BAND CONTEST SQUABBLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19928, 23 April 1928, Page 9

BAND CONTEST SQUABBLE.

DISPUTE IN MELBOURNE. JUDGE ADMITS A MISTAKE. ! [from our own correspondent. ] SYDNEY. April 10. A remarkable band squabble has developed in Melbourne. Four bands of the Victorian Band Association—Malvern, Collingvvood, Brunswick and Coburg—took part in the contest at the British Trade Exhibition to decide the championship. To the surprise of almost everybody, the famous Malvern Tramway Band was beaten by Collingwood. There was a dif-> ference of eight points between them. Analysis of the official figures, however, showed that two of the three judges had given Malvern the highest points, but the third judge placed Malyern the third lowest in his list.

The position may bo realised when it is stated that, while the first two judges awarded Malvern 93 and 94 points respectively, the third judge gava them only 71 points. The disparity in his figures upset the placings of the two other judges. • In other words, two highly competent judges said Malvern was the best band, but the third judge said "Collingwood," and his single voice outweighed the other two.

Malvern made a strong protest against the award of the championship to Collingvood in these circumstances, and as a result a conference was held The third judge attended and /rankly admitted that he had made a mistake in his allocation of the points, owing to a failure of the electric light in the judges' box. It has been decided, therefore, to replay for the championship and all the bands have'agreed to do so except Malvern, which stands aloof.