GARRISON BAND

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 88, 11 March 1930, Page 2

GARRISON BAND

PADDY’S MARKET. OPENED LAST NIGHT. Seldom lias the produce hall at the Showgrounds presented a gayer appearance than it did last evening when the fair in aid of the Garrison Band's funds was commenced. Gaily decorated stalls filled with tempting things to buy; games, competitions and stirring music, supplied by the band and the Pipe Band, all served to give the Paddy's Market a lively atmosphere. Judigng by the large crowd present last night, the effort should proved most successful. Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., pjesident of the band, before calling upon the Mayor (Mr A. J. Graham) to open the fair, took the opportunity to thank the ladies who had done so much to ensure the success of the effort. Mr Nash also thanked Mr Graham for his invaluable help and the Highland Pipe Hand for their unfailing co-opera-tion, as well as those kind citizens who had generously made donations. Unfortunately, the band was always in need of money and at present there was a mortgage on the property on which the band hall stood. They were trying to raise funds to release this. Also, the time was not far distant when they would require new instruments. It was deplorable that Palmerston North—now almost a city—could not support a band without a few working so hard. There were two bands in Wanganui and when it was desired to send them to the contest £4OO had been raised in a week. Some people complained that they never heard the band, but 26 public performances were given every year. It was manifestly unfair to complain that that was not enough. The bandsmen were not paid, but just did it for the love of music.., WORTHY OF SUPPORT. Mr J. Linklater. M.P., stated th'at the band was wortliy of support. Many people from the country had enjoyed the programmes given by them. Palmerston North was soon to become a city and should have a band worthy of that status. When people heard a band playing well they should realise that the players’ efficiency was the result of long practice. In declaring the fair open, Mr Graham said that in Dunedin he had met several people who had praised the band. The band had competed in the A grade sectio nand th ejudge had said that the playing was a revelation to him. With the practice spoken of by Mr Linklater he hoped, and was confident, that when Palmerston North was declared a city the band would be one of the first three or four in New Zealand. The efforts of the bandsmen must, however, be supported by the people of Palmerston North. He would remind them that band music was the people’s music. Freed from financial worry the band could concentrate on practice. Reverting to the band’s visit to Dunedin, Mr Graham stated that compliments had been paid to their exemplary conduct and fine bearing at the contest. Even if they were not appreciated in Palmerston North they wero in his home town of Dunedin. Cheers were given for the speakers and the band. GOOD BUSINESS.

Excellent business was done by the various stalls and all expressed themselves as satisfied with the result. The stall-holders were as follow:—Flower stall, Mesdames Boon, Dredge and Peters and helpers; ice cream and soft drink stall, Mesdames Collinson, Palmer and Shannon and helpers; produce, Mesdames Cunninghame, Jorgenson, Day, Misses Cunnighame and Day and helpers; cake stall, Mesdames Aitehison, Phillipps, Mounsey and Louisson and helpers; bandsmen's stall, Mesdames Booker, Berryman and Bergersen and helpers; amusements, Business Girls’ Luncheon Club and Mr M. H. Oram; fortune telling, Mr Green and Miss Green; tobacco, Mesdames Bateman and Potter and helpers; fancy, Mr J. A. Nash and helpers; sweet stall, Mesdames Wilton, West, Newlands, McKenzie, Loudon and Lewis and helpers; butcher’s stall, Mr J. Follas; tea-rooms, Mesdames Graham, Bowden, Wimsett and Pycroft and helpers.

At Paddy’s Alarkefc last evening great business was done by the young ladies in chargo of tho “roll downs” which created a great deal of exietement. The stalls have boon beautifully decorated and the articles for sale are very attractive. To provide further pleasure for both young and old a grand cabaret will bo held in the Entertainment Hall to-morrow evening. A chargo will be made of I 3 6d. The floor is in excellent condition and a special programme of music has been arranged.