GARRISON BAND

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 208, 1 August 1928, Page 4

GARRISON BAND

NEW CONDUCTOR WELCOMED. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. The new conductor for the Palmerston North Garrison Band, Mr E. Franklin, was accorded a most hearty and enthusiastic welcome last evening when some 60 bandsmen and supporters of the band gathered at the band hall. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P., C. L. Mowlem (conductor of the Palmerston North Orchestral Society) and several others. Mr M. H. Oram, chairman of the band committee, addressing the gathering, sai dthat Mr Franklin’s appointment marked a most important step and should be a turning point in the history of the band. The Palmerston North Garrison Band had had a chequered career—with manys ups and downs —but) of late, more downs than previously. 1 It was hoped, however, that there would be an early reaction. Some time ago, the question of conductorship had come up for discussion, when it had been decided to secure the best possible man. The Borough Council had given the movement its full support. Applications had been called and it had been hoped that Mr Franklin would accept the position. At that stage, however, it had not been possible to secure his services. Happily, further efforts had resulted in Mr Franklin coming to Palmerston North. As a bandsman, the conductor needed no introduction as he was known throughout New Zealand as being very capablo, and if there was ono man who could make the local band that was Mr Franklin. (Applause). From now onwards, tire band must be a united family and all should work as a team for its benefit, and a true bandsman thought not of himself, but of his band (Mr Franklin, ho thought, could inculcate the true bandsman spirit. * On behalf of the band committee, Mr Oram extended a most hearty welcome. to Mr Franklin. He would have many difficulties to face, but that lie would overcome them was the speaker’s sincere opinion. On behalf of the citizens of Palmerston North, the Mayor, Mr A. o. Graham, then extended a very werfm welcome to Mr and Mrs Franklin and family. He trusted that their stay-in Palmerston North would he lengtny and prosperous. Mr Franklin’s presence would have a marked influence in musical circles. His qualifications and genius were very well known, blit, no matter how great both were, he could not do anything without loyalty and cohesion. I.oy ally could be shown by the bandsmen by regular attendances at practices and they should be painstaking in their efforts. There should be an entire absence of petoy jealousy, which would prevent, efficiency. In a short time Palmerston North should have a band worthy of tire city that it was one day to be. The council had decided to subsidise the band to the extent of £250 per year, contingent on the band raising a like amount. He felt sure that, with the hearty co-opeiation of the committee and the support of the townspeople, the band had no reason to fear for its financial success. As senior band member, Mr bowlishaw assured Mr Franklin that there were sufficient bandsmen in Palmerston North to make a first-class band. The members were looking forward to the contests. Palmerston North had not "been represented of late, hut there was no reason why it should not. tin behalf of the band, Mr Cowlishaw then extended a most cordial welcome to Mr Franklin. tit Mr Oram, amidst applause, handed the conductor the key of the hall and his baton. ~ ~ , In reply, Mr Franklin said that the previous speaker’s remarks lie appreciated very much. It would not bo his fault if he did not remain long in Palmerston North. He hoped to be not onlv bandsman, but a useful citizen. With loyalty, harmony and team work, there was no reason why the band should not make rapid progress. He could only look one nay and that was forward. The band, to him, was a professional duty in one respect, but it also was a hobby. In Dunedin there were some very fine bands and the Kaikoria Band was one of the best in New Zealand. Palmerston North coukl be in the same class if the practices were regularly attended and if the bandsmen were loyal—but on that point ho had no doubts. He was not afraid of the band being down a little; tlie cordial welcome he liad received, to him, appeared to spell success, but much depended upon the bandsmen themselves. Wishes for the success of the band were also voiced by Messrs J. Mounsey, A. Hopwood and F. J- Oakley. Later, Mr Mounsey donated a gold medal for the senior player who makes the most progress during the vear and IVIr Hopwood a medal'for the most improved junior player during tho Year, tvliii© Mr A. J.‘Graham donated a conductor’s baton. At the conclusion of the evening an excellent supper was served, a hearty vote of thanks being accorded Mr and Mrs Dick for tlieir sendees in providing it, and to several for the loan of cnockery.