BRASS BANDS CONTEST

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 19

BRASS BANDS CONTEST

OPENING DAY.

For the past week or so Dunedin has been made lively by the presence of so many visiting bandsmen, who have come from various* centres to take part in the hand contest. A start was made on the 2nd inst. at Burns Hall with the E flat bass solo and the BB flat bass solo, the adjudicator being Mr E. Stratton, long and closely connected with brass bands in Dunedin. In the even ing a change was made to His Majesty s Theatre, which was crowded in all Parts, championship solo was taken at 7.30. T-he other competition was the trio for trombones, which was oompleted. Mr Percy Jones, of Melbourne, adjudicated in these two instances. Queen Alexandra's Band of the 2nd (Wanganui) Regiment has had to retire owing to the indisposition of Mr G. Buckley, its conductor, who will be remembered as a fine cornet player. Other bands that entered but are not now expected are tho - Bands of the sth- (Wellington) Regiment, the Bth (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles, the Bth Company Southland Regiment Band (Invercargill), the Napier City Band, the Hamilton Municipal Band, and the Whangarei Municipal Silver Band. The Maori Hill Band and the Coast Defence Band are definitely scratched. The executive of the committee managing the contest consists of Messrs C. Speight, R. Bennell, H. Harris, A. Begg, J. D. Hunter, and J. V D. Douglas, Mr J. S. Hunter being the supervisor and Mr A. Johnson the assistant supervisor. Rasults: — E FLAT BASS SOLO. Own selection., First prize, gold medal; second prize, silver "medal. R. E. Olney, 9th (Hawke's Bay), S 3 1 J. Baxter (Invercargill Hibernian), 97 ..; 2 The other competitors played in this order : E. Hanna (Ohristchurch Tramways) 86, Bnrke (Wellington Wafceraiders) 90, T. W. Wilson (St. Kilda) 89, A. Nelson (St. Hilda) 92, L. Eeidy (Palmerston North) 69, S. Cavanagh (Invercargill Hibernian) 94, S. Dwight (Lyttelton) 90, 0. Richardson (2nd Begiment, Wanganui) 60 (did not - finish), R. Wilson (Woolston) 95, Hansen (Bth South Canterbury) 90, W. P. Coughlan (Kaikorai) 96, P. Tunniclifie (Wanganui Garrison) 89, J. Mair (Dominion) 89, T. H. Hughes (Nelson and Marlborough) S 6. , A protest was entered by two of the competitors, on the ground that the twin- — ner's instrument was an EE flat.

In tho I\B flat bass solo there were 14 withdrawals ont of the 24 entrants, which left 10 competitors to come under Mr Stratton's judgment. The following aie the placings:— —" BB FLAT BASS SOLO. Own selection. First prize, gold medal; second, silver medal. W. Fenton (Woolston Band), 97 1 T. Williams (St. Kilda), 94 2 Tho other competitors were: -H. Hughes (12th Nelson and Marlborough),. 93; A. Guthrie (Wanganui), 93; T. Rodger (Kaikorai), 92; J. J. Collins (South Canterbury), 90; J. Ferry (Invercargill), 90; H. Booker (Palmerston), 80; A. Cotton (12th Nelson and Marlborough),. 79; and C. Smith (Lyttelton), 70. In the evening the proceedings were formally opened in His Majesty's Theatre by the Mayor (Mr W. Be,gg). who was briefly introduced by the president of the local committee (Mr J. H. Walker). The? B flab cornet championship solo was then proceeded . with. This had attracted 23 entrants, but the number was reduced to nine owing to retirements. Following ;« this results: — B FLAT CORNET CHAMPIONSHIP SOLO. First section. First prize, gold medal; second, silver medal; third, bronze medal. The recalls are: M. K. Mara (2nd South Canterbury), B. Wills (Invercargill Kibernlan),«*and H. Fox (Woolston). The other competitors were: R. G. Allen (2nd South Canterbury), F. Lound (Palmerston North), J. Humphries (Invercargill Hibernian), C. Eades (Kaikorai), G. E. Patterson (St. Kilda), and P. Reeves (Woolston). In the trombone trio with which the day's programme concluded, nine out of the 17 who nad entered competed with the following results: — . TROMBONE TRIO. Own selection. First prize, gold medals; second, silver medals.

Band oi 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment, 45 1 Band of 12th (Nelson and Marlborough) Regiment, 40 2 Woolston Brass Band, 38 3 The remaining competitors were from the Wanganui Garrison Band, 87; the Lyttelton Marine Band, 34; the 10th (Nelson) Mounted Bifles Band, 33; the Band of the Oth (Hawke's Bay) Begiment, 33; the Invercargill Hibernian Band, 32; and Kaikorai Band, 32. M. Jories (adjudicator), in the course of his remarks, said he 'wished to bay how pleased he was at being selected to adjudicate at this great competition, v. hich he understood was the greatest that r>ad taken plaoo in the Southern. Hemisphere. He wished to point out that he would do his best to give satisfaction, but he would notpromise to please everybody. That was impossible. But everything that came before him he would weigh as carefully rs he possibly could, and endeavour s to do the right thing. \ SECOND DAY. The Bunedin Band Contest was carried along a further step on, the 2nd. At His Majesty's Theatre the chief adjudicator (Mr Percy Jones) heard foe tenor horn solo contest, and the second section of the B flat cornet championship contest. Mr W. Pa?et Gale was the official accompanist. Results r TENOR HOKN SOLO. First prize, gold medal; second prize, silver medal. , D. Whelan (Eaikoral Band), 46 points ' ... 1 O. Hansen (12th Nelson and Marlborough Begimental Band), 44 points ... 2 W. Smith (St. Killa Band), 43 points 3 Other competitors: G-. Booth (2nd South Canterbury Regiment Band) 39 points, W. M. Wills (Invercargill Hibernian Band) 38, S. Burtenshaw (Inveroargill Hibernian Band) 36, L. Wendelborn (Lyttelton Marine Band) 40, G. Wihon (Woolston Brass Band) 41, L. Ormrod (Wellington Waterside Workers' Band) 39, W. Bishell (10th Mounted Regimental Band, Blenheim) 31, E. Plowman (Auckland City Band) 30, W. Scott fWanjjanui Garrison Band) 26. The judge's comments on the three placed competitors were:

D. Whelan ("Le Reve d'Amour."): You open flat. G too detached from phrase at bar 10; demi-semi-quavers not quite correct in oadenza. Final call and echo passage first note was missed* Andante to bar 34 a nice rendition. You have tendency to detach accented mir.im from phrase- slight break in d.-s.- quaver passage, bar 37; cadenza neatly executed. Allegro: Bars 47 to 49 not well timed. Good, clean playing, and with good rythmic sense; tonal quality maintained; meno mosso slight fuzziness, but otherwise neatly done; breath fails at end of. bar 85; echo passage well executed, and final bars excellent. Best performance to-day. Points 46. '

O. Hansen ("Singvogelchen"). Andantino — E bar 1 opens with breathy attack.

Cadenza well executed if with feeling of over-carefulness. Second _ cadenza excellently executed. Andantino sextolets in bars 3-5 are not evenly treated; you might dwell slightly on E ,bar 10; final demi-semi-quaver groups not tasteful; cadenza otherwise excellently given. Theme : Tempo too slow; breath wrongly taken at end of bar 2; ad lib neatly executed; cadenza, well rendered : a well-rendered movement, if lacking warmth. Allegretto: 'Execution not quite free, though clean. Piu lento: Tone too unsteady; upper F sharp ; n slurred crotchets; otherwise a tasteful rendition. Slip on upper B flat in cadenza; good finish. A welbplayed solo, if slightly uninteresting- Points, 44. W. Smith ("Sensucht"). Andante: Bar 2, triplets somewhat hurried: a nice-toned player; cadenza well played. Triplets again hurried; pause too much curtailed in cadenza; otherwise clean and neat m execution. Theme: Breath wrong at end of bars, 3 to 6; slight accelerando effective at 10 and on breath wrong end of 20; a tasteful rendition otherwise. Variation 1— good clean playing; player possesses good tone and showed good taste in treatment of solo throughout; phrasing was bad m theme. Points. 43. B FLAT CORNET CHAMPION SOLO. Recalls lor final competition : S. Williams (Woolfcton Band), W. H. Osborne (Bth South Canterbury Mounted Rifles Band), and J. M'Grath (Wanganui Garrison Band). Other Competitors.—A. M'Robie, R. Lowe, and E. Ormond (all Wellington Waterside' Workers' Band), J. W. Minn (Auckland City Band), S. Terriss (Lyttelton Marine Band), N. Wildermoth (Dominion Band, Invercargill), H. Northy (Wanganui Garrison Band), and C. A. Button (Kaikorai Band). BASS TROMBONE. (Own selection). First prize, gold medal; second, silver medal. J. Dixon (Kaikorai), 96 1 L. Hcldaway (Band of the 10th (Blenheim) Mounted Regiment), 95 '- 2 The other competitors were: H. Weston (Invercargill Hibernian Band) 94; D. Wynks (Band ot the 9th, Hawke's Bay, Regiment, Napier), 94; H. Weston (Invercargill Hibernian Band), 91; W. J. Borsby (Band of the First Canterbury Regiment, Christchureh), 93; J. Cummings (Waterside Workers' Band, Wellington), 92. B FLAT BASS SOLO. (Own selection). First prize, gold medal; second prize, silver medal. "" \ The only competitor was C. J; Gallop, of the Woolston Brass Band, who was awarded first place with 95 points. Commenting on the work of Mr Gallop, tho judge said he was well entitled to first prize. His performance' had been most creditable, and quite worthy of the first ,j>rize won. Tho judge added that it was that there had been no competition. - \ FLUGEL HOB.N SOLO. (Own selection). First prize, gold medal; second prize, silver medal. D. G. Taylor (Band of the Second South Canterbury Regiment), 96 \ T. M'Lean (St. Kilda), 95 2 The other competitors were: W. M'Alisber (Band of the 10th Mounted Regiment, Blenheim), 94; K. Rayner (Auckland City Band), 94; J. Trussler (Wanganui Garrison Band), 92; J. Currie (Kaikorai), 91; and D. Boyer (Lyttelton Marine Band), 90, B GRADE CONTEST. THE TEST SELECTION PLAYED. The band contest proper opened in His Majesty's Theatre in the evening, when the B grade competition was begun, eight bands being heard in the test selection, Auber's .'Le Duo d'O'lonne.'N The prizes offered are:—First, £100; second, £SO; third, £3O; 'fourth. £ls. The competitors who faced the judge last night came from as far north as Auckland and as far south as Winton. . The selection chosen is fairly difficult in some parts, particularly in the work for the cornets, which is practically the only instrument called upon for solo work, though the soprano cornet, the tenor horn, and the euphonium are called upon for "duets. The chief difficulties were in the triplet and cadenza passages, and these proved stumbling-blocks to the cornets on more than one occasion. There is abundance of opportunity for the display of taste, and it is quite possible that interpretation may have much to do in influencing the judge's decision. There was a good attendance,- principally of bandsmen, and each band was well received, both on its first appearance and at tho close of its performance. The most prolonged applause was that which greeted the Winton Municipal Band, : : t being recognised as the only strictly country band taking part in the contest. At the close of the competition the comments of the adjudicator (Mr Percy Jones), together with his awards of points, were sealed and placed in a box. THIRD DAY. The Brass Bands' contest was resumed on Wednesday morning at _ His Majesty's Theatre, the first competition being the quartets, for which there were so many entries that it became necessary to take the work in two sections. The winner proved to he the Kaikorai Band, the Invercargill Hibernian Band coming second. The E flat soprano cornet competition was taken in Burns Hall by Mr E. Stratton, who placed L. Neighbours, of the 10th Mounted ilegimental Band, Blenheim first, and W. Francis, of the Wanganui Garrison Band second. The pipe band contest, held at the Caledonian Ground, created a great deal of interest, and was won by the Dunedin Band, which won on all points except one; that was for military points, in which it was beaten by Wyndham. This band secured second honours, Balclutha coming third, and Southland fourth. The evening was devoted to completing the B grade contest for full bands, the Wellington Workers' Band securing first place, Auckland second, the 9th Hawke's Bay Band third, and Dannevirke Band fourth.

Following are the results: QUARTETS. Own selection. First prize, gold medals; second, silver medals. Kaikorai Band No. 1, 45 points .. .. 1 Inveroargill Hibernian Band No. 1, 43 points '. 2 lOfch Mounted Regimental Band (Blenheim) No. 1, 36 points 3 The other competitors were: St. Kilda No. 1 30 points, Palmerston North Municipal Band No. 2 32" points, Invercargill Hibernian Band No. 2 26 points, Woolston Brass Band No. 1 34 points, Waterside Workers' Band No. 1 27 points, Auckland City Band No. 1 25 points, Auckland! City Band No. 2 33 points, 12th Nelson and Marlborough Regimental Band No. 1 27 points, 12th Nolson and Marlborough Regimental Band No. 2 25 points, Napier City Band 27 points, Waganui Garrison Band. No. 1 31 points, W»nganui Garrison Band No. 2 35 points. E FLAT SOPRANO CORNETS. Own selection. First prize, gold medal; second, silver medal. L. Neighbours (Blenheim), 98 points .. 1

W. Francis (Wanganui), 97 points P. Dunn (Woolston), 95 points

The other competitors were: R. Ward (Ohristchurch Tramway Band) SO pointe, W. P. Francis (12th Regimental Band) 94 points, and J. Willie (Invercargill Hibernian Band), who did not finish.

The main interest in the competition centred in the B Grade Contest for Bands. The first section of the competition,, which was divided into two parts, was taken in His Majesty's Theatre on Tuesday night, and the second section occupied the whole of Wednesday evening. Of the 16 bands entered eight withdrew for one reason or another, but the eight remaining were amply sufficient to provide a full three hours' music. In the first section the test piece was Auh'jr's "Le Due D'Ollone," the bands being left .to make their own selection in the second instance.

Following are the results: B GRADE TEST SELECTIONS. Prizes £IOO, £SO, £3O, and £ls.

Waterside Workers' Band (Wellington), 260 pointe (125 for set test and 135 own selection, " Lurline ") 1 Auckland City Band, 244 points (127 and 117, "Lo Domino Nbir ") 2 9th Hawke's Bav Regimental Band (Napier), 242 points (130 and 112, . "Verdi") 3 Dannevirke Municipal Band, 240 points (112 and 128, " Tutti in Maschera") .. 4 The other competitors were the Ist Canterbury Regimental Band, 225 points (116 and 109, "II Contes Ory"); the Christchurch Tramways Band, 224 points (114 and 110, " Lartzing "); the Winton Municipal Brass Band, 196 points (100 and 96, "Golden, Sceptre"); and the C.E.M.S. Band, Christchurch, 130 points (60 and 70, "II Tiovatore ").

The judge, commenting on Tuesday evening's playing, said that with regard to the Andantino movement he had not got one performance that was really satisfactory. It was lacking in blend and refined treatment. The rest of the work almost played itself. It was straight going. There had been a tendency on the past of most of the bands to be rough and coarse in their playing, particularly in the fortissimo passages. He had had some difficulty in separating the Waterside Workers, the Auckland City, and the Sth Hawke's Bay Bands. There had been two very inferior performances that particular evening, but had not warranted his using the bell. He might have used it that (Wednesday) evening. In the interests of band music 'he thought music of that kind should not be presented to the public He thought it had a tendency to lower band music in their estimation. He was afraid the selection had not been rehearsed, and he did not think the band took the matter seriously enough. In regard to the Wednesday evening's performance there was one with which he had been very pleased. He had not expected to hear such a line performance after the first night. He was alluding to the band that had played "Lurlino" (Waterside Workers). it had been an artistic rendering, and the band had not been boisterous in the loud passages. The soloists had also been good, and there had been precision about the playing. There had been certain weaknesses, but it had been a notable performance. it had really been the outstanding performance of the competition. There had been a certain 'amount of artificial treatment with overy band, though there had perhaps been also a certain amount of delicacy of blend. He also commented on the fact that there had. been a want of impressiveness in some cases. He then announced his awards, which were received with applause. PIPE BAND CONTEST. It was most unfortunate, that the fine weather prevailing for a lengthened period should have broken yesterday as it did. Outdoor demonstrations of all kinds are dependent for success, from an outside point of view, upon climatic conditions, and the cold wet "snap" that set in about mid-day on Wednesday was a serious drawback to the open-air pipe band contest at the Caledonian Ground in the afternoon. Under ordinary circumstances the contest might have been postponed, but with visiting bandsmen this was rendered well nigh impracticable, and the contest had to be proceeded with. The pipe bands competing, four in number (Balclutha, Dunedin, Wyndham, and Southland) assembled at the Octagon, and marched out to the ground, attracting considerable attention en route. The attendance of the public a.t the ground was larger than might have been looked for, but nothing like what it would have'been in fine weather, in view of the great interest taken in piping in the southern part of the South Island. The music was judged by Mr George Munro, of Dunedin An effort had been made to get a judge from outside, without success, and Mr Munro kindly consented to act, and evidently took great pains over arriving at his decisions. The military judges were Lieutenants Healy and Montgomery, and Sergeants major Creagh and Sell, Mr K. Cameron adjudicated on uniforms, accoutrements, instruments, etc., and Mr T. P. Williamson acted as timekeeper in connection with themarching. The four bands when drawn up in line before the grand stand presented a strikingly martial appearance. The drawing for places was conducted on the ground, and the quickstep competition wa 9 first taken, and was followed by the playing of the test selection, at the conclusion of which the massed bands played a number of Scottish airs. ' Following are the results of the competition : Dunedin Pipe Band, 493jb points, made up of 168| for military points, 161 for music (quickstep), and 161 for the test piece •• -'• • • •• ••••■••• 1 Wyndham Pipe Band, 422 points; 170 for military points, 124 music (quickstep), and 128 test piece v. .. 2 Balclutha Pipe Band, 406 J ponits; 155 J military points, 129 music (quickstep), and 122 teat piece 3 Southland Pipe Band, 373§ points; 154 J military points, 129 music (quickstep), and 122 test piece 4 The Dunedin Pipe Band therefore received first prize (£100), the Wyndham Pipe Band second prize (£SO), and the Balclutha Pipe Band third prize (£25). The Judge (Mr Munro), in his comments, stated that, on the whole, the playing was very good. Some of the bands erred in not having their instruments going in accord before the commencement of the playing. Ono band in particular lost marks through this fault, especially in high A and F. The winning band, judging by the way they played, could give a creditable performance in any band contest in the Old Country. Though some of the successful bands were light in tone, they had their instruments well set before commencing to play, and some of them improved as they went along in their selection. It was unfortunate that

some of the bands who entered from the North Island did not come, as no doubt their presence would have made the competition mare interesting.

FOURTH DAY. The Brass Bands contest was continued at His Majesty's Theatre and Burns Hall on the 4th, Mr P'. Jones judging at the former, and Mr E. Stratton at the latter place. One feature of the competitions has been the very large proportion of withdrawals from most, if not ail, competitions. In view of the large number of entries very considerable extra assistance had to be provided for. and this, owing to withdrawals to an unusual degree, has proved quite unnecessary. This extra assistance involved extra expenditure, which might have been easily avoided if intendiing competitors—a good many of whom probably never intended to compete—had realised wha,t was at stake in the way of trouble and expense.

Following are the clay results: — TENOR TROMBONE SOLO, own selection. First prize, gold medal; second prize, silver medal. A. M. Wills (Invercargill Hibernian), 43 X J. Sara (12th Nelson and Marlborough), 39 a Other competitors: W. Lanham (Woo}* ston) 36, A. Stewart (Kaikorai) 35, It. Tuty nicliffo (Blenheim) 35, S. Trawneoiif. (Wanganui) 35, R. Osten (Kaikorai) 33, A. Sullivan (Dannevirke) 32, R. Coughlan (Stt Kilda) 31, 0. Oben (St. Kilda) 30, R. L. Pettitt (Maori Hill) 25. Mr Jones (me judge) said that whegf speaking about the trios he commented otji trp.e quality of one of the trombones ?s ft caricature of rea| trombone playing. H<| had to-day met with the some thing In twd instances. These players were on thqj wrong track altogether. The trombone VTbk meant to be played as a trombone, noj as a tenor horn. The impression this sort of playing made on him -was similar \a

what one would get if someone attempted to imitate the trombone with the aid of a fine toothoomb and a piece of paper. _ It produced a certain quality of cramping' which was unpleasant. The tone should flow freely. Fivo performers chose '' Lend Me Your Aid." None of these performances appealed to him at all. They did not frasp the meaning of that great recitative, he player placed first played " Songbirds." his playing stood out; its only 'weakness was bad slurring. B FLAT CORNET SOLO (Own selection). First prize gold medal, second prizo silver medal. B Wills (Invercargill Hibernian Band), go ... 1 W. H. Osborne (Bth South Canterbury Mounted Rifles Band), 96 2 The other competitors were P. Reeves (9th Hawke'a Bay) 95, S. -Williams (Woolston) 94, F. Lound (Palmerston North) 92, R. Ohilion (Christchurch Tramways Band) 90. R. G. Allen (2nd South Canterbury Regiment) 90, J. Campbell (Christchuroh Tramways Band) 86, J. Humphries (Invercargill Hibernian) 85, G. Humphries (Invercargill Hibernian Band) 80, F. Pollett (Kaikorai) 80, and G, Christie (St. Kilda) 80. In this contest, which was judged by Mr E. Stratton, that gentleman commented on a want of attention to detail. That was marked. Another thing was that piano and forte pas-sages were i.o a large extent neglected. In cadenza, the notes were not run on quickly and clearly as they might have been. In speaking of the performance of the winner (B. Wills) he said it had given him very great pleasure to listen to it. It was the finest interpretation of the piece he had ever listened to. A GRADE TEST SELECTION. His Majesty's Theatre was totally inadequate to accommodate all of those desirous of hearing the first test selection in the A Grade, and many had to be refused admission. The selection from Meyerbeer's " Roberto Diabolo " was well chosen. It affords ooenings and opportunities for a display of much that was beyond mere dexterity of playing. Th e music is full of meaning which can only be adequately expressed by a fine conception as to methods of interpretation, and some of the bands that played did not seem to be fully possessed of the requisite knowledge to completely attain the desired end. Eleven bands competed. The results were not disclosed. FIFTH DAY. The brass bands contest was continued on Friday at the Burns Hall and at His Majesty's Theatre, the morning and afternoon being utilised for Hearing'solo work. The euphonium solo was taken at His Majesty's Theatre at 9 a.m. by Mr P. Jones, and in the morning and afternoon Mr .E. Stratton was kept busy at Burns Hall adjudicating on the -side drum, solo and the baritone solo. The results are as follow: EUPHONIUM SOLO (Own Selection). First prize, gold medal; second, silver medal. W. Hickman (Wanganui Band), 44 1 J Lows (Waterside Workers', Wellington, 43 2 Other competitors: E. Osborne (2nd South Canterbury Regiment), 42; J. M'Clintock (Woolston), 42; W. Pennycuick (Kaikorai), 39; C. Bryant (Napier), 37; R. Hall (Dominion Band. Invercargill), 39; G. W. Keeble (Hawke'a Bay), 39; W. Fenton (Christchurch Tramways), 38; A. Bonner (Coast defence Band), 38; J. Simpson, jun. (Christchurch Tramways), 33; and J. P. Cowleshaw (Palmerston North), 30. SIDE DRUM SOLO (Own Selection). First ■ prize, gold medal; second, silver medal. C. Bell (Palmerston North), 29' .. .. .. 1 L. Simpson (St. Kilda), 28 .. 2 Other competitors.: J. Lees (Kaikorai), 27; J. Stewart (Bth Company Southland Regiment, Invercargill), 27; W. T. Devlin (St, Kilda), 27; 11. Hall (Wanganui), 25; T. Atkinson (Woolston), 24; G. Winton (Invercargill Hibernian), 21; C. Webley (12th Nelson and Marlborough), 21; A. Beadle (Invercargill Hibernian), 20; and T. M'Gregor (Waterside Workers, Wellington), 20. BARITONE SOLO (Own Selection). First prize, gold medal; silver medal. J. Coagrove (Palmerston North), 95 .. .. 1 C. Smith (2nd South Canterbury), 94 .. .. 2 The other competitors were: G. Forbes (Invercargill), 93; S.. Hyman (Kaikorai), 89; C. Mills (Kaikorai), 88; H, Kimble (Invercargill Hibernian), 86; W. Munro (Auckland), 86; and G. A. Day (12th Nelson and Marlborough), 84. :■'■',' -. .. A GRADE SECOND TEST. There was another.. very full attendance at His Majesty's Theatre in the evening to hear the second test piece in the A Grade competition. The'selection'.was "Wagner's Works," which consisted of excerpts from "Lohengrin," " Tannhauser," "Flying Dutchman," and " Rienzi." The time occupied over the selection was about 18 minutes per band, and, although an early start was made, it was past midnight when th° results were announced by the judge, Mr P. Jones. Kaikorai Band and Wanganui Land tied for first place with a total of 283 marks each, and therefore. divide first and second money. The 2nd South Canterbury Regimental Band came third with 276 marks a.nd the Invercargill Hibernian Band fourth with 270 marks. Following are the details : A GRADE BAND COMPETITION. First prize, £250; second, £125; third, £75; and fourth £SO. Fibst Test Selection, "Roberto Diabolo." Invercargill Hibernman Band, 144 1 Wanganui Garrison Band, 142 .. .... .. 2 Second South Canterbury Regimental, 140 3 Kaikorai Band, 138 .. .'.' 4 Dominion Band, Invercargill, 133; St. Kilda, 130; Woolston, 129; 10th Mounted Regimental (Blenheim), 128; 12th Nelson*, and Marlborough Regimental, 127; Lyttelton, 125; and Palmerston North, 123. Second Test Selection, "Wagner's Works." Kaikorai Band, 145 1 Wanganui Garrison, 141 2 Woolston Band, 139 3 St. Kilda Band, 138 4 2nd South Canterbury Regimental, 136; Dominion Band (Inveroargill), 130; Palmerston North, 127; Invercargill Hibernian, 126; Lyttelton Marine, 125; 12th Nelson and Marlborough, 124; and 10th Mounted Regimental (Blenheim), 124. FINAL RESULTS. Kaikorai Band, 283 1 Wanganui Garrison, 283 1 2nd South Canterbury Regimental, 276 .. 3 Inveroargill Hibernian Band, 270 4 St. Kilda Municipal, 268; Woolston, 268; Invercargill Dominion, 263; iOth Mounted ! Regimental (Blenheim), 252; 12th Nelson and I Marlborough, 251; Lyttelton Marine, 250; and Palmerston North Band, 260.

The adjudicator (Mr Jones), in announcing the results, said lie desired to compliment the committee upon the frreat competition just concluded and the public for the support accorded. In regard to the band playing, it had, on the whole, been really good. There had not been one bad performance—(applause),—but he would not say that there had not been unpleasant playing. There had been blatant playing—overflowing. Let the aim be beauty and tone. The first evening there had been three very fine performances, and these bands were quite capable of holding their own against anything over the other side.—(Applause.) In that evening's performance there was a band (Kaikorai) towards the end that had played very well, and he had given that band the highest number of marks. The performance of Wagner's works had been better than Meyerbeer's work. The first prize turned out to lie between two very good bands —Wanganui and Kaikorai. The next band was the 2nd South Canterbury, and the fourth prize very, very much to his surprise, went to a band that had been very much back in the Meyerbeer selection —that was the Hibernian Band. FINAL DAY. KAIKORAI BAND WINS THE QUICKSTEP. AN ENORMOUS ATTENDANCE. The brass bands contest was brought to a conclusion, on Saturday, the weather having remained fine throughout the week excepting for one afternoon. The patronage bestowed and interest taken in the contest has certainly proved one thing, and that is the Dunedin public is fond of band playing, and especially of good band playing, that has been heard in the case of full band playing, but it has to be admitted that there has been much room for improvement in very much, if not all, the solo work. Most of the committee have worked very hard during the contests, and not the least diligent have been Mr J. D. Hunter (supervisor), Mr A. Johnson (assistant supervisor), Mr E. S. Wilson (secretary), and one or two others. To the gentlemen named the press representatives owe _ their thanks for information only obtainable through official channels. - DISPLAY ON THE CALEDONIAN GROUND. It is very seldom that such an immense concourse of people is seen in Dunedin as that assembling at the Caledonian Grounds on Saturday to witness the military display and listen to the test selection. The official estimate of the attendance was that over 20,000 were present. The takings are somewhere in the neighbourhood of £BOO, and in view of bunroer houses at His Majesty's Theatre every night the financial aspect ought to be very bright. The only thing that has hung fire has been the Pipe Band conest, and the weather was against much chance of an attendance. The judges on Saturday afternoon were Lieutenants Healey and Montgomery and Ser-geant-majors Sell and Creagh military points; while Mr P. Jones, of course, had to adjudicate on the music. The marching and evolutions of the competing bands, 18 in number, were specially good, and in the vast majority of cases the difference in figures is not great. The same, though to a less extent, applies to the musical points. The Band attained the highest number of aggregate marks (268), but was beaten by Wanganui on military points, and by the Woolston Band on musical points. Woolston and Wanganui tied for second place with 265 marks each, and the Second South Canterbury Regimental Band came fourth with a total of 259. The afternoon was beautifuly fine, and the greatest interest was taken over the competition/. Following are the results:— MILITARY DISPLAY AND QUICKSTEP COMPETITION. Selection, " The Patagonian " (C. Trussell). First prize, £SO; second prize, £25; third prize, £10; fourth prize, £5. Kaikorai Band, 268 marks (181 military points "and 87 for music) .. 1 Woolston Band, 265 marks (175 and 90) .. 2 Wanganui Garrison Ban,d, ; 265 marks (182 and 83) • .. .... ..«, ... 2 2nd South Canterbury 'Kegiment, 259 marks (173 and 86) ..'':.,.. 4 The other bands competing in the order of merit in which they-came were:—lnvercargill Hibernian, 255| (171 i and 84); Palmierston North, 249 J (1711 and .78); 9th Hawke's Bay, 241 (175 and. '66); 10th Regimental (Blenheim), 236£ (174J 1 and 62); Auckland City, 235 (165£ and_Bo); St. Kilda, 233 (161 and 72); 12th Nelson and Marlborough, 229 (154 and 75); Waterside Workers (Wellington), 229 (147 and 82); Ist Canterbury Regimental, 227£ (153£ and 74); Dominion. Band (Invercargill), 227 (158 and 69); Donnevirke Municipal, 224 J (168| and 56); Lyttelton Marine, 221& (151 J and 70); Winton Municipal, 196-J (137$ and 59); and Christchurch Tramway Band, 191 (135 and 56). PERFORMANCE IN THE THEATRE. His Majesty's Theatre was crowded in all parts in the evening to hear. the six cornettists who had been honoured by recalls in the B fiat Cornet Championship solo. It took about an hour to hear the six men play,- and at the conclusion another hour was occupied by the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band, the Waterside Workers, the Wanganui, and the Kaikorai playing selections. At the conclusion of the : concert the prizes won during the week were presented by Mr J. H. Walker, chairman of committee, and Dr Thacker, president of the South Island Bands Association. Dr. Thacker, .in the course •of a little speech and answering some remarks the judge had made as to cornet playing, said if he (Mr Jones) would bring one of these swell cornet players of hi s over to Dunedin lie would pay the man's expenses. Referring to the benefits of such a visit, he said people could not play to a high standard unless they had an example to go by. Speaking of bands generally, he said they were the people's music, and ought to get more support than they did from those able to pay. It was the duty of a Government and of local bodies to help the bands more than they did. He urged that bandsmen might be carried on the trains at a reduction, or for nothing, and the musical instruments might be admitted into the country free of duty. Results: B FLAT CORNET CHAMPIONSHIP SOLO. First prize, gold medal, second, silver medal; third, bronze medal. B. Wills (Invercargill Hibernian), 46 .. 1 H. Fox (Woolston), 44 - .. 2 W. H. Osborne (Bth South Canterbury). 40 3 The other recalls were: S. Williams (Woolston) 36, J. M'Grath (Wanganui Garrison) 32, and M. K. Mara (2nd South Canterbury) 28. The judge (Mr P. Jones) said he had heard three very good performances that evening. In regard to the cornet playing,

in a general way, he had been rather disappointed, botti in the bands and in solo work. There' were some very hue bands, but the cornet playing was not equal to the playing on tae other siae; n Victoria particularly. The first essential in. cornet playing was beauty of tone. The cornet was capable of producing all the emotions of the human voice, and if it was played badly it was a very unpleasant instrument to listen to. There were two performances —the first and the last—that had been very fine, but neither had been correct in regard to phrasing. Mr Jones went into details as to the precise place where there was wrong breathing and wrong phrasing. He also referred to long-drawn phrases, and playing them in one breath, and said that had not been done in the solo, and the same thing had occurred -with the euphonium in the Wagner selection the previous night. One difficulty In the cornet solo was that it went up very high. The judge on Saturday night made some passing reference to the A grade band contest. He mentioned that it had been too late f or him to do so on Friday There had been four movements in the test selection (Mr Jones was speaking of Wagner). In the Invocation scene the bands nad been too massive, too heavy, too vigorous, too energetic There had been no wiuc he might call "■live" and no air of mystery at all. The same thing had happened in the Monks' clio.us. The bands had missed the dramatic idea. Then, many of the bands instead of giving prominence to the trombone :>nd euphonium had given it to the cornet, and the real solo was drowned by the accompaniment. He gave great weight to interpretation, and there had been only one band that had a proper and convincing interpretation of the Invocation. While he v anted to compliment one band, he was satisfied that there were several good bands. In competitions of this kind he would advise a study of the whole opera, and an attempt being made to visualise. SOCIAL GATHERING. Shoitly after 11 p.m. a social, ten. ered by the executive to representative bandsmen, was held in Fullers' Hall. The prin--cipal object the executive had in tendering the social was to give bandmasters an opportunity of meeting the judge (Mr P. Jones). The affair was quite impromptu, but not the less enjoyable from that fact. There was a- toast list, and among the toasts was chat of "The Judges," proposed by Mr J. H. Walker, and responded to by Mr Jones. The Mayor (Mr W. Begg) proposed "The South Island Bands Association,"' which was honoured and responded to by Dr Thacker, "Visiting Bandsmen" was another toast which was received with great warmth. There were also several pergonal toasts Mr J. D. Hunter's health was proposed by Mr J. S. Douglas, who referred tc the spbndid manner in which Mr Hun ter had carried out his duties as supervisor, these remarks being warmly supported by Mr R. Bennell, vho, on behalf of the committee, prt sented Mr Hunter with a handsome ease of Tobacco pipes and a tobacco pouch. The health of Dr Tnackfrr was also drunk and the name of Mr E. S. Wilson (the secretary) similarly honoured. The last-mentioned toast was proposed by Mr C Speight, who spoke in the highest possible terms of praise of the way Mr Wilson had performea bis many arduous duties*The gathering was an extremely happy and friendly one.