HAWERA BAND CONTEST.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 13969, 27 January 1906, Page 7

HAWERA BAND CONTEST.

[From Our Correspondent.] HAWERA, January 26. Great interest centred last night in the playing of the second test selection. Timaru led off, giving a pleasing rendering, tho features of which were tunefulness and sweetness, Palmeiston North- followed with much [the same class of performance, but; on the whole, not quite equal to Timaru. Taranaki was next, with a mcderatsJreridering, then came Woolston, which -gave a brilliant rendering, with very few flaws. The band received gfeat applause. Wanganui was last to play, and its performance was hardly so brilliant as Woolston’s, but it had many features of interest. _ The flaws of v> oolston and Wanganui about balanced, and the judge gave a very slight preference to Wanganui for richer volume of tone. If anything, Wanganui was just a shade superior in spontaneity of attack and precision, though Woolston was quite remarkable in this respect. The selection of " Roland a Ronceyeaux ” proved tricky, without offering any great opportunities to high grade bands. Woolston was heartily congratulated on all hands on its very fine all-round work during tho contest. Mr Taylor, of Woolston, is quit© well again to-day. M’Gr-ath (Woolston), playing, with warm tone and commendable accuracy, which were enhanced by the pleasing accompaniment of Mrs Siddail, won the soprano event. Mara (Timaru) can probably give a better rendering, but hardly did himself justice. Barton (Woolston) gave a fair rendering in the baritone section, hardly, however, up to hi/; accepted standard, Jensen (\\ anganui) beating him by a cleaner performance of a more difficult solo. The Woolston. and South Canterbury bandsmen are very popular. prum-MajPr Elgin introduced a novelty in the spiral march, which was well received, and is likely to be taken up by other bands.

It is generally thought that the Timaru Baud, if it should keep together, will bo a much-improved combination for the Exhibition contest. The band has many admirable features, -and is very tuneful. 1 The baud contest at Hawera concluded to-night with quartette and trombone trio competitions. .The quartette resulted—Wanganui 98 points (maximum 100) 1; Wcokton 94. South Canterbury 88, Hawera 86, Taranaki 78. The judge eitTogised the playing of the first two bands. Tha trombone trio resulted—Wanganui, 96 points, 1 ; Palmerston North 92, Wo ole ton and Taranaki tie 89 each. [Per Press Association.] HAWERA, January 26. The final in the test competition is os follows:—Wanganui 116, Woolston 115, Timaru 105, Palmerston North 104, Taranaki 93. Wanganui thus wins the £SO prize for quickstep and the £IOO prize for tests. The Association officials are delighted with the. general arrangements and conduct of the contest. It is not. known yet ' how the finances will turn out, but a slight loss is expected. ■ , E-fiat cornet—J. J. M Grath (Wcxneton) 96, J. Trussell (Wanganui) 90, 8. Tombs (Palmerston) 91, W. Nicholas (Stratford) 90, K. Mara (South Canterbury) 83. B-flat baritone—G. Jensen (Wanganui Garrison) 91, B* Barton (W-ookton) 89, J. Dopboff (South Oanterbury Battalion) 86, R. Tierney (Ruahine) 85, A. B. Fullyamcs (Auckland Regimental) 80.