BAND CONTEST AT HAWERA

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 January 1931, Page 2

BAND CONTEST AT HAWERA

PRELIMINA R Y AR R A NGEMENTS

( OMMTTTEE KLECTED

1 In order to make a start with preparations for the annual band contest held under the aegis of the Taranaki Brass and Pipe Bands Union, allotted this year to Hawera, a public meeting was held at the Borough Chambers last evening, when the matter was discussed and a strong committee was elected.

The Mayor (Mr E. A. Pacey) presided and there was a fairly representative attendance, including Mr W. A. Burmeister, secretary of the union. A number of apologies for absence were received, including those from Messrs Skoglund and Iveir (Stratford), •Nicholson and Sturm (New Plymouth). The Mayor explained the objects of the meeting and hoped the project would be taken up wholeheartedly by the people of the town. Mr E. Dixon moved, and Mr Dredge seconded, that the contest be held at Hawera and about the third week in March. Mr Dixon recalled that a successful contest had been held in Hawera many years ago and he felt certain this success could be repeated if the people would get behind the scheme. Mr Burmeister clearly outlined the arrangements necessary for the contest. He said the union had been formed to improve the standard of music in Taranaki. The first two contests had not succeeded well, but last year’s at Eltbam had been a pronounced success and be saw no reason why this year's should not be even more successful. He referred to the comparatively small expense to be incurred now that shields were held by the union, and added that probably 10 brass and five pipe bands would be available, while Wanganui would come up and give a piping demonstration that would add to the attractiveness of the programme. The object of the promoters was that any profits should go to help smaller bands. Mr H. C. A. Fox said that lie considered the prospects very bright. Referring to the contest at Eltham. he said test selections had been a difficulty for the smaller hands and therefore the union had decided on allowing them to make tlieir own choice this year. This would give them all a better chance to succeed. It would also add to the interest of the public and a record entry was expected. All the hands, brass and pipe, should be well worth hearing. It would be necessary to arrange guarantors, but tlie amount would not be large and the town should be pleased to have the contest here.

The motion was carried unanimously.

The i’ollowng were elected a committee of management for t-lie contest: Messrs F. Fodeu, P. Trim, E. Dixon, A. Stott. R. Morrissey, E. Laidlaw, J. Dredge. F. W. Sutton, H. N. Lester, A. K. Fyson, B. C. Bennett, J. B. Laurenson, J. E. Campbell, AY. Oliver, AY. G. Simpson. W. T. Good, H. Webb, F. Ref toil. J. Goodwin, E. Northrop and J. Champion, who agreed to act as hon. secretary pro tern.

It was agreed to hold a meeting of the committee on Friday, January 10. Azotes of thanks were accorded Mr Burmeister for coming to give advice and the chairman.