WELCOME IN CAPITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27232, 8 November 1949, Page 6

WELCOME IN CAPITAL

LARGE CROWD HEARS CONCERT Dally Times Special Service WELLINGTON, Nov. 7.

Wellington extended its wannest admiration to the St. Kilda Band on its arrival after taking the highest honours at the contest at Ballarat. After a welcome at the railway station, the band was photographed at a studio, and looking very smart in its uniforms of dark blue and gold, it subsequently marched through part of the city to the Town Hall where it was given a civic reception and provided a concert of the highest class. The brilliant tone of the band attracted thousands of spectators as the men moved smartly along Manners street, part of Willis street and Mercer street to the hall.

The Mayor, Mr W. Appleton, on behalf of the citizens gave the president, Mr J. J. Marlow, the conductor, Mr K. G. L. Smith, and the members of the jand a hearty welcome. Mr Nash representing the Prime Minister, also extended a welcome to the band. He recalled the band’s playing outside Parliament buildings before it went to Australia. By this time the crowd in the hall was becoming restless and made no oones about'showing it. It had come to hear the band and not listen to speeches. For all that, further speeches were made by Cr Stevens, representing the Wellington Brass Bands Association and Mr J. P. Skoglund, president of the Brass Bands Association of New Zealand who said the success of the band showed that New Zealand could hold its own on the cultural side as well as in the athletic field. Mr Marlow said the band had won against the strongest opposition ever known at Ballarat and that by a record margin of points. Storms of applause greeted each item of a brief concert given by the band at the conclusion of the speeches of welcome.