WITH OUR BANDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12536, 25 June 1901, Page 9

WITH OUR BANDS.

(By TOM-TOM.)

A large muster of Alaoriland bands was anticipated at the review, and though it fell short of the estimate, still the number of bands at Hagley Park was satisfactory. Lieutenant W. V. Siddall was in charge, and exactly at 11.10 a.m. the massed bandsmen broke the silence with the first six bars of “ God Save the King.” The appearance of the bands was imposing and creditable; the seven bass drums and seventeen side drams, backed by representatives from the whole colony, made up the finest show ever witnessed in Australasia. Christchurch Garrison {Bandmaster Mertonj played a “Trooper”—“Oawsandßay,” a sweet slow march (Binding). Then followed ■ the Nelson and Blenheim Bands (Bandmaster Trussed) with “ The Right Incline.” The Southland Pipe Band (PipeAlajor Kenneth Cameron) piped the “ Maid of Glendaurie,” and the cheers that greeted their work were eloquent of its appreciation. The appearance of the two Highlanders’ Bands —Wanganui and Dunedin (combined) and the Southland High-lanaere —was immense.

At 11.42 the march “General Buffer” (Oxd Hume) found our cubs, tho Cadets, going past the saluting point. The boys marched within a fraction of the standard time, and the music was superb. Lieutenant Siddall evidently meant business judging by his close attention to time and beat.

The Napier and Taranaki Bands, under Mr Haigh, were in good form, and when the mounted men rode past played one of Hume’s best marches. When the Artillery filed past, Feilding Band, under Mr R. Haybittle, played “The Rouser,” one of Jubb’s happiest selections. Nelson Garrison, under Air Trussell, played “The Premier” (Cope), and Sergeant Scott, of Tim-aru, when the last squad of mounted men came along played Newton’s “Young Bi-igade.” Invercargill Garrison Band scored when they played “ The Rifle Brigade,” better known as “ Old 95.”

Auckland Garrison, a fine lot of fellows, under Air Hunter, took up the running with Southwell's “Alajor and Alinor,” and played the kharki boys past. Christchurch Garrison next played “The Dunhams” (Douglas), and helped the Aucklanders through, but when the little' Navals came along the Aucklanders were dead to the front with “A Life on the Ocean Wave,” played well and appreciated. The Highland Pipers followed with “Highland Laddie,” and New Plymouth once again played “ Old 95.” When the returned troopers marched ■ past, Sergeant Scott, of South Canterbury Battalion Band, happily chose “ When Johnny Comes Alarehing Home.” It was suitable and well played. ■' The Highlanders followed with' the “Al’Konzie Highlanders,” and it went with a clink and a vim quite refreshing.

To each, bandsman, bandmaster and to Lieutenant Siddall no end of credit is due. Their long stand and close attention to duty, and the fidelity with which the continuous flow of music was maintained, gave no reason for other than praise. Last evening the bands left for their homes, well 'satisfied with Christchurch, and especially with the .weather. Owing to the brief stay the.entertainment for visiting bandsmen was wrecked. Nevertheless the northern and southern fellows departed with the best of feelings and happy enough with the Royal Review. THE CITY STREETS. Never before in the annals of Christchurch has such a vast concourse assembled as thronged the streets last evening. At various times during the day, and particularly after the Hagley Park, review, the traffic was very congested, but at was at night that the greatest crowd assembled. The centra of the city was a perfect sea of people, and from the side streets poured an ever-increasing tide of human beings. Cabs and vehicles were hopelessly blocked, and were obliged to retreat De-fore the streams of people as though before a river flood. It was, nevertheless, a goodhumoured crowd, and. it did not seem to reseat having its toes trodden on and its nibs squeezed. Very Utile sufficed to amuse, and impromptu lugs-of-war with the barrier ropes, and .wrestling bouts took place in some-'of tbs principal thoroughfares. Large complements of, volunteers, released from camp, constantly arrived, and helped to swell the living flood. -The restraint of the day was over, Canterbury had paid homage to its future King, and now determined to enjoy itself in its own fashion. The glorious spectacle of the Cathedral illuminations attracted large numbers, and until a late hour people gazed upon the beautiful scene from the western side of the Square. One or two regrettable incidents occurred, unfortunately, bub the participants were more or less under the influence of liquor. About seven o'clock a very 'large crowd gathered in High Street, the object of interest .being a drunken woman. her actions seeming to afford interest to the .spectators, who freely indulged in the larrikin pastime called “ barracking.” and, to their shame, a large .section of the crowd was composed of young men in uniform. Several cabmen who attempted to drive through the streets met with a hostile reception, and choruses of groans greeted each driver bold enough to face the ©ideal. One cab driver foolishly tried to drive along a crowded street at a gallop, but his action -was quickly and properly resented, his horse being forced to a standstill and turned round in an opposite direction. Long after ten o’clock the streets were -still thronged, but by eleven the crowd was perceptibly thinned, the departing country trains considerably relieving the pressure, and by midnight the traffic was again confined 'to the footpaths?