AIR FORCE BAND

Evening Star, Issue 23728, 8 November 1940, Page 2

AIR FORCE BAND

ARRIVAL FROM SOUTH THIS MORNING PARADE AND CONCERT TO-NIGHT The band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 58 strong, under Flight-lieu-tenant Gladstone Hill, arrived from Invercargill this morning and created wide interest. From the station the band marched up Stuart street to the Strand Theatre, where a community sing was held to launch the Spitfire Fighter Plane and Loudon Distress Relief appeal, and then proceeded to the Town Hall, where the members met the citizens who had consented to billet them. Large numbers of people lined Stuart street, the Octagon, and Princes street, and the playing of the band and its marching evoked favourable comment. Late this afternoon the band visited the Taieri aerodrome, where an inspection was to be made by the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones). This evening the biggest Air Force parade yet held in the city will take place. The full strength of the Taieri training centre, under Squadron-leader Stedman, will participate. The parade will assemble at the Rattray street Cumberland street intersection, and march off at 6.60, headed by the Air Force Band. At the Octagon the Minister of Defence, accompanied by the Mayor, will occupy the saluting base. After passing the Hospital the parade will return through the Octagon to the Main Town Hall, where the band will give a popular concert, commencing at 8. As a compliment to the visiting band and the Air Force the Kaikorai Band will play at the Moray Place entrance to the Town Hall prior to the concert. The concert will be attended by the Hon. F. Jones and Mrs Jones, the Mavor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs A. H. Allen), and the officers and men from the Taieri. A short address of welcome to the band and on the initiation of the Spitfire Fighter Plano and London Distress Relief appeals will be given by the mayor. During the concert programme Miss Bertha Rawlinson will sing ‘ Land of Hope and Glory ’ and ‘ Song of Great Courage.’ and Mr Arthur Macdonald will open the second half by singing ‘ There’ll Always Be An England,’ with band accompaniment. A popular charge of one shilling is being made to all parts of the hall.