ARTILLERY BAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23104, 1 August 1938, Page 5

ARTILLERY BAND

73ED ANNIVERSARY LARGE REUNION GATHERING TRIBUTES TO OLD MEMBERS To mark tho 73rd anniversary of the band's foundation, members of the Auckland Artillery Band held a reunion gathering on Saturday night. During tho evening a roll of honour containing the names of members who had died and those of life members and others who have had 20 years or more service with the band was unveiled by a representative of the officer commanding the Auckland Regiment. Presentations were also made* to three band members with a distinguished record of service, Sergeant J. R. Williamson, who has served the band for 58 years, and Sergeant W. Reid and Drum-Major D. Robertson. There was a very large gathering at the reunion, which was attended by the deputy-mayor of Auckland, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, and by a number of Auckland permanent staff officers. DrumMajor F. Smythe presided. At the start of the function the band played "Blaze Away" and "Waldemcre," the latter at the special request of old bandsmen. Oldest Surviving Band

Opening the function, Mr. Allum remarked that the 73 years of service given by tho band made it the oldest surviving band in New Zealand. It wa,s recognised as one of tho best, and in its performances at the many contests at which it had played had worthily upheld tho name of Auckland. Mr. Allum also referred to the individual records of Messrs. Williamson, Reid and Robertson, and said they had given unsurpassed service to the band. On behalf of tho band, Mr. Allum made presentations to the three old bandsmen. Sergeant Williamson was also presented with the New Zealand Brass Bands Association's gold medallion of life membership, and later, on behalf of the Auckland Provincial Brass Bands Association, Mr. E. W. MeComish made a further presentation to Sergeant Williamson, who briefly replied. Roll of Honour Unveiled

Major K. W. Eraser, commanding the anti-aircraft battery, unveiled the roll of honour on behalf of Lieut.Colonel W. McKail Geddes. Both he and Captain C. E. Weir, representing Colonel 0. H. Mead, officer commanding the Northern Military District, paid a tribute to Sergeant Williamson and to Drum-Major Robertson and Sergeant Reid. Toasts honoured during the evening were: —"The Band,'' proposed by Lieutenant W. S. McKinnon, R.N.Z.A., and responded to by Captain J. Bucklev conductor; "Conductors, " proposed by Mr. C. B. Plummer, ana responded to hv Mr. J. Leighton; "The Old Bandsmen," proposed by Sergeant H. Christensen, and responded to by Mr. H. J. Anderson; "Kindred Bands," proposed bv Mr. W, H. Alsweiler, and responded to by guests.

During tho reunion items were given by members of Mr. A. E. Hamilton s concert party.