A MUSICAL TREAT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 234, 15 September 1934, Page 6

A MUSICAL TREAT

Orchestral Ball in Napier

OVER 50 MUSICIANS PLAY It must be seldom indeed that the dance-loving public of Hawke’s Bay or the whole of New Zealand for that matter, has been treated 'to such a veritable feast of music as was provided at the Excelsior Hall, Napier, last evening, when, under the auspices of Mr. A. Peterkin and his willing b;ia« of helpers, the grand orchestral ball was held. Over 50 musicians, representing practically every orchestra in Hawke’s Bay, combined to present what proved to be indeed a musical treat, an event which must be unique in the history of dancing in New Zealand.

When it is realised that the orchestras included such well known combinations as Lew Munro’s, Les Henry’s, Phil Walden’s, Cyril Simpson’s Collegians, the Napier Buffalos, Motco, Wi Duncan’s (Da.nnevirke), Karangata, and Johnny Red’s, it can be easily understood that only first class music was the order of the night.

The beauty of the music, however, lay in the fact that no individual orchestra played on its own, all the musicians combining and sorting themselves into scratch orchestras of about a dozen at a time. The manner in which they rendered modern and oldtime favourites was a revelation, and many of the hundreds of dancers who were present found as much delight in just watching and listening to the music as they did in following the rhythm in a more active manner on the wonderful floor.

Dancing was practically continuous, one orchestra following the other at very short intervals and modern and old time dances were varied in a very pleasing manner. There was a very large attendance of dancers from Napier, Hastings and surrounding districts, and there was not a shadow of doubt that one and all enjoyed themselves to the full. The floor was in excellent condition and the hall had been specially decorated for the occasion, while the supper provided was much appreciated. During the evening a special musicians’ Monte Carlo was held, this being won by Mr. Jim Charters and partner, with Mr. Bob Girvan and partner second. Among the musicians who assisted during tin! evening were the following:—Piano, L. Mu'nro, L. Henry. P. Walden, ,T. Stevens, AV. Girvan, D. lieInnes, Wi Duncan, J. Paynter, J. Wil Hams; violins, H. Cooper, L. Cameron, J. Charters, J. Skelton, S. Herbert, W. Neil, B. Brown, M. Karipa; banjos, T. Cox, R. Denvers, J. E. Esam, E. Mulvanah, M. Whakamoe; saxophones, B. Girvan, R. Jones, W. Sorenson, P. Bkikesly, J. Janies, J. McLaren, J. Otene.. D. Kamau; trumpet, J. Charters, T. Skittrup, A. Mayall. W. Setford, D. Pineaha; bass, B. Girvan; drums, B. Craig, C. Simpson, K. Schou, J. Pui'iri; sousaphone, N. Waldin.