BAND NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2849, 21 October 1908, Page 41

BAND NOTES.

THE KAIKOR&i BIND. TRIP TO BALLARAT. DUI!CEDIN~TO~ HOBART. (From Ocb Special Cohbespondext.) HOBART, October 16. The farewell we received at Dtmedin was one wihioh will live in our memories as long as we live. Our most eanguine anticipations of a hearty send-off and good wishes was exceeded beyond the power whioh lies in words to explain. We had an exceptionally smooth passage from Otago Heads to the Bluff, and arrived there early on Monday morning (October 12) Aftev breakfast we went ashore, and put in about an hour's marching practice. We then caught the train for Invercargill, and on a.nrival there -were met by the Mayer of the southern city, who, in a very appropriate speech, welcomed us to the town. At 12 o'clock we toc-k our places on the rotunda and played a vaxied programme, including the contest pieces, to a largo gathetrinz of people. Tho collection taken up by the Hospital nurses realised eome^Jßlo. On"*arriva.l at the Bluff from Invercargdll we at once ssttled down for our sail acrocs to Hobwt. The majority of the members of the band had never been beyond New Zealand befoxe, and' tlierefore did not know how they would fare re<gatkiin.g seasickness. We now know the rrvistalce made in norleaving a week sooner. Bands which have previously competed at oonteste in Australia mad at leasi a fortnight ashore before facing the judge, and we are led to believe ibis time was not a bit too Jong. As a matter of faot, our members taking part -»in the solo competitions commence on Monday — "only two days ait-or lending. We passed the Waikare about three hours after leaving the Bluff, and ehe signalled us to Iho effect that ehe had experienced very heavy seas, accompanied by misty and " dirty " weather. This was not too reaseurirc for our company of longsh'Oxesna.cn, vrho, with only thr*e or four exception!*, were by this time "physical wrecks." The following morning the band was represented at the breakfast taible by only three rn.emiba.rs, and this state of affairs continued until Wednesday afternoon, when, the sea moderating a Htble, tile members quickly recovered, and life on board ship became worth Living. A sports programme was crg&pjisod and carried thorough, and in tho evening a concert was given wie band in -tho social hall. We are now looking forward to a few hours ashore at Hcbart, during whicli time we will have a practice at both marching and the selections.