Preparations for Band Contest

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 40, 17 February 1938, Page 8

Preparations for Band Contest

FINAL MEETING OF COMMITTEE Matters relating to the forthcoming band contest in Palmerston North were discussed at the final meeting of the contest committee last evening. Mr. A. E. Mansford presided and others present were Messrs. J. A. Nash, L. J. Plimmer, F. Jackson, B. Abraham, G. Tremaine, E. R. B. Holben, W. H. Brown, C. Wilson, E. Drake, C. 11. Green, G. Hayward, F. le Clieminant and Col. J. H. Whyte.

In ccnection with the provision of medals, it -was found that only £lO 10s had been received and tho committee will have to make renewed efforts during the next few days to secure sullicient funds to cover the amount required. Another question that came up for discussion concerned the officials and enthusiasts travelling with the competing bands. It was decided that three such persons with each band be given passes to attend with the bands. The junior members of bands are to be supplied with season tickets for 2s 6d, provided they are under the age of 17 and their names have been supplied by the secretary of the band. All arrangements, such as for catering, preparations at the Showgrounds, the inter-houso sports, the street march (which will be in the hands of Col. J. H. Whyte), traffic control, and ladies’ arrangements, are well in hand.

It was stressed that it was necessary that the public remain on the footpaths while the street march was in progress.

An inquiry as to whether it was possible for the schools to observe a holiday on the afternoon of the street march (Monday) has not yet been answered. Still further accommodation is necessary for the billeting of the bands. During the contest 18 visiting bands will be in Palmerston North. It was decided that it would not be advisable to use coloured lights or streamers in decorating the streets, as these would be too costly. For the installation of coloured lights about £IOO w'ould be required. Reference was made to the dug-up portions of the streets near the post office and at the Cuba street crossing. Both these points would be on the* route of the stret inarch and it was hoped that some arrangements would be made to have these places levelled temporarily, although it was realised they could not be tar-sealed until the clay had had time to settle.

On Monday next Palmerston North is to see the whole of the bands competing in the New Zealand championship contest in a street march from the band rotunda, commencing at 2 p.m. Bands will leave at three-minute intervals and will proceed to the Show-

grounds, where they will march through tho oval. An official welcome by his Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Mansford), Mr. J. Hodgens, M.P., and Mr. E. Palliser, president, of the New Zealand Brass Bands Association, will be tendered at approximately 3.15 p.m.

The public will again bo privileged to witness a sports programme sponsored by Messrs. Woolworths, McKenzies, P.D.C., Kosco and Nathan (“Glaxo”). The young ladies of the staffs of these organisations are wellknown for their athletic prowess, and a splendid competitive programme has been arranged. Refreshments will be available and the admission charge has been maintained alt a low level in order to give the general public an opportunity to show their appreciation of the bandsmen’s efforts.

A full programme of music has been arranged during the week, commencing with the hymn test, own selection (18 bands) on Monday evening at the Sportsground. If the weather is unfavourable, all tests will be held in tho Opera House. Season tickets, 7s 6d each, are now available at Messrs. Goldfinch and Counsins, W. M. Crystall, W. H .Brown (N.Z.I. Co.) and Collinsou and Cunninghame’s, Ltd. Box plans for the quickstep competition to be held on 2Gth. inst. (IS bands marching and playing their respective choices) will open at Collinson and Cunninghame’s on February 21. As numerous inquiries are already being received, it will be necessary to reserve seats for this big event.