NOT JAZZ SCARED

Evening Star, Issue 22576, 18 February 1937, Page 13

NOT JAZZ SCARED

BRASS BANDS STILL DOMINION FAVOURITE £SOO PRIZE IK CONTESTS SUGGESTED [Per United Press Association.) NELSON, February 18. The opinion expressed by Mr E. P. Kerry, adjudicator for the New Zealand “band contest, that jazz orchestras would eventually displace brass bands in New South Wales was referred to by Mr E. Palliser, president of the New Zealand Brass Bands Association when replying to an official welcome. Mr Palliser said Mr Kerry’s statement that the trend was for the displacement of brass bands by jazz orchestras, and that the death knell of the bands had been sounded might have frightened the public and the bands. “ That fine sight in Trafalgar street. Nelson, to-day was a complete answer, and showed that brass bands in New Zealand are not dying,” said Mr Palliser, amid appaulse. “ The New Zealand Association this year has 96 affiliated bands, the highest number ever affiliated iu the Dominion, and it is a pleasing feature to the executive that, with the exception of two, all are financial. Air Kerry can tell the jazz fiends in Australia that there is one place where bands can combat jazz, and that is in New Zealand.” (Applause.) , , When Mr Kerry addressed the gathering, he said: “I quite expected Air Palliser’s rub, but I still stand by wliat I said so far as Australia is concerned, and particularly New South Wales. I did not mention New Zealand in my comment.” Mr Kerry suggested brass bands should receive a' Government subsidy, making a prize of £SOO possible at each annual contest.