AT THE BAND CONTEST

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7268, 26 October 1910, Page 7

AT THE BAND CONTEST

THE FINAL SCENES

HOW PLAYERS GOT READY POII

THE TEST

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright BALLARAT, October 25.

It is estimated that there were 15,000 persons present* at the City Oval to hear the playing in the final items of the baud contest.

Twenty-one bands, representing C(. bandsmen, competed in the various events.

The principal interest centred in the first grade contest, m which the premier Victorian bands mot the crack New Zealand combination. A notable fact was that Wanganui was allotted 174 points only in the test selection (Weber's works; against 208 scored by Prahran, 198 by Colliugwood, and 191 by Ballarat City. The tost piece was played late at night, a bitter cold wind making it necessary for players to run about with overcoats on to keep the blood circulating. while it was difficult to get the instruments warmed up to the work. This suggests a probable cause for Wanganui’s comparatively poor display. The New Zealancfers' success was greeted with great cheering. JUDGE'S COMMENTS ON PLAYING. The judge, Mr Short, King’s Trumpeter, in his remarks, considered Wanganui's test was close to a well-rendered selection; skill and artistic temperament .were shown in the interpretation of it. In their own selection (“ The Valkyrie") Wanganui took the judge by storm. Uc declared it to be an extraordinary performance, and a treat to listen to. Mr Short, reviewing the work of the contest, stated that tho euphonium playing was generally weak in tone and style. The cornet contests were splendid; he had never heard better phrasing and tone. The solo tenor horns had made cent, per cent, strides, while the middle and inner parts of the Australasian bands had increased in expression and tone by leaps and bounds during the past two years. Mr Percy L. Brady, a life member of the Wanganui Garrison Band, writes from Dannevirkc, drawing attention to the fact that in our record of the baud's contest performances, published on Monday, credit was not given to the baud for winning both tho teat selection and quickstep at Wanganui in irveh last. The band’s record is nineteen. firsts in twelve years. VISITORS AT MELBOURNE. (Received October 25, 9.40 p.m.) MELBOURNE, October 25. Tho 'Wanganui Band has arrived Kero from' Ballarat, and will leave for Sydney on November 2nd. It gives a concert at Albury on Friday. THE " PROHIBITION BILL.” APPROVAL POE NEW ZEALAND MEASURE. ly Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright SYDNEY, October 25. Mr Complin, secretary of the New South Wales Alliance, warmly approves New Zealand's new Prohibition. Bill. He says it looks like a very serious attempt to deal adequately with a very serious evil. He favours a similar. Bill for New South Wales. "TOPSTONE OF THE TEMPERANCE FABRIC/' (Received October 26, 0.45 a.m.) SYDNEY", October 25. Canon Boyce thinks the national prohibition vote should follow' on local nolicense, and be the topstone of the whole temperance fabric.