MEMORABLE FAREWELL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15548, 4 March 1914, Page 10

MEMORABLE FAREWELL

ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND.

THE LAST CONCERT.

GBEAT AUDIENCE OF 14,000.

If any testimony to the great popularity of the Royal Artillery Band had been needed, none better .could have been secured than that of the huge audience which gathered in the Exhibition Grounds last evening to hear the last concert given by the musicians. The band had already played in the afternoon to a very large audience, giving a delightful programme; but. the audience last evening numbered fully 14,000. Even in the faint lighting of a dark night, the spectacle was an inspiring one, for the people had massed together as close as comfort would allow, and yet covered almost all the space that was available about the grandstand, and within the limits set by surrounding fences and buildings.

The band played splendidly a number of items that met with the heartiest apprecia tion, and there was such an enthusiasm in the applause that many others not set out in the printed list were given. It was such,a crowd and such a demonstration as moves an onlooker as few other events can do.

The President's Tribute. Towards the close of the concert, the president of the Exhibition (Mr. G. Elliot) made a speech from the band rotunda, eulogising the members of the band for their exemplary behaviour while in New Zealand, expressing the absolute satisfaction of the Exhibition authorities with the way they had carried out their duties, and thanking the bandmaster (Mr. E. C. Stret. ton) and the members of the band for the way in which they had exceeded the requirements of their contract by arranging and taking part in special entertainments that were not originally contemplated. The band had come to New. Zealand with the avowed intention of trying to help the Exhibition to be a success, and from first to last had carried out that idea to the full. Whatever critics might have to say regarding the Exhibition, none could do otherwise than admit that the engagement of the Royal Artillery Band had been a splendid success. He wished Captain Preeston, Mr. Stretton, and the members of the band a very pleasant voyage Home. Interest in Good Music. The Mayor (Mr. C. J. Parr) said that when the memory of the Exhibition had faded out, the visit of the band would still be a well-remembered event. It had wiped out thoughts of worry; it had stimulated interest, in good music; and it was to the enterprise of the Exhibition authorities that the people of Auckland w*ro inaebted for the treat that had been afforded by the visit of the band. He hoped that in time a municipal band, composed of such members as constituted the Royal Artillery Band, might be estab lished in Auckland} for one of the lessons that was to be learned from the Exhibi tion was that the people of Auckland keenly appreciated good music im'tplayed.

The Bonds of -Empire. Captain Preeston, on behalf of the band, said that any doubts that the baud had upon landing as "to whether it would fdease the people had quickly vanished, . eaving only the question as to what degree of satisfaction eould be given. Etthanked them very sincerely for (.he cor dial receptions which had in every rase been given them, and still mora lor tne hospitality the band had experienced. It was much appreciated by the band that their services had not been utilised fo* private pin. The profits of the Exhibition were to be devoted to the improvement of the Domain, and it was a natter for gratification to the band if their efforts should have resulted in making that park more beautiful in the future. He thanked the president, the secretary, and the committee of the Exhibition for their treatment, which had throughout been most just and liberal. But beyond what the band might have done in entertaining the people who had heard it, the most important aspect of their visit was that they might have done something towards strengthening the bonds that united one part of the Empire to another. If they had achieved something in this direction they would leave New Zealand satisfied that they had paid their footing, as citizens of the greatest Empire the world had ever seen. A Popular Conductor. Mr. E. C. Stretlon, the popular conductor, was called for from many parts of the ground, and on rising to speak was,accorded a reception that must thoroughly have satisfied v him of the high fiosition he has achieved in popuar favour. He made a brief speech of thanks, expressing the' hope that the band had been able to further the art of music in Auckland, and stating that the present time was probably a very favourable opportunity for setting on foot a movement for the establishment of a municipal band. Enthusiastic Audience. . The speeches were heard by practically the whole of the great audience, which was aH the time en the verge of an enthusiastic outbreak; and when the Mayor called for cheers there was a vocal outburst that would have given pleasure and satisfaction to any popular band of heroes. The band, and its captain, and its conductor, were cheered again and again, and after all the ceremony was over and the audience had sung the National Anthem to the band's music for the last time, there was a crushing round the bandstand in which hundreds of utter strangers sought to shake hands with someone in the blue and gold uniform, careless whether he was an officer or a drummer.

When the crowd had gone and the band had packed up, the members were entertained at supper by the Exhibition Executive at the tea kiosk, where a few toasts were drunk, and mutual expressions of satisfaction and goodwill were exchanged in the narrower circle of personal acquaintanceship. By a happy thought it had been decided to present each member of the band, regardless of his, rank, with a Kaiapoi rug. The gifts were made by the president, on behalf of the executive, and were acknowledged by Captain Preston. Mr. E. C. Stretton then presented the president and the secretary of the Exhibition each with a finely framed group photograph of the band. The band will leave by the mid-day express to-day for Wellington, and will sail for England to-morrow.