ’ and the ‘ Ride of tlxe Valkyries.’ Three soloists, all of excellent quality, assist in the entox - - tainnxent provided by the band. Miss Virginia Root is a pleasant soprano ; Miss Nicoline Zedeler, a violinist with a sweet tone and specially, clever technique ; and Mr Herbert L. Clarke, a cornettist of quite the first rank.