PONSONBY BOYS’ BAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18750, 2 January 1923, Page 8

PONSONBY BOYS’ BAND

VISIT TO DUNEDIN. School bands have been a prominent, feature of the school life of this city, and (he visit of the Ponsonby Boys’ Brass Band (Auckland Senior Cadets) will undoubtedly act as a stimulant to the many people who encourage the young boys in their musical education. The Pon son by Band, which was comprised of 51 persons, including seven officials, arrived at Dunedin at 1.16 p.m. on Saturday from Oamaru, and left again yesterday morning for Timaru. The hand will then visit Tenuiku, Christchurch (two davs) Wellington (two days), Pahiatua, Woodville. Palmerston North, Tauinarunui, and thence to Auckland, arriving there on January 11. On their arrival the boys were addressed by (he Mayor (Mr J. S. Douglas), who, in extending a hearty welcome on behalf of the citizens, expressed the hope that the lads would form a good impression of Dunedin on the occasion of their entry on such a glorious tlay. 'I heir tour was a new step in the work of hoys’ bands, and was a great inspiration to the lads who are growing up to be worthy citizens of the Empire. He was certain the citizens would rally round and give the boys encouragement. He had received letters end telegrams from the Mayor of Auckland applauding the merits of ’(he hoys, ft was unfortunate that so many citizens’ homes were so depleted at (his time, hut they had managed to make arrangenier.ts for billeting a number of the boys in private homes during their stay. Ho concluded by hoping Ihe boys would have a very pleasant time during their visit. Mr J. Ilennie, of (be Albany Street School, in a few remarks, stated that he had a baud, but not so big as theirs. They had probably heard of it in Auckland. Hie Dunedin people were glad to have a visit from the Ponsonbv Band, and, if they had come at any other time, the boys would have been billeted in the Albany Street School district. Mr J. V. Hanna, acting secretary of the Y M.0.A.. also briefly welcomed the hoys. Throe hearty cheers were then given for the bandmaster (Mr F. G. Dawn) and the °Ji'lr Lawn, in returning thanks, said: “We are just a. lot of lads out on a tour, and are prepared to put up with anything. Our organisation was formed a few years ago with the idea of improving the environment of bovs We want to give the boys a chance to"advance in life, and I can assure you inv lads will give of their best while in Dunedin. Wo have been instrumental in getting boys’ bands started m the North Island as a result of this lour, and other boys’ bands have taken n fresh lease of h e. 1 want to ndt the Dunedin hoys not to he bashful, but to make themselves known to my lads, and show them the beauties of Dunedin. I wish to thank the VM.C.A for the way the organisation has taken .m interest in the boys.” . , On Saturday afternoon the band paraded through the main streets, and then proreeded to the Dunedin Bowling Clubs green, where the hoys were the guests ot the president and members. Hiey made the y M.C.A. their headquarters while m Dunedin. the whole of the facilities the building offers being placed at their disposal through the com-fesy of Mr Hanna. A largo crowd enjoyed their concert at, the Anzao square on .Saturday night, and the patients at the Diuisdin Hospital very much apnrcciated their playuig on Sunday morning.' They also gave concerts at the Botanical Gardens at 3 l).m„ and at the Cargill Monument on Sunday evening, ino playing of the boys was most, favourably commented on. and many regrets were pressed that their visit was such a short one.