Bandsmen Fraternise At Social Function

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 218, 18 September 1934, Page 2

Bandsmen Fraternise At Social Function

A most pleasant and enjoyable time was spent at tho Garrison Band hall last Friday, when tho ladies of tho Garrison Band social committee entertained the Manawatu Pipo Band and the City Silver Band at a social evening. Tho beautifully decorated hall, together" with tho different uniforms worn by tho respective bandsmen and the lovely frocks of the ladies, made a colourful scene, whilo a perfect floor and excellent music supplied by an orchestra, made dancing a pleasure. Everyone entered into tho spirit of the evening and the programmo went with a swing from tho start. Tho pipe band rendered several lively selections outside tho hall which helped to create a happy atmosphere, and this action was greatly appreciated. After the first waltz, Colonel J. H. Whyte (chairman of the Garrison Band committee) welcomed the visitors, expressing great pleasure in seeing so many present and the hopo that cveryono would havo a happy evening. He also offered apologies from several who were unable to attend. Replying to Colonel Whyte on behalf of tho City Silver Band, Air. Afaunder thanked tho organisers for the invitation extended to his band, and put forward the suggestion that the combined bands should co-operate and organise similar functions at suitable periods, as it was evident that this occasion would bo tho means of bringing about a better understanding between tho city’s bands, and so create a greater interest and support from the public. Air. Allan, representing tho Mauawatu Pipe Band, next addressed the gathering, conveying thanks on behalf of his organisation and promising wliolc-liearted support in promoting the co-oporation of tho bands. Air. J. A. Nash, ALP., and president of tiic Garrison Band, in addressing the bands, said that the action of tho Garrison Band in inviting tho Pipe Band and City Band to spend a social evening would bo the means of cementing a friendship which he trusted would always continue. Ho said that citizens were interested in all the bands and tho city should be grateful that so many were willing to give up their time to provide music for the community as a whole. He referred to the strenuous efforts now being made to enablo the bands to compete at the Timaru contest next February, and in introducing the Afayor and Alayoress who were also present, said lie knew they would give their hearty co-operation and support, especially in connection with the forth-coming carnival. He further stated that the Garrison Band were fortunate in having a splendid ladies’ committee to give such valuable assistance. The Garrison Band had had many ups and downs in its career but under the conductorship of Air. Charles Piko they had achieved a great honour, and all credit was due to Air. Pike for the results. In conclusion ho expressed tho hope that many social evenings would bo held in tho future to further cement tho good feeling now established between the bands.

Air. Alansford expressed his pleasure in having tho opportunity to attend such a great gathering of tho city’s representative bands. Ho stressed tho value of co-operation among the bands and of tho social friendliness of the band members and hoped there would bo many more such evenings. A hearty vote of thanks was later passed by Colonel Whyte to tho social committee for tho successful launching of their scheme and to the orchestra which had so cordially supplied the music for dancing, and to other supporters who had donated towards supper.

During the evening items were contributed by Mr. ,T. B. Thomson, vocal (representing Garrison Band); Miss Jean Scott, dancing (representing Manawatu Pipo Band); Mr. Geo. Potter, humourous (representing City Silver Band.) All the items were warmly received and enthusiastically encored. Winners of the first Monte Carlo were Miss Clarke and Mr. Clinton, and of the second Monto Carlo, Miss Greening and Mr. Lightfoot. Extras were played by Mr. M. Creighton, and Mr. T. Deadman capably carried out the duties of M.C. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” at a very late hour brought to a closo one of the jolliest functions yet held.