BAND NEEDS MUSIC

Grey River Argus, 7 October 1941, Page 3

BAND NEEDS MUSIC

(From Official Wa r Correspondent with the N.Z.E.F.) . CAIRO, August 16. Nowhere perhaps is the charm of music more fully appreciated *-“ an in a military camp situated l ar from anything resembling a busy metropolis Few bands indeed nave been so fully appreciated as the band attached to th e brigade which left New Zealand about a vear ago, as it has just completed a seiies of concerts in one of those isolated areas. While the. camp where the band lias been stationed for some weeks’ is situated in ideal surroundings, the locality is nevertheless a fair journey front anything resembling bright lights. furthermore, the area, has been visited by German bombers. The' concerts have not been confined to New Zealand camps. Many English units have been visited, and the concerts were warmly appreciated, particularly in the more remote' camps. The concerts have, also been appreciated at a convalescent hospital where there are many New Zealand patients. There have been few changes m the personnel of the band since u left New Zealand nearly a year ago. It has been greatly in demand in Cairo and one of its feature performances was at the reception given to General de Gaulle by Sir Miles and Lady Lampson. It played again at a garden party given by Lady Lampson for convalescents. One ■'difficult y experienced by (he band has been the shortage of music. Brass band music'is unprocurable in Egypt. The' possession of a wider •selection of music would better enable this popular combination to perform the necessary work that has already won the praise and gratitude of Allied units throughout this area.