THE BAND CONTEST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2504, 19 March 1902, Page 56

THE BAND CONTEST.

NEW PLYMOUTH, March 11. The band contest commenced this morning. The weather is dull, but fine. Baritone solo : P. Dixon, Wellington Garrison, 77 points, 1 ; W. Yeoman, Dunedin Nayals, 75 points, 2; J. Doig, Kaikorai, 73 points, 3. Flugel horn solo : J. Eade3, Wellington Garrison, 75 points, 1 ; W. Cooper, Denniston, 74- points, 2 ; S. Greaves, Wanganui Garrison, 66 points, 3. A garden party was held in the Recreation grounds, and it was a brilliant success, 5000 being present. Twelve massed bands played the Eelection " Hearts and Homes," receiving hearty applause. The trio and quartet competitions are proceeding to-night. The results are not yet available. March 12. The following are the results of last night's contests : — Trombone Trios. — Kaikorai, 74 points, 1 ; Masterton, 73 points, 2.; Dcnniston, points, 3. Seven competed. Quartets. — Wellington No. 2, 78 points. 1 ; Kaikorai No. 1, '8 points, 2; Dunedin No. 1, 77 points, 3. Twenty competed. E Fiat Soio Contest.— G. Hartman (Waihi), 77 poiut3, 1; (i. M 'Donald (Taranaki), 76 points, 2; W. I'ittman (Palmergton North), 75 points, 3. Ten competed. B Plat Solo.— B. Holbein (Palmerston North), 79 points, 1: A. Baker (Wc-llington), 68 points, 2 ; A. Gunner (Petone). 64 points, 3. Eleven competed. At the band contest to-night the first test selections arc being taken. No results will be available cill after midnight. The marching competition takes place to-morrow. March 13. E flat horn solos : M 'Kersey (Dunedin Navals), 79. first; M "Neil . (Kaikorai), 78. second; Walmslcy (WeUington Garrison), 76, third; Mellor (Waihi), 75, fourth. Eighteen competed. One of the principal competitions in the band contest took place this afternoon — namely, the marching contest. There was the largest gathering in the Recreation grounds ever known, about 7000 being present. The gate money totalled £270. Thirteen bands competed. Points were awarded under the headings: Instruments, general appearance, dressing, intervals, inarch to point, cadence, music, dressing, intervals, on the march, paces and countermarching. Following are the results: — i Marching Contest — Wanganui, 164 points, 1; Palmerstou, 141 points, 2; Denniston, 140 points, 3; Taranaki Garrison, 140; Hauraki, 138; Weiiington, 136; Kaikorai, 133; Mas- ! tertou, 133; North-East Valley, 132; Rua- , hine, 132; Waihi. 128; Dunedin Na\al«, | 125 ; Granity Creek. 125. I The marching of all the bands called forth loud praise, being considered by a compe- . trnt military authority to be a great advance on any previous effort. I The first test selection was finished after' midnight on Wednesday, and attracted a crowded house. March 14. The following is the result of the B Flat Solo Cornet: — J. Parker (Wellington), 79 points, 1; J. Richards {Granity Creekl, 77 I points, 2; E. Kcrr (Kaikorai), 77 points, 3. There were 20 competitor?. Euphonium Sole — W. Stains (Denniston), 80; A. Martin (Wanganui), 80; R. Groaning . (Pctouc), 79: J. Flint (North-East Vallcvl, 78; T. A. O'Brien {Dunedin Nnvals), 77: P. Toomb.< (Palmeralon North), 74; W. Bevan (Granity Creek), 72: R. Dighton (Waipawa), 66; T. Gray (Wanganui), 65; A. Don (Gisborne), 65; A. W. Russell (Masterton), 64; John Cosgrove (Waipuwa), 60;

The final test selection was played this evening, when the theatre was packed. A start was made at 5.30, so as to get through before midnight. The draw for the order of competing resulted as -follows: — Granity Creek, Waihi, Taranaki, Ruahine, Wanganui, Denniston, Masterton, Palmerston, Hauraki, Dunedin Navals, North-East Valley, Wellington, and Kaikorai. The points for this selection (" L'Ebre ") a^e added to the first test piece ("Gems from Sullivan "). Keen interest was taken in the result, the performance of each band being followed with pleasure, and the applause for good work was very hearty. Wanganui gave a splendid interpretation. Masterton showed a great iimprovement over its work in the first test. Granity Creek put in a lot of expressive music. The Waihi and Palmerston were more successful in the full parts than in the solo work. Ruahine displayed considerable merit. Denniston was slightly rough in the softer parts, but good in the full chords. The Hauraki put in some telling work in all the movements. The Dunedin Navals gave a very fine, powerful performance. The NorthEast Valley was effective all through, and iv parts brilliant, especially the finale. Wellington met with a great reception, and gave a masterly performance, and in both solos and accompaniments well maintained its reputation. It was a much finer exhibition than in the first test, and Wellington should ; stand a good chance of being at the top of the prize list. There was a large audience present at the benefit performance in the Recreation ground to-day for the widow of the enginedriver Nyhane. The bands were massed, and played as on to the grounds, under Mr Herd, the effect being very fine. The con- | test has been a great financial success. A good nftny bands will leave by to-morrow's trains. The teat selections resulted as follows : — Wellington, 258, 1; Wanganui, 254, 2; Kaikorai, 252, 3; North-East Valley, 249, 4; Denniston, 24i, 5 ; Dunedin Navals, 237, 6 ; I Masterton, 233, 7 ; Waihi, 222, 8 ; Hauraki, 220, 9 ; Palmerston, 210, 10 ; Ruahine, 197, j 11 ; Taranaki, 177, 12 ; Granity Creek, 169, March 15. The following is the detailed result of the test selection competition: — First Final Tl. Test. Test. P'nts. Wellington (also championship and £100) ... 128 130 — 258 Wanganui (£SO) 124 130 — 254 Kaikorai (£25) 123 130 — 253 North-East Valley (£ls) 119 130 — 249 Denniston (£10) 117 124 — 241 The points scored by the other bands were: — Dunedin Navals 237, Masterton 233, Waihi 222, Hauraki 220, Palmerston North 210, Ruahine 197, Taranaki 177, Granity i Creek 169. | The first test was " Geni6 from Sullivan," ; and the final " L'Ebreo." In the marching competition Wanganui were first with 164, and take the Besson Challenge Shield and £20; Palmerston North (£ls) were second ; Denniston (£ls) and Taranaki (£ls) tie for third place. The judge said the playing in the finaP test was very fine, and it was impossible to separate the four leading bands. j The trombone and E flat cornet solos were abandoned. The bandmasters and officials were entertained by the Mayor at supper after the contest. The whole affair was a brilliant success. The receipts will total £975, leaving a handsome surplus. Several of the baiuU left by special train this morning.