VISITING BANDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3754, 23 February 1926, Page 52

VISITING BANDS.

HOW NEW ZEALAND HAS FARED. New Zealand ha 3 been visited by some “crack” bands in past years. Amongst these were the following: Band of the Imperial Troops—a.draft from the Light Infantry Band—following the visit of the Imperial *4roops to the Declaration of the Australian Commonwealth. Ophir Band—on the occasion of the visit of H.R.H the Duke of York (now H.M. King George V). Every member of this band played two instruments —one band and one orchestral. This enabled the band to give a complete band and orchestral concert at each performance. The Kilties Band* of Canada—a worldfamous band which has travelled the world. Besses o’ the Barn—this world-famous organisation has paid two visits to the Dominion; when it was specially brought out for the International Exhibition at Christchurch in 1906-7, and subsequently as a private venture. The former conductor of the “Besses’, Mr Christopher Smith, is now conductor of the Auckland Municipal Band, which was formed some 15 months ago. Sousa’s Band—this band toured New Zea land in 1910. Royal Artillery Band—this band was brought out for the Auckland Exhibition in 1914. Red fern Municipal—this Australian band toured New Zealand in 1923; it carried off the honours at the Dunedin contest in that year. Malvern—this band was the winner of tho A Grade Tests at Auckland last year. Newcastle Steel Works Band—this band, under Mr Albert Baile, visited England in 1924, when it carried off premier honours at two of the most important English contests. It toured New Zealand last year on its way home, giving a series of concerts. Australian Silver Band—this band, which toured New Zealand early this year, was recruited from the Newcastle Steel Works Band, and had intended to visit England this year. Tho New Zealand tour, however, proved unprofitable, and the band was unable to continue its tour. It returned to Australia recontly, where it disbanded.