ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15551, 7 March 1914, Page 9

ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND.

FAREWELL TO AUCKLAND.

APPRECIATION OF KINDNESS,

A spixial visit was made to Wellington by the president of the Exhibition (Mr. George Elliot) to say farewell to the band of flic Royal Regiment of Artillery on its departure for England by the Ruapehu oil Thursday afternoon. Prior to the sailing of the steamer the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massoy) went aboard and briefly addre.--ed the members of the hand. Mr. Massey assured them that the visit of the band bad been thoroughly appreciated. and in addition to the pleasure it had afforded it was recognised, he said, that the band had been another influence towards the c'.os-er union of the, Empire.

A farewell message to the people of Auckland was given by the members of the baud to Mr. Elliot, who returned to the city yesterday afternoon. It is as follow? "We the bandsmen of the Koval Artillery, wish to convey to the people of Auckland our sincere and heartfelt thank? for the many kindnesses which have been shown to us during our stay in their city. Wo wish especially to thank the president and the Exhibition executive for the great courtesy and consideration they have always shown to us front he day on which we arrived to the day of our departure. We appreciate exceedingly tiiic president's kindness in specially com to Wellington to say good-bye to us. . It is atfother act of gracefulness to he added to an. already long list. For length of time, the engagement just ended has been a record for the Royal Artillery Band, and for us who had the luck to be wlected to fulfil that engagement it certainly has been a record from every point of view." The message is signed cm behalf of the bandsmen by Sergeant Macdonald.