SUDDEN COLLAPSE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21933, 30 January 1946, Page 6

SUDDEN COLLAPSE

MR. ANDREW WOOD PROMINENT BANDMASTER One of Gisborne's most esteemed citizens passed away suddenly on Monday night, when Mr. Andrew Wood, for many years prominently associated with brass-band work, collapsed in Peel street and expired almost immediately. Though his chief public activity in Gisborne was in connection with the City Band, of which ie was bandmaster for the several years during which he had lived in this district, Mr. Wood had taken a close interest in many other organisations and had been one of the most assiduous background workers in all patriotic efforts in particular. He served in the first World War with the Otago Infantry Regiment, of which he was a Main Body member, and in which he organised and directed one of the outstanding brass bands of the First N.Z.E.F. On his return to New Zealand he took up again his band connections in Dunedin, and for many years he was prominent as a coach and conductor of competition bands which won wide recognition at national gatherings. Young Enthusiasts Coached Throughout his career in musical organisations Mr. Wood was a strong believer in giving encouragement to young instrumentalists, and in the early years of the late war, when most of the active bandsmen were mobilised for service with the forces, he was able to keep the Gisborne City Band in existence with the aid of a few veterans of his own generation and a large .nfiux of youths. The band’s services were in almost constant demand, and Mr. Wood, despite failing health, was never lacking in enthusiasm for public appearances on the part of his group. In farewelling troops bound for camp or overseas, in patriotic carnival work, and in the normal demands upon the band’s services for various public functions, he gave his best efforts and provided an outstanding example for the younger people associated with him. Burial To Be At Dunedin A lovable character, he maintained the highest principles throughout his life of 69 years. Few who had any contact with him were content to let the acquaintance remain casual, and Mr. Wood probably had more friends and appreciative admirers than any other private person in the district. His passing will be deeply regretted, and deep sympathy will be extended to his widow, Mrs. Isobel Wood, and to his one son, John, the latter being resident in Dunedin.

The burial will take place in Dunedin, and a memorial service will be held at Cochrane’s chapel, William street, at 2.30 p.m. to-day prior to the dispatch of the casket to the Southern city. All brass-band members in Gisborne have been invited to take part in the final tribute to Mr. Wood, and in expectation of this tribute a muster is to be held at the City Band rooms this evening, when the programme will be arranged. _______