BAND CONTEST

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 75, 24 February 1930, Page 4

BAND CONTEST

EVENTS AT DUNEDIN. Per Press. Association. DUNEDIN, Feb. 23. The New Zealand championship brass and Highland pipo band contests were commenced yesterday in fine weather. Nearly £4OO was taken at the gates, representing over 6000 people. Results are as follow : Drum - 7najor Display. Newton (Christchurch Scottish), 1; Gilchrist (Dunedin Highland), 2; \V. Lirnm (Wanganui), 3. C Grade Quickstep (own choice).— Green Island (247 points), 1 ; Waimate (232), 2i; Naseby (228), 3; Milton (221), 4; Maniototo (215), 5; West Harbour (205), 6; Papanui (192), 7. Several of the bands lost volume of sound and balance when making their turning evolutions, Papanui and West Harbour losing music points here. Pipe Band Quickstep (own choice). — Christchurch Scottish (177 J points), 1; Wanganui (174 J), 2; Wellington (169), 3; Dunedin (166), 4; Balelutha (166), 5; Canterbury (164), 6; North Otago (152), 7. Some of the bands were handicapped by small numerical strength. Christchurch Scottish started with a roll and rattle of drums, and, swinging along with great elan, their tartans fluttering in the breeze, they made a gallant • showing. Dunedin was not so spectacular, although marching with greater precision. The contests were continued in • the Town Hall at night with the following results:—

Pipe Band Selection. Wanganui Highland (87 points), 1; Christchurch Scottish (86i(), 2; Dunedin Highland (86), 3; Wellington Caledonian (85), 4 ; Balelutha (84). 5; Canterbury Caledonian (78), 6" North Otago (76). 7. The closeness of the marks of the first three bands was remarkable. C Grade (own selection). —Maniototo (128 points), 1; West Harbour (it; i 2; Green Island (121), 3. Special Prizes.—Hunter Drill Shield: Christchurch Scottish. Adam Munro Cup: Wanganui. Lauder Shield: Wanganui. DEPARTURE OF GARRISON BAND FAREWELL AT STATION. A large gathering was present at tho Palmerston North railway station on Saturday afternoon to bid farewell apd good-luck to the Garrison Band, which left for Wellington en route to Dunedin, wkero it will participate in the Dominion contest. The band has reached a high state of efficiency under Bandmaster Cox/ and the final selection, played on the station, called forth rounds of applause. Among the well-wishers were the Mayor (Mr A. J. Graham) and Air J. A. Nash, M.P. Addressing the gathering from the platform of one of the carriages, the Mayor said that the band carried with it the best wishes of the residents of Palmerston North. It could not be expected that a newly-organised band would defeat the premier bands of New Zealand, but he had no doubt that the Palmerston North representatives would worthily uphold the honour and reputation of the town. The speaker urged the bandsmen to co-operate with the conductor (Mr G. Cox) and put forth their best endeavours. “Do not be discouraged by past failures,” added the Mayor. “With confidence and the

will to win you will come out on top, if not this year, then next year, or the following year. ’ Mr Graham called for cheers for the band, which were heartily given. Mr J. A. Nash, cliai rman of the Band Committee, also wished the band the best of luck. He reminded them that they need have no anxiety about finance, aS there was a large number of people in Palmerston North working in their interests. Ho had every hope tliat the efforts made would be successful ii) considerably lightening or removing the financial burden. He felt sure that the band would do credit to Palmerston North and uphold the reputation for excellent conduct that iheir predecessors had created. They were fortunate in having Air J. Alounsey as manager. The contest would be an education to those of the band who had not previously attended a similar gathering. Further cheers and expressions of goodwill followed tho train as it drew out of the station.