BAND CONTEST.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 23

BAND CONTEST.

SOLO COMPETITIONS. The 22nd saw the opening of the solo competitions at the band contest. In the morning the B flat cornet solo tests (not the championship) were decided, 21 players facing the judge, Mr VV. S. King, including all the leading cornet players of the Do.ninjpn. The winner proved to be Lieut. W. H. Osborne, of Ashburton, j was awarded 95 points out of the maximum of 100. H. Hayes, Auckland, who won the championship test last year, was second with 94 points, and W. Stevenson, of the Port Nicholson Band, Wellington, took third place with 91 points. Stevenson is also an ex-champion. In announcing his decision the judge said that the winner had given* a highly artistic reading of the solo. His technique was practically faultless, and he had introduced a most effective rubato. His tone was refined raid clean, and the intonation beautifully level. Hayes was a stronger toned player, but had a few lip flaws, and his interpretation was not quite up to the standard of Lieutenant Osborne’s. Stevenson gave probably the most brilliant rendering, but his playing was somewhat boisterous. H. F. Vincent (Palmerston North) and G. Christie (St. Ivilda), who were bracketed fourth, each gave excellent displays, but lacked delicacy in* their playing. Results: — B FLAT CORNET SOLO. Test number, "Allegro Symplionique” (Jenkins). W. H. Osborne (Ashburton), 95 points 1 H. Hayes (Auckland Artillery), 94 .. 2 W. Stevenson (Port Nicholson, Wellington), 91 3 The following also competed, the performers being given in the ordei ol their appearance:—L. Francis (Kaikorai) 78 points, J. Fleetwood (Queen Alexandra’s) 67, J. Logan (Kaikorai) 87, o. MThersou (Wellington Tramways) 69, W. Bowman (Port Nicholson) 85, P. H. Hayes (Auckland Artillery) 74, J. E. Wills (St. Kilda) 76, F. H. Shepherd (St. Kilda) 58, L. Nippert (Wellington Tramways) 66, H. F. Vincent (Palmerston North) 90, A. M'Master (Greymouth) 76, G. Bergerson (Queen Alexandra’s) 76, M. M‘Mahon (Roxburgh) 77, J. Robertson (Greymouth) 85, W. Kay (First Battalion, Taranaki) 7G, N. Trembarth (Woolston) 71, G. Christie (St. Kilda) 90, L. Bruce (Woolston) 80. TROMBONE TRIOS. In the Trombone Trio section 15 trios faced the judge, Mr 1. J. Ricketts. The playing was of good average standard, showing a general high level of attainment. No points will be announced in this section until Thursday evening, when the four leading trios yesterday will play off for the final. The recalls were as follow: St. Kilda Municipal No. 2. Palmerston North Municipal. First Battalion, Invercargill. South Canterbury Battalion. The following also competed, and are given in the order of their appearance:— St. Kilda No. 1, Wanganui Garrison, Woolston, First Battalion Taranaki Regimental, Port Nicholson, Wellington, Qheen Alexandra’s Own Regimental, Wanganui, Auckland Artillery, Winton Silver Municipal, Wellington Municipal Tramways, Greymouth Municipal, Dannevirke Municipal. E FLAT BASS SOLO. The playing in this section, in which 18 competitors faced the judge, was well up to the standard usually heard at contests. Ihere were, of course, a few weak performances, but the majority of the players gave really good performances. Two ulayors tied for first place, the judge. Mr W. S. King# stating that ho had found it impossible to separate them. Results: W. P. Coughlan (Kaikorai), 95 points ... 1 F. Bourke (Port Nicholson), 95 points 1 W. Coleman (Wanganui Garrison), N _ 91 points 2 G. Munro (Auckland Artillery), 90 points 3 .The following also competed, names being given in order of performanceJ. Baxter (Ist Battalion, Invercargill) 85 points, T. Pheloung (Woolstou) 88, A. Homer (St. Kilda) 86, O. Pollock (Woolston) 81 S. Nunns (Gisborne) 75, J. G. Young (Hamilton) 80, C. Galbraith (Greymouth) 69. J. W. Smith (Ist Canterbury Mounteds) 69. D. D, Millar (Ist Battalion, Invercargill) 75,

11. Gracia (Christchurch Municipal) 79. A. Nelson (St. Ivilda) 82, W. Miller (Wanganui Garrison) 75, H. Neilson (Auckland Artillery) 79, E. Birch (Queen Own, Wanganui) 77. The Festival Hall was well filled in the evening, when nine B Grade bands tried conclusions with each other, Mr F. J. Ricketts acting as adjudicator. The tost piece, an arrangement of Verdi’s “Rigoletto, ' is of average difficulty, hut served to show off the merits, and demerits, of the various contestants. Generally speaking, the performances were very meritorious for 13 Grade bands, and such faults as were in evidence were such as are usually associated with all amateur bands—siamely, faulty intonation, lack of attention to detail, particularly in respect of time values, and failure to grasp the spirit of ’he work interpretation suffering in consequence. Following are brief comments on the playing of the various bands in the order in which they competed, the conductors’ names being given in parentheses: Ureymoiß.i Municipal (A. M‘Masters). —Generally speaking, this was a really good opening performance, and set a good standard for t i bands which followed. Balance and blend were quite good, and intonation generally left little to find fault with. The opening movement was nice and bright, and the first euphonium solo which follows was artistically played. The horn cadenza leading into the everpopular “La Donna Mobile” taken by the tenor horn was a trifle ragged, and the actual solo lacked the essential sparkle which is always associated with it. There were also Blight traces of faulty intonation in places. Dotted notes throughout the selection were not treated correctly, in almost every case the various players turning them, with the succeeding note, into triplets. The finale was clean and bright, but inclined to heaviness. Winton Silver (E. G. Marshall).—A bright, vivacious opening, band well balanced. The euphonium solo in the second movement inclined to flatness in places, and the tone was not always pure. The succeeding movement rather lacked brightness. The trombone solo in the next movement was nicely handled, and the band acompaniment was well subdued. The piu mosso movement was rather heavy lacked clarity and definition. The quartet was played with excellent taste and good quality of tone. “La Donna Mobile” lacked sparkle. There was a misunderstanding prior to the opening of the succeeding movement, first cornet coming in two bars too soon. As in the case of the preceding band the finer points in time values were neglected in places, dotted notes in particular not being given their correct values. Taken by and large, however, the performance was quite meritorious. Oamaru Municipal (J. Denholm).—The grace notes in the . opening movement trouble 1 one or two of the players, other wise the movement was brightly played Phrasing was weak in some of the solo portions. Faulty intonation in the tenor solo must have lost the band a point or two, otherwsie the solo was expressively played. The quartet was rather heavily treated. The “La Donna Mobile” move ment was also heavy in treatment, and there were several “blue” notes. The finale was handled brightly, but the final chord was quitted rather raggedly. In general it may be said that the players had appar ently caught the spirit of the work. Gisborne City (J. Wyke).—This was a highly meritorious performance, the band showing a better grip of the work, and the playing throughout being cleaner than that of the earlier competitors. The solos were all well handled, and in the concerted sections there was a very commendable balance, blend, aud volume, overblowing being conspicuous by its absence. Altogether a highly creditable reading of the work. sth Mounted ltifles, Oamaru (G. Whale) —A rather laboured opening with overblowing apparent in the bass section. A mis-hit in the euphonium solo marred an otherwise effective piece of playing. In the tenor solo faulty intonation and lack of observance of phrasing marks was apparent almost throughout. The quartet was ifnndled quite effectively, though phrasing was not a strong point. “La Donna Mobile” lacked vivacity, and was too heavily treated. Some excellent cornet playing was apparent in the two final movements, which displayed the band in its best light, excellent combination, and sonorous volume being outstanding features. Ist Battalion Taranaki Regimental (F W. G. M‘Leod).—This band is a newcomer to contest work, having been formed only about 15 months ago. It has a splendid trainer however, and the fruits of his work were apparent in last evening’s performance. The work was treated expressively throughout and there was a highly commendable attention to every detail. Every part stood out cleanly and an excellent grip of tho work generally was shown by the players, both in the solos and in the concerted movements. This was one of the best performances so far and reflected great credit not only on the players, but also on their capablo conductor. Hamilton City (K. Mara)—This band also opened the selection in an excellent manner with close attention to detail. Balance and blend were both good in the concerted movements, and the a« conipaniinents to tlie solos were nicely subdued. There was faulty intonation in places in the solo work, howover, and by the time tho final inovoment was renched the playing showed rather n falling-off f om that of the band’s opening. Tho excellent finale, however, made amends for curlier weaknesses and rounded off a capital performance generally. Auckland Waterside Workers (H. Christensen)—An otherwise splendid opening was somewhat marred by mishitting of the grace notes in the cornet part. There was plenty of life in th»* playing of this band in the ooncerted movements, but the solo work unfortunately was weak in place® and the

accompaniments wore not always as clean as they should have been. There was some tine work by the cornets throughout, and expression was well attended to, a feature rather neglected by some of the earlier bands The final movement was quite well played, but the performance as a whole was not up to the standard of the earlier performers. Dannevirke Municipal (J. Harris).—This band played with plenty of expression, and fiom the opening bars showed a good grasp of the work. The euphonium solo was one of the best performances of the evening. Equally meritorious were the trombone and cornet solos, there being a gratifying absence of the faulty intonation which marred the performances of several of the earlier players. The concerted movements throughout were excellently handled. A particularly noteworthy feature of the performance was the close attention given to the expression marks resulting in a reading full of light and shade. At the conclusion of the session the judge said he could not make any comments on’ the playing that night, and would merely announce Oie placings. These were: Greymouth Municipal 1 Ist Battalion Taranaki 2 Hamilton City 3 Wintori Silver, Gisborne City, Dannevirke (equal) ... 4 sth Mounted Rifles 7 Oamaru Municipal 8 Auckland Watersiders 9 TUESDAY’S PROCEEDINGS, The band contest was advanced a stage further on Tuesday, when a number of tho solo section.® were decided. In the morning two sections were played off—the quartets and the BB flat solo, Mr F. J. Ricketts judging the former and Mr W. S. King the latter. In each section there was some particularly good playing, and both classes were of a very high standard generally. Results were:— QUARTETS. Test number, “Roberto Diavolo” (Meyerbeer). Recalls: Port Nicholson (Wellington) No. 1. St. Kilda Municipal No. 1. Palmerston North No. 2. Queen Alexandra’s Own (Wanganui) No. 2. The above players will play off for the final on Thursday evening. The following also competed, in the order of their appearance:—Wanganui Garrison No. 2. Fi*st Battalion Invercavgill No. 2, Port Nicholson No. 3, Greymouth Municipal, St. Kilda No. 2, Woolston No. 1, Queen Alexandra’s Own (Wanganui) No. 1, Port Nicholson No. 2, Palmerston North No. 1, Dannevirke Municipal, Roxburgh Brass, Wanganui Garrison No. 1, Woolston No. 2, First Battalion Invercargill No. 1. BB FLAT BASS SOLO. Test number, “The Challenger” (Lafont). L. Fogo (Dunedin Artillery), 94 points 1 J. Collins (Wanganui Garrison), 93 points 2 C. S. Hansen, jun. (Woolston) and A. T. Hughes (Woolston) 91 points, equal 3 T :e following also took part in the order in which they took the platform:— R. Pheloung (Oamaru Municipal) 84 points, C. O’Hara (Dunedin Artillery) 80, R. Spurdle (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui) 76, H. Maher (Auckland Watersiders) 72, 0. Sundberg (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui) 84, W. Fenton (Christchurch Municipal) 77, 0. Pocklington (Dunedin Tramways) 71, J. Crammond (Ashburton) 81, T. Rogers St. Kilda), 83, J. Milne (Well. »gton Trainwa, ' £B, A. Guthrie (Wanganui Garrison) 88, G. Register (Auckland Artillery) 84, H. Booker (Palmerston North) 80, T. Williams (St. Kilda) 89, T. Hughes (Woolston) 87. B FLAT FLUGEL HORN. Test piece, “Tranquility” (Ord Ilume). Eighteen players faced the judge in this section, and all gave a good account of themselves. The most common fault was an absence of “tranquility,” some players treating the solo rather raggedly. Results: R. Ward (Wellington Tramways), 94 points 1 0. Lowry (Kaikorai), 92 points .. .. 2 R. W. Ramsay (Port Nicholson), 90 points 3 Also competed: V. Wilson (Auckland Artillery) S 5 points, C. J. Smith (St. Kilda) 84, W. Smith (St. Kilda) 83, N. Ilall (Christchurch Municipal) 81, W. Ilambley (Port Nicholson) 80, F. R. Gruszning (Ist Battalion, Taranaki) 79, J. Turner (St. Kilda) 78, J. Trussoll (Wanganui Garriy son) 77, L. Buchan (Hamilton) 77, E. Ormrod (Port Nicholson) 76, A. Ramsay (Queen Alexandra's Own, Wanganui) 75, W. Dixon (Gisborne City) 74, V. BrundnfT (Woolston) 74, E. E. Fincliy (Wellington Tramways) 73, J. Williams (Greymouth) 71, C. Frew (Ist C.M.R.) 09, K. Henderson (Wanganui Garrison) 60. BOYS’ SOLO. Own choico, any instrument. Open to boys under 18, any instrument. J. Robertson (Greymouth). 98 points .. 1 L. Bruce (Woolston), 94 points .. .. 2 N. Marsh (Taranaki), 90 points .. .. 3 Also competed: W. Bremner (Oamaru Municipal) 84, V. Aldridge (Winton) 89, F. Ormrod (Port Nicholson) 83, J. Merton (Gisborne) 80, K. Bremner (Oamaru Muniy clpnl) 71, K. Prisk (Dannevrkie) 85, L. Carrutkers (Greymouth) 80, T. A. Miller (Ashburton) 88, J. Turner (St. Killa) 77, C. W. Sorenson (Hamilton) 04, L. Moody (Woolston) 85, D. Wills (Winton) 89, S. Wallace (Ashburton) 85, 11. Parsonage (Port Nicholson) 88, M. G. Flatman (Ashy

burton) ST, N. Death (Feilding) Si, C. F. .T. Leslie (Ashburton) 72, E. Williams (Wool•ton) 83. GREYMOUTIJ WINS B. GRADE. The second— and final—B Grade test was played off on Tuesday evening before a Jorge audience m the Festival Hall. The tost selection for this occasion was an arrangement of Border Songs and Ballacls, rathor thin in parts for contest work, but rainently pleasing from the listener’s viewpoint. As on the evening the nine competing bands all gave very meritorious performances, nouio being of a particularly nigh standard for B Grade bands. Following are brief comments on the jiayiup of tho various bands in the order r.f their performance: Gtuymouth Municipal (A. M'Masters). As to be expected after its fine periorjuiani'u on tho previous evening this bond Kitarprsted tho selection most effectively, hi nod, and precision being all that aptild b* <lo6ircd for B Grade bands The *oh» allotted to various instruments wore „H ppjondicftv played. There was in places oot> -ohsaranco of die phrasing marks, a failing '-owunon Vo most bands for some lonsor or other. 'lho expression marks 'vmv vtuy off©otively observed, rosulting in 9 nM<dy colonred performance throughout. 'JW: r.olh>i..r stereotyped in the reading rjjrl !r. -v.:nlp of the numbers comprising the iclecFon judinon#; nddiiions were made fti, ",hy expression marks, some *.osr vtfec r ive r,au?es being introduced. Altewrethl-- a excellent- rendition. D:, •. l: vuko ?vi»mk.ipal Tf Wardh-Gonc-ra»!.V p |.if»as ; mr reading, but lacking the Ughr V’d sh;»»V ol f ho preceding band. Tone erwlnv whs good, hot. rathor tenuous in Move comn«st between the various y©Mi»<*rs w<*i!d have improved the performance ns ? vbr.lr- th«'rc hcin<; a samenes»«. Im j’.ighou* both ns regards tone and Dm9 The sole portions were all handled effectivnlr. but in some cases closer attention to detail war. predfn!. Ai'-Aland >Vr.U>r.-:ido Workers (A. S. CVtvk-r’.— An orviiressive and sharply contrasted reading of the various numbers was given by this hand. In places there were miner technical slips, hut generally the rendition was one calling for generous commendation. Ist Battalion I'aranaki (F. W. G. MTjeod).—Excellent combination was shown by this band, and there was a preciseness and unanimity which made its readinjr most effective. Tho solos were very well treated, but a few faults in intonation were noticeable. Generally Speaking, the band appeared at its best in the concerted numbers. A special word of praise, however, is due to the solo cornet for nomo rcnlly ex* client v.**»rk in *he solos which fell in his lot. 15 a pres\>D throughout was given close attention, r.nd tho moods of tho various songs Fod ballads '•omprising the selection were Ahnirablv delineated. sth Mounted Bifles (Camam). —Under tUe baton of G. Whale this band gave a refined rending of the test, with some particularly good- concerted playing. The quieter movements were inclined to drag in places, otherwise there was little to find fault with. A very stylish finish Was accorded the selection. Or.maru Municipal (S. Denholm).— This was another meritorious perform-

anee, but not up to the standard of some of the earlier bands. Closer attention to detail was needed, more particularly in the accompaniment work. Concerted work was very effective, a fine volume of tone being obtained. Winton Municipal (E. G. Harshall). — There was nothing of outsi.c.mhng merit in this performance. Gisborne City (J. YVyke).—Clean expressive playing marked this band’s perform mice, with some excellent solo work by first cornet. The accompaniments were nicely subdued and expression was well attended to. Hamilton City (K. Mara).—This was one of the best performances of the evening, the selection being wonderfully effective in treatment from first bar to last. The opening movement was marked by a fine volume of sonorous and well-balanced tone and this was in evidence in all the ensemble playing. The solos were delightfully treated, without exception, and the accompaniments left nothing whatever to be desired There was a wealth of expression throughout and some very fine effects were obtained where climaxes occurred in the score The final movement was a brilliant exposition of concerted band work and rounded off most effectively a wonderfully good performance. The only adverse comment one would make as regards the performance as n whole was the conductor’s more or less vocal encouragement to his players during the plaving. This was audible ( some distance down the hall and might in some circumstances lose a band several point s. THE RESULTS.

A special trophy has been donated by tho Dunedin Band Contest Committoo for tho champion New Zealand band in tho B grado contest for highest .aggregate marks in teat selections and (inickstep, including drill, to bo won outright The Boosey Cup, for tho highest aggregate marks in B grade test, selections. Opeji to South Island bands only. THE JUDGE’S COMMENTS. After the announcement of the results the judge ((Mr F. J. Ricketts) briefly Addressed those present. He stated that if he might generalise regarding the per formanccs on both nights the worst fault was the intonation. One baud liad played bettor than the band placed first that evening, but its intonation was faulty and had lost it several points. Expression olso was rather sickly and senti

mental at times He would not say that players should not try to get good expression, but they could overdo it. Expression war better left alone than over done. Just as he had been astounded at the quality of the C grade bands, so he was astounded in proportion at the peit’ormauees of the B grade bands. If he could take their playing as an indication of what was to be expected from the A grade bands, he sincerely congratulated New Zealand on its musicians.— (Applause.) The B grade contest last year was won by the Dunedin Artillery Band, under Lieutenant J. Franklin, the w’inner at the previous contest being the Christchurch Tramways Band (now the Christchurch Municipal Band), under Mr J Noble. Both these bands have now to compete in the A grade section, under the rules of the North and South Island Brass Bands Association. WEDNESDAY'S SESSIONS. Only one class was set down for decision on Wednesday morning—the Euphonium Solo, 29 contestants facing the judge, Mr W. S. King. The performances generally were uneven, ranging from very good, in a few cases, to pass ing fair. Intonation was a weak point throughout the section, and there were many wrong notes. Results: — T Hughes, sen. (Wcolston). 95 points I W. W. Penny ouick (St Kilda), 93 points 2 3.1. M’Kenzie (Hamilton) and C. Bryant (Napier), 90 points .... 3 The following competitors also competed in the order *in which they appeared:—J. Kirkland (Ist Battalion, Invercargill SO points, S. Burtenshaw (Ist Battalion, Invercargill) 85, M. Clarke (Dunedin Artillery) 83, W. G. MTntosh (Dunedin Municipal) 80, T. Overs (Oamaru Municipal) 75, J. P. Cowlishaw (Palmerston North) 77, J. Maybury (Port Nicholson) 73, E. Osborne (South Canterbury Battalion) 85, A. Williams (Wanganui Garrison) 70, W. Haughton (Roxburgh) 78, H. Guthrie (Wanganui Garrison) 85, J. M'Clintock (Woolston) 89. C. Miller (St. Kilda) 83, A. Kaye (Port Nicholson) 85, W. Smith (Wellington Municipal) 78, H. Halliwell (Gisborne City) 09, A. Byron (Ist C.M.R.. Ashburton) 82, L, Halls (Ist C.M.R., Ashburton) 85, C. Humphrey (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui) 84, R. Fenton (Christchurch Tramways) 79, James Cosgrovo (Daunevirke) 83, Charles Austin (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui) 88, F. H. Hildreth (Palmerston North Municipal) 81. * BARITONE SOLO. “Ah Bello a me Ritorno ” (Lafont). Nineteen competitors faced the judge, Mr W. S. King, in this class. The playing was not of a high standard, the judge iu his comments ascribing this to the fact that the baritone is an “off” instrument in bands, young players taking to the euphonium as soon as they got a good grip of the baritone. Results: Alex. Ramsay (Queen Alexandra's Ow^ Wanganui), 88 points 1 R. Boyd (Wanganui Garrison) 87 points 2

11. Driver (Wellington Tramways), 86 points 3 R C. Brundall (Woolston), 85 points ... 5 Also Competed: G. Forbes (Danuevirke) 76, A. Harbott (Kaikorai) 80, E. Stent (Greymouth) 75, S. Higman (Dunedin Artillery) 80, W. Nelson (Dunedin Artillery) 82 T. Lamb (Roxburgh) 63, D. Stribling (Christchurch Municipal) 72, C. Smith (South Canterbury Battalion) 75, L. D. Porter (Ashburton) 70, J. D. Grant (Port Nicholson) 72, W. Munro (Auckland Artillery) 84. FIB ST “A” GEADE TEST. Those who attended the first of the A Grade tests in the Festival Hall were treated to some of the finest expositions of brass band playing heard in the Southern Capital for many years past. Twelve bands took the draw and eaoh and all gave really first grade readings of the Test Selection, Berlioz’s of Faust,” which was reviewed in detail in yesterday's issue. The winning bands gave really brilliant performances, delineating in rich colours the many beauties of the score, though the selection did not give them the oppor tunity for brilliant execution that they had in the tests at the last two contests. Following are brief comments on the performances in the order in which the bands played:— Port Nicholson Silver (J Drew).—A high ■standard was set by this band, both in the ensemble and solo portions of the selection. Balance was excellent and blend eminently satisfactory. Intonation also was notably praiseworthy. There was a tendency in places to disregard the correct phrasing and the rest pauses might have been held longer, otherwise there was little to find fault with in the band’s technical treatment of the selection. Interpretation Vas good, the spirit of most of the numbers being admirably reflected. Ist Battalion, Invercargill (H. Berryman). The opening movement, “Will-o-the Wisps” dance, was rather heavy in its treatment. T"he solo of Faust, taken by trombone, was also on the heavy side, the player apparently not being conversant with the picture his pail is intended to depict. The inner narts did not appear to be too happy in the chorus of soldiers and students. Solo cornet found some difficulty in the cadenza which links this movement to Marguerites song “Ah Me, My Heart is Heavy,” and the solo itself lacked the simplicity which its part in the opera calls for. The peasaat’s dance was brightly played, though there were several minor technical weaknesses. The penultimate movement, the Amen fugue, was very effectively treated though phrasing was much neglected by some of the players. Accompaniments were on the heavy side. The Rakoczy March was one of the band’s best efforts and rounded off nicely a generally good performance. Wellington Tramways (Lieut. T. Herd).— Bright vivacious treatment was accorded the opening movement. Faulty intonation made an early appearance, however, and was discernible in several of the movements. The first and second trombones lacked unanimity in Faust’s solo, rather marring the closing strains. The chorus of soldiers and students rather lacked brightness. being a shade on the heavy side. The cornet solo depicting Marguerite’s song was the best performance of this solo so far and was supported by a beautifully subdued accompaniment. Solos generally were tastefully and expressively played and the final ensemble movements, the Amen fugue and Rakoczy March, showed much more evidence of careful and detailed preparation than that of the first two performing bands. Christchurch Municipal (A. Schnack).— This band competed for the first time in the A grade section, its last appearance in contest work being at Christchurch in 1924. when it won the B Grade test. Its performance last evening was of good A Grade standard, a. splendid interpretation of the selection being given, but there were many evidences of false intonation, particularly in the softer movements —the solos and accompaniments. Balance also was not as good as it might have been In the ensemble movements a nice compact body of tone was developed and detail was very closely attended to. Altogether an excellent reading of the test, but marred by faulty intonation. Woolston (R. S. Estall). —Keen interest attached to this performance as Woolston was second at last year’s contest, being runner-up to the champion Malvern (Australian) Band, and was looked upon os likely to carry off premier honours this year The band gave easily the best opening so far, but in the second movement flugel horn broke badly, marring an otherwise splendid reading of the movement. The students’ and soldiers’ chorus was full of vivacity and sparkle and there was an outstanding attention to the finer details, both as regards time and expression. The cornet solo, by T. Goodall. a former New Zealand champion, and formerly conductor of the Wellington Tramways Band was far and away the best reading of this beautiful solo so far the player adequately depicting the mood of the ill-fated to the higher instruments The Amen fugue was carefully defined, each voice standing out beautifully clearly. A very excellent performance was rounded off by a thrilling performance of the Rakoczy March, Marguerite as she sings “Ah Me. My Heart is Heavy.” The sparkling chorus and dance of peasants was a brilliant piece of concerted playing, with a rich sonorous volume of tone The basses were outstandingly good and gave a snlondid support played with the wild abandon called for bv this famous Hungarian melody. St. Kilia (Dixon).—This was another wonderfully good performance, the band excelling in every section. Concerted work was par excellence, and the various solos were given out in a most artistic and refined manner. Interpretation was of a high order, and there was a wealth of light and shade. The volume of tone was not ns great as that of Woolston. hut It was well balanced and adequate for the requirements of the selection. The final movement. the Rakoczy March, was one of the best performances of the evening. Kaikorai (A. Vallis).—This band, one of the old-time champions of the Dominion, has not yet arrived back at its one-time level The performance last evening was good in parts, but there were numerous weaknesses, and it was apparent early in ita performance that it could not secure a high placing. Concerted work lacked unanimity, and faulty intonation was apparent in some of the solo work. A bad break was made nt the opening of the final movement, some of the players anticipating the bent, with most unfortunate results.

Auckland Artillery (S. S. Leighton).Faulty intonation lost this band points.

Its performance as a whole, however, wa* of a high standard, and there was emieh that was brilliant in its treatment of the selection. It developed a great volume of well-balance 1 tone in the ensemble passages, and its interpretation gave evidence of careful training, apparently after reference to the operatic score. Palmerston North (G Buckley).—A performance of good average standard, but in places rather heavy in treatment. Concerted work good, and solos all played artistically. Dunedin Artillery (J. Franklin).—This ©and also made its first appearance in A grade work. Its performance lacked brightness in places, and faulty intonation detracted from the merits of some of the solos, but there were highly commendable other features, notably in respect of expression. Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui (G. Buckley).— This was in some respects one of the best performances of the evening, brilliant ensemble playing alternating with refined and artistic solo work. There was admirable restraint throughout and no other of the bands, with the exception of Wanganui Garrison, gave quite such an expressive reading. The cornets did particularly brilliant work, and wore backed up by a splendidly balanced combination o? the other band family. Wanganui Garrison (J. Watson).—'This was the “star” performance of the evening, being characterised principally by richness of tone in Imth the solos and concerted movements. Faulty intonation crept in in one or two places, but, generally speaking, the playing was marked by accuracy in this respect. As in the rase of the preceding band’s performance there was close attention to expressive detail, some sharply contrasted effects being obtained. No other band treated the contrapuntal movement so cleanly as this one. this being one of the outstanding features of its performance. A very brilliant rendering of the Hungarian March made a really ereat finish to a great performance. As on the occasion of the first B Grade test, no points were announced last evening, only the placings of the various bands. These were as follows: — Wanganui Garrison 1 Woolston and St. Kilda (equal) .. 2 Wellington Tramways 4 Port Nicholson 5 Queen Alexandra’s Own ...... 6 Kaikorai 7 Dunedin Artillery .. 8 Palmerston North 9 Auckland Artillery 10 Christchurch Municipal 11 Ist Battalion, Invercargill .. .. 12 THURSDAY’S SESSIONS. Thursday was another full day at the band contest, five solo sections being heard during the day and the four recalls in the B flat cornet championship solo, the trombone trios, and the quartets playing off at the evening session. The various solo classes attracted good entries, and some good playing was heard, particularly *in the championship cornet solo test. Thursday’s da„- sessions results were: SIDE DRUM SOLO. Test Number, “ Polka.” C. E. Bell (Palmerston North), 96 points 1 C. G. Smith (Kaikorai), 95 points .. 2 J. Lees (St. Kilda), 91 points .. .. 3 The following also competed:—T. G. Gee 36 points, J. Stewart (First Battalion, Invercargill) 84, S. Morrish (Woolston) 80. EE FLAT BASS SOLO. Test Piece, Own Selection. P. F. Floyd (Wellingaon Tramways), 85 points ••. • • ••. • • 1 The only competitor in this section. B FLAT CORNET CHAMPIONSHIP. Test Number. “ Silver Threads Among the Gold.” Recalls. W. Stevenson (Port Nicholson). T. Goodall (Woolston). H. F. Vincent (Palmerston North). J. Robertson (Greymouth). The following competitors also took part (given in the order in which they played):—Bud Wills (St. Kilda), D.D MTlierson (Wellington Tramways), L. Francis (Kaikorai). W. H. Osborne (Ist C M.R.. Ashburton). A. J. Berr>%nan (Palmerston North), N. Peez (Port Nicholson), W. Bowman (Port .Nicholson), F. H. Shepherd (St. Kilda), Geo. Christie (St. Kilda). C. H. Hayes (Auckland Artillery). P. H. Hayes (Auckland Artillery), J. M’Grath (Wanganui Garrison), H. Osborne (Ist C.M.R., Ashbur ton), J. E. Wills (St. Kilda), G. Bergerson (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui), C. Fades (Wellington Tramways), *. R. Oblson (Christchurch Municipal). S. Williams (Woolston), E. Kerr (Port Nicholson), M. MMahon (Roxburgh), W. Kay (Ist Battalion, Taranaki). E FLAT SOPRANO SOLO. '* Caprice ” (Jenkins). I. Goughian (Kaikorai), 91 points .. 1 T. M‘Lean (St. Kilda), 90 points .. 2 E. Webb, Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui), 89 points, and G. Whiting (Ashburton), 89 points (equal) 3 Also competed: K. Rawlinson (Dannevnke) 84, E. P. Dunn (Woolston) 72, W. C. Bailey (Christchurch Municipal) 78, H. Brown (Hamilton) 80, G. Millward (Ist Battalion,, Invercargill) 76, A. Bovey (Wanganui Garrison) 82, C. R. Pierce (Auckland Artillery) 76, S. Lowe (Port Nicholson) 76. BASS TROMBONE SOLO. “Happy Memories” (Lafont). C. Aldridge (Auckland Artillery), 90 points 1 D. Wynks (Port Nicholson). 89 points, and L. Willicombe (Dannevirke), 89 points (equal) 2 L. Holdaway (Wellington Tramways), 88 points ." I Also competed: P. L. Collins (South Canterbury Battalion) 78, G. Humphrey iQueen Alexandra's Own Wanganui) 82, J. Carruthers (Gisborne) 86, J. Currie 82, J. Crisp (Oamaru Municipal) 04, L. Hardgreaves (Ist Battalion Taranaki) 04, L. Halle (Wanganui Garrison) 75. The principal event set down for decision at last evening’s session of the Band Contest was tho B fiat Cornet Solo Championship. Twenty-five competitors faced the ludjje, Mr F. J. Ricketts, at the preliminary hearing, including several •*-

champions. As is usually the case in this class there was some really brilliant playing and some that was anything but bril liant. The preliminary hearing at the morning session resulted in W. Stevenson (Port Nicholson), T. Goodall (Woolston), H. F. Vincent (Palmerston North), and J. Robert-. eon (Greymouth) being recalled to play off for final placings at the evening session. Both last year’s champion (H. Hayes, o Auckland Artillery), and previous year’s champion (W. H. Osborne, Ashburton), failed to get as far as the recall stage, both making a number of bad breaks. The test piece was an arrangement of the old song "Silver Threads Among the Gold.” It was decidedly more difficult than . last year’s innd quickly discovered the various players weaknesses, but could not bo said to be a suitable choice for such a test as it gave the players very little opportunity to display their artistry. The winner, W. Steven son (Port Nicholson), gave a really won derful exposition of cornet playing, his tone and technique being practically flawless. Second place went to a 17-year-oJd youth, J. Robertson, who comes from Greymouth. His performance also was a brilliant one, but his technique was not up to the standard of the winner’s. Goodall made several bad breaks, which put him out of the running. * The results were: W. Stevenson (Port Nicholson), 93 points • • 1 J. Robertson (Greymouth), 91 points 2 H. F. Vincent (Palmerston North, 86 points 3 T. Goodall (Woolston), 85 points .. 4 The first prize is a gold medal and a valuable gold-plated Besson cornet. TROMBONE TRIOS. "Lady Beauty” (Giffiii). The four trios recalled to play off for the final placings in this class gave very poor per finances. The result.was:— St. Kilda, 124 points 1 Palmerston North, 123 points ...... 2 Ist Battalion, Invercargill, 116 points 3 South Canterbury Battalion, 112 points 4 QUARTETS. "Roberto Di avoir*” (Meyerbeer). Palmerston North, 130 points 1 St. Kilda, 128 points 2 Port Nicholson, 127 points 3 Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui, 118 points 4 FRIDAY’S SESSIONS. The final solo teats in connection with the Band Contest were decided on Friday In i the morning the tenor trombone solo was i heard, and in the afternoon 31 tenor horn players faced the judge. Results were:— TENOR TROMBONE SOLO. Q. Brown (Wanganui Garrison), S 3 points 1 J. Marshall (First Battahon. Invercargill), 83 points 2 J. Glennie (Port Nicholson), S. Greaves (First Battalion, Invercargill), and C. Barsby (Woolston) 87 points ... 3 The foHoWing competitors also took part (given in the order in which they took the platform) M M'Oorkindale (First Battalion, Invercargili) 78, W Matson (Weilington Tramways) 80. G. Buckley (South Canterbury) 73, D. Kirk Christchurch Municipal) 82, E. Tallent ire (Wellington Tram •ways) 84, A. M. Wills (Winton) 86, R. G. Frew (First C.M.R., Ashburton) 77, P. Inder (Dunedin Artillery) 80, W Lanham (Woolston) 79. E. Feek (New Plymouth) 75, W. Moody (Christchurch Municipal) 86, A Handley (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui) 77, G. Stalker (St. Kilda) 81, F. Keoan (Greymouth) 74, M. Bowes (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui) 77, W Payne (Darnevirke) 79. W. o‘Hara (Palmerston North) 80, H. Kay (First Battalion, Taranaki) 81. J. Williams (Woolston) 76, R.O'Danipls (Christchurch Municipal) 86. TENOR HORN SOLO. "Chanson Rustique” (Jenkins). O. Hansen (Palmerston North), 92 points 1 W. Tougher (Wanganui Garrison) 91 points ; ... 2 D. V. ; ,:lan (Dunedin Artillery) and W. tu.'iuh (St. Kilda), 80 points 3 Also competed: E. O'Brien (Wellington Tramways) 83, 11. Morrison (Hamilton) "0, F. Ormond (Wellington Tramways) 73, G. Wilson (Christchurch Municipal) 83, J. A. M'Donald (Roxburgh) 83, G. Bridges (Kaikorai) 78, H. Hunter (Dunedin Tramways' 80, J, Beatty (Palmerston North' 83, E Bull (Wellington Tramways) 76, J. M‘Kersey (Wanganui Garrison) 74, H. A. Taylor (Auckland Artillery) 73 J. Contessa (Greymouth) 83, T. Carroll (Woolston) 75, L. Ormrod (Port Nicholson) 83, W. Jackson (Greymouth) 77, H. Parsonage (Port. Nicholson) 82, A Ball (Nasebv) 82, O. Williams (Wanganui Garrison) 83, F. Squire (Wool ston) 83, J. Cosgrove (Dannevirke) 80 H Wild (Port Nicholson) 74. IT. Jackson (Dunedin Tramways) 7. J Campbell (Woolston) 88. H. Dunshea (Greymouth) 80, 11. Riggs (Port Nicholson) 83, L. Jacobs (Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui) 83. Music lovers were again treated to some exceptionally fine expositions of brass band playing on Friday evening, when the leading A Grade bands of the Dominion met in the Festival Hall to decide the second A Grade test. The contest selection was an arrangement of Weber’s "Der Freischutz,” and comprised 11 of the best-known airs and choruses from the opera. The selection is a very brilliant and dramatic one. It contains some highly melodious music, and if not so difficult technically as som© of the tests at past contests, it called for a higher degree of artistry than some of them, and gave the competing bands last evening an opportunity of showing what they could do in the matter of artistic treatment of a dramatic operatic score. TEST SELECTION. Following are brief comments on the playing of the bands in the order in which they performed: Dunedin Artillery (J. Franklin).—This band opened brightly with a finely rounded volume of tone. The second movement, calling for delicate exproesive treatment, was nicely subdued and there wus no loss of tone quality. The third movement was ft trifle ragged and the trombone recitative was on (lie heavy side. A similar fault was noticeable in tne next movement, more dolicacy being required. There was some nicely shaded playing in the adagio movement, and in the ensuing cornet solo the soloist made the most of the opportunities given him to display hi*9 artistry, though his phrasing might have been improved. Tho final movement was very stylishly

played and rounded off vory effectively an opening performance of decidedly high standard. Wangauui Garrison (J. Watson).—As was to be expected after its brilliant performance in the First Test this bond gave a wonderfully fine reallng of the selection. Its tone quality was rich in colour, and attack and precision wore accurate to a degree. The various solos were particularly well treated, and the accompaniments were all that could desired. The spirit of the various numbers was skilfully delineated, and to those acquainted with the operatic score the whole performance was one of outstanding interest, leaving nothing whatever to be desired from the viewpoint of artistry, while technically it was practically flawless. Wellington Tramways (T. Herd).—This band opened in lighter vein than the preceding contestants. It was at its best in the more dramatic numbers, developing a massive, sonorous body of tone. In parts of the solo work there wore slight lapses in intonation and minor technical weaknesses, but generally speaking they were very skilfully and artistically rendered. The ensemble playing was of a very high standard throughout, but a lack of cohesion was apparent in places, and an absence of the close attention to -detail which characterised the Wanganui performance. Auckland Artillery (J. S. Leighton) There was some very effective playing in this performance, but it lacked the finer polisli of some of the other bauds. The solo work was in places less satisfactory, and faulty intonation must have resulted in the loss of points. The general treatment of the selection was on the heavy side, and many of the finer details were neglected. On its playing in both tests this year this band has not showed any improvement on its form at last year’s contest, and at no stage of either of the tests did it appear likely that it would secure a placing. It is stated that the cold weather in Dunedin has materially affected the players, and this may be the reason for the band’s' failure to measure up to the standard which had generally been expected of it. Port Nicholson (J. Drew). —This was a most artistic and refined performance, some splendid solo work being in evidence. The first solo, for fiugel horn, was particularly well treated, and the trombone and cornet solos were on a par with it. The ensemble passages were given out with dramatic intensity, and in places were almost electrical in effect. Attack, precision, balance, and blend were excellent throughout. Wookton (R. J. E3tall). —This was one of the finest performances heard in Dun- | etlin for a long time past—from an amateur band. The selection was opened vigorously and brightly, this being one of the only bands to get a really accurate attack cn the opening chord. A very eqeetive rallentando at the end of the first, strain introduced a decidedly artistic .touch into the first movement, and many similar expressive details not found in the score were introduced with markedly successful effect. The fiugel horn solo was a most refined piece of playing, with only one technical fault —an incorrect performance of the grace note in the penultimate bar. The trombone recitative, with its lightning-like accompaniment, was very dramatically played, the effect of the full band accompaniment being thrilling. The subsequent solo was very expressive and beautifully phrased. Some particularly brilliant playing was shown in the allegro movement which follows, and the ensuing duet was a little gem of artistry. The cornet solo was also most artistically treated, with close attention to every detail. A magnificently played finale brought to a brilliant conclusion a most artistic performance. Palmerston North (G. Buckley).—A very meritorious performance, with much playing above the average in it. £t. Kilda (J. Dixon). —This was an other brilliant performance, with much originality in its treatment. The ensemble work was marked by accuracy f technical detail, and some very expressive effects were obtained. Balance ami blend were both good, though not uuite up to the standard of the winners. - The solo portions of the selection were all in excellent taste and highly commendable from a technical viewpoint. Christchurch Municipal (A. Schnack) —Tlieie were many weaknesses in this performance, though as a whole it had many meritorious features. Some of the solos were not as satisfactory as they might have been, faulty intonation being in evidence and detail being neglected. The ensemble playing was of very good standard and quite the equal of several if the bands who secured higher plaeings in the final result. Invercargill Battalion (B. Berryman).— Apparent nervousness on the part of at least one of the solo players rather marred portions of this band’s performance. There was also much out-of-tune playing, otherwise the performance as a whole was quite a good one, though not in the prize-winning class Queen Alexandra’s Own, Wanganui (G. Buckley).—This band did not improve on its showing in the first test, and gave anything but a prize-winning performance. Intonation was bad almost from the first few bar?, and some of the soloists did not do anything like justice to their respective solos. The ensemble playing was bright nnd crisp, but at times there was a lack of clarity in the inner part 9. There was some very fine work by the basses, who contributed very materially to the solid body of tone which characterised this band’s performance in the louder movements of the selection. The band was particularly unfortunate in evidencing faulty intonation as the judge, Mr F. J. Ricketts, placed a high value on accuracy in this matter, and points were promptly deducted if this weakness appeared. Kaikorai (A. Vallis). —Though it never looked likobeintr a winner this hand pave quite a meritorious performance and showed that it has the material for the development of a really first-grade contesting hand ns in past days. Tt opened th' selection brightly with a nicelv-bnlanced body of tone. The polos generally were expressively treated, .though one or two of them were on the Held side. There were also several slips which should not have occurred. Tn places a lack of combination wA apparent, particularly in the final movement.

After the announcement of the placings the judge briefly addressed those who had remained to hear the result. He stated that the playing of the winning band had been practically perfect, and referred at some length to the playing of Woolston, stating that its rubato had been really astounding, and was, in fact, better than that of the winning band. Obviously it had a very fine leader. In general, he was disappointed with the A Grade standard after what he had heard in the B and C Grade tests, ne had expected to hear bands that would be able to hold their own in any English contest, but lie had been disappointed. The playing, on the whole, however, had been particularly fine, especially that of the winning baud.

A GRADE QUICKSTEP. Quickstep Day (Saturday) was ushered in with a steady and continuous downpour of rain which lasted with only brief intermissions throughout the day, and converted parts of the Exhibition Sports Grounds into miniature lakes. In spite of the wr.etched weather* conditions, however, a large crowd watched the proceedings.- and was treated to an excellent display, taking all circumstances into consideration. A particularly good performance was .put up by the Auckland Artillery Band, which headed the points for drill, with St. Kilda 12 points behind. In music, St. Kilda and Palmerston North tied for first place with 92 points, Woolston coming second, one point behind. Wanganui Garrison went down in this test, gaining only 82 points and allowing Woolston to gain a lead which enabled it to secure the New Zealand Championship Shield —awa d to the A grade band gaining most points in the two test selections and the music of the quickstep. At the conclusion of the performances a protest against St. Kilda was lodged by Palmerston North, on the grounds that St. Kilda was directed by two blasts of the drum-major’s whistle, contrary to rule 11 governing the competition, which reads: “Only one blast of the whistle will be allowed for each evolution.” The protest will be considered by the executive of the Brass Bands' Association in due course, when its decision will be made public. Following were the results: — A GRADE QUICKSTEP.

In the evening the “own choice”' operatic selection, open to all bands, was decided, 10 bands competing. Queen Alexandra’s Own (Wanganui) sprang a surprise on everyone in this test by winning it comfortably with five points to spare. A peculiar feature of this test was the fact that every band, with the exception of Wanganui Garrison, selected a Wagner opera as its offering. The winner gave a very brilliant performance of “Tristan and Isolde,” Woolston, the runner-up, playing “Parsifal.” Wanganui gave a very fine perfomauce of Swift’s arrangement of “William Tell,” but failed to appeal to the judge on this occasion as it was only placed fourth, seven points behind tho winner. The result of the test was as follows: Queen Alexandra’s Own (Wanganui) .. .. ** 138 1 Woolston ~ ~ w 133 2 St. Kilda „ „ „ 132 3 Wanganui Garrison .. ... ... 131 4 Greymouth M 139 5 First Battalion (Taranaki) „ .. 129 0 Port Nicholson M 128 7 Palmerston North .. .. ** 124 8 Hamilton M 123 9 Wellington Tramways 122 10 After the announcement of tho results tho various shields, prizes, and special awards were presented to the respective winners, the Judges, bandmasters, nnd contest officials then being entertained at supper by the Exhibition authorities, n brief toast list being honoured and presentations being made to the contest judges, Messrs W. S. King and F. J. Ricketts, nnd to the contest supervisor, Mr J. D. Hunter. Following is the distribution of the various shields for the ensuing year, with the exception of the two special Exhibition shields, which were won outright by St Kilda and Greymouth respectively:— New Zealand Championship Shield, for A Grade band obtaining highest musical points in two tests and quickstep—Woolston.

Boosey Shield, for A Grade band obtaining highest aggregate points for music in test selections anil quickstep—Woolston. lloosey Shied, for A Grade band obtaining highest aggregate points in two test selections—Wanganui Garrison. Boosey Shield, for B Grade band obtaining highest aggregate points in two test selections—Greymouth Municipal. Dunedin Contest Shield, commemorative of Exhibitoin for champion band in A Grade contest—St. Kilda. Dunedin Contest Shield, commemorative of Exhibition for champion band in B Grade Contest—Greymouth Municipal. Boosey Cup, for highest aggregate marks in B Grade test selections. Open to South Island bands only—Greymouth Municipal. Conn Shield for A Grade band securing highest aggregate points in the test selections, operatic selection, and musical points in quickstep—Woolston. llawte Shield, for highest aggregate marks in A Grade test selections and quickstep—St. Kilda. SPECIAL AWARDS. Gold-plated Besson cornet to winner of Cornet Solo Championship—W. Stevenson (Port Nicholson). Gold-plated trombone, presented by Mr R. Hawkes for winner of Tenor Trombone Solo—C. J. Brown (Wanganui Garrison). As a result of the contest as a whole the New Zealand Championship this year for A Grade bands goes to Woolston, Greymouth carrying off premier honours in the B Grade section. The contest next year will be held in Wellington.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. Lieutenant W. H. Osborne, winner of the B Flat Cornet Solo tost is one of the Dominion’s leading bandsmen. Mr Osborne was born in Cornwall, England. His i. t big success in solo work was in 1910, when ne won the Cornet Solo Championship in the Christchurch contest. On the outbreak of war he joined up with the Main Body, and later became senior bandmaster of the New Zealand Division in France. After the war he took a course of training at Kueller Hall, tho famous British hand school, and n his return to the Dominion became conductor of the band of the First Canterbury Mounted Rifles (Ashburton). Under his baton this band won tho B Grade test at the Nelson contest, and as an A Grade band was second to Redfern (Australia) at tho last Dunedin contest, in 1923. At the 1924 contest in Christchurch Mr Osborne won the Cornet Solo Championship, but failed to secure a place at Auckland Inst year, owing to an unfortunate “break” early in the test selection. H. Ilayes,

who won second place, was the winner of the championship at Auckland last year. Of hie playing on that occasion the judge, Mr Percy Code, said, “I have never heard finer cornet playing in any part of the world.” The test piece on that occasion was Mr Code’s own com** position, “Zelda,” and the composer saia Mr Hayes had shown him beauties in the composition which lie mu not know it possessed. Mr Hayes is a- member of the Auckland Artillery Band. W. Stevenson (Port Nicholson Silver. Baud), who was placed third, is another of the Dominion’s best soloists. He has won. first place on several occasions in this section, his last , win being at Christchurch in 1924, when • lie won the Alice Gunner Memorial prize. Among the many visitors to the band , contest is Mr Charles Trussell, the well- t known competitor and arranger of brass band music. For many years Mr Trussell / was a prominent bandmaster in New Zealand, but shortly after the Christchurch Exhibition in 1906 he left for Australia, where he has resided since. Mr Trussell , at one time earned the sobriquet of New ' Zealand’s “March King,” owing to the prolific number of marches he composed during his residence in New Zealand, Since residing in Australia lie has been the principal arranger of the A Grade hand contest selection for the Queensland Band Association, but owing to family 1 bereavements, and an illness that necessitated a serious operation, he had to decline the work for the present year’s contest to be held at Toowoomba (Q.), at 1. Easter next. f

Following are results of to-n ight’ and 1*1 on day evening’s tests: and the final pinemg of the bands: — Firs Second test test. A ffK Grevmouth 126 132 258 1 1st, Batin. Taranaki 125 129 254 2 Hamilton 120 130 250 3 5th Mounted Oam. 118 130 248 4 Dnnnevirke Muncpl. 119 126 245 5 Gisborne City 119 121 240 6 Winton Municipal 119 111 230 7 Oamaru Municipal Auckland Watersars. 115 no 107 99 222 209 8 9 The prize money s as follows — 1st 2nd Test. Test. Agg. First prize £20 £20 £100 £140 Second prize 10 10 50 70 Third prize 5 5 25 35 Fourth prize 2 10s 2 10 10 15 £260

Results were as follows: -« . •d a . <u Sh Sect Tee 4?« Wanganui Garrison 140 143 283 1 Woo Is too .. .. 140 278 2 St. Hilda .. .. 138 276 3 Port Nicholson .. .. 136 132 268 4 Wellington Tramways 137 128 265 5 Queen Alexandra’s Own 125 259 6 Dunedin Artillery .. 129 125 254 7 Palmerston North .. 127 125 252 8 Kaikorai 118 251 9 Auckland Artillery .. 125 122 247 10 Christchurch Municipal 119 243 11 Invercargill Battalion 121 112 233 12 The prize money was as follows:— |b s H i! H 1st Prize .. £50 £50 £150 £250 2nd Prize £25 £25 £75 £125 3rd Prize £10 £10 £50 £70 4th Prize £5 £5 £30 £40 £480

Drill. Music. Aggregate. Auckland Artillery .. 183£ 00 2731 1 St. Kilda .... 171J 92 203^ 2 Palmerston N. 1692 92 2015 3 Invercargill .. 1691 85 254i 4 Christchurch Municipal .. 109 85 254 5 Wanganui (ramson . t 1672 82 2492 fi Wellington tramways 1652 81 246| ■ 7 Woolston .. 153 91 244 8 Port Nicholson 1582 85 243? ft Dunedin Artillery .. 1G0 80 240 10 Kaikorai .. 150 82 232 . 11 Queen Alexandra's Own, Wanganui 152 78 230 — 12