MANGONUI BRASS BAND.

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 33, 17 November 1921, Page 3

MANGONUI BRASS BAND.

(Own Correspondent). A concert was held in Harris’ Hall, Mangonui,on Friday evening, 28th October, which produced a nett result of £lO I/-. About 120 people attended the concert and it is safe to say that all went away satisfied. Mr A. D. Clemett occupied the chair, and the first part of the programme was contributed to by the following:— Miss Garton (two songs), Mr J. Green (two songs), Mangonui School Children (two part songs), Mr J. W' Miles (two songs), Masters Teddy Harris and Jim Wilton (comet duet), Messrs Farnell and Wilton (tenor horn and cornett duet). The second half of the programme was opened by the band which rendered two selections, the second being in response to an encore. The remainder of the evening’s entertainment was provided by Messrs Adair and Arch, who kept the audience highly amused. Mr Clemett also gave ,one or two of his inimitable Maori stories. Accompaniments were played by Miss Garton and Mr W ilton. The audience was an appreciative one and practically every item was encored. As usual the children’s items proved the more popular, the part singing and the cornet duet being loudly applauded. The playing by the band was something of a revelation. The band held its first practice on 6th August of this year, and (with one exception) its members had not previously even attempted to blow a brass instrument. To have played out as well as they did after such a short period (less than three months) is really wonderful and reflects great credit on the bandsmen themselves.

So far the public have loyally supported the band, and for their benefit we publish a few details, showing what has been done by them. In the first place the sum of £SO was contributed by various local and district residents to purchase necessary instruments. This amount (which had to be repaid) was raised in three days. Proceeds from various entertainments, afternoon teas, donations, deposits and subscriptions amount to £B9 7/6 (including £3l odd from Oruru and £7 13/- from Lake Ohia). The sum of £7l 10/9 has been paid out for instruments and music, and further liabilities for instruments, music and repairs to instruments amount to £24 7/6, leaving in hand £43 9/6. Four of the original contributors (who loaned £5 each) have notified their willingness to allow the £2O to be used by the band for a further term, and it is proposed to repay the balance of the original £SO during this month. This will leave the band with £l3 9/6 for probable contingencies, and a liability of £2Qto four of the original contributors. Against this the instruments (which are the property of the public, with properly appointed trustees) are worth approximately £l2O (including five or six old instruments which were handed in and have been thoroughly repaired).

From the foregoing it may be seen that the Mangonui Brass Band is “a going concern.” They have provided entertainments for the public and will continue to do so, and we feel confident that the people of Mangonui and district will in return continue to give the band their hearty support. There are a number on the waiting list for additional instruments and these cannot be obtained until further funds are available.