BAND CONTEST

Opunake Times, 28 March 1939, Page 2

BAND CONTEST

TARANAKI COMPETITION

EVENTS AT HAWERA

Although keenly disappointed that they were not included among the place-getters, Opunake bandsmen returned from the annual, contest at Hawera on Saturday well satisfied that they had done their best to maintain the splendid reputation of the band. In a field of competition where there was a particularly high standard of ability, the < )pum ike Federal Band performed most creditably, and the results were accepted in the best sporting spirit.

Entering the quickstep con-

test, tlm band met many seasoned competitors, and, for so young a combination, gave an excellent account of itself. The march “Victoria” was played, and the musical adjudicator, Mr. J. p»Drew, allotted 112 points. This compared with 121 points received by the highest hand in music, Eltham. In drill, the band suffered a reduction of twelve points for time alone, and, taking this into account, the score, of IG4A compares fairly favourably with that of Pa tea, 179}. highest in military points, and winner of the contest. Opunake’s. place in this event was fifth. The result of the hymn test was somewhat a surprise to those who have heard the hand perform “Now Rochdale” previously. G 4 points being scored against Eltham’s 86 for the same piece. Waitara, which also chose “New Rochdale” scored 72 points. Playing’ the selection “Mar-

tha.” Opunke was ogam unsuccessful. Points awarded for this event were 104, as against a mark of 125 secured bv Paten, the winners, for “Tranus. Opunake’s aggregate was 210, 25 points less than that of Patea which annexed the championship. Mny local residents who were uresent at the contest shared the disappointment of the bandsmen, but were loud in their praises of the hand’s performance. Valuable experience has been gained by young bandsmen, and the optimistic spirit which prevailed before the contest has not been disnelled.