BLUFF MARINE BAND

Southland Times, Issue 18935, 23 September 1920, Page 5

BLUFF MARINE BAND

KEW BANDROOM OPENED. Tlie BlulT Marine Band’s new building was ntlicially opened by the Mayor (Mr J. 5. A. McDougaJ] t reslerday afternoon in the presence of a fairly large number of residents and visitors from Invercargill. Hie Mayor outlined the history of the band from its inception in IS9.T After having fompeted in thirteen contests and won six hirsts, live seconds, and one third prizes it languished in BIOS and became defunct in 1910. In 1912 it was reorganised and was again doing well when the call to anus occasioned hy the late war greatly depleted it- numbers. A few of the old members stuck to it, and about four years ago, although their capital was only £ll they derided to overcome the difficulty of procuring a suitable band room by building one ior theniselves, A central site was procured and an excellent building erected by money lent free of interest hy various citizens. The total cost would be about £7OO, and thunks to the financial success of various efforts organised by the energetic secretary, Mr D. Miller, a debt of only £SO now remained. He expressed the great pleasure he felt at hieing present to open the molding, congratulated the band on its excellent achievement, and extended his good wishes for the future, and declared the □ adding openrd. 'When the applause had subsided, the Mayor intimated that lie had another pleasing duly to p; ri'orrn. Mr It. Massey, who had recently returned from a trip to his home- iri Tasmania bud conceived the idea of present log to t in- band a baton made from Tasman an blaekwood, and he had been a-hed to make the presentation at that gat in ring. In handing the handsomely muuiitid slat; to the bandmaster, Mr A. MeNi.-h. he .-aid 1m hoped that it would he inst ruinent a! in bringing the band first in. manv eonipet it inn.-, and site’e it was made of Australian wood it might not he too niueli to ex,-.ret that at some future date the hand would sureessfully carry' if at tha famous Ballarat eonipet it ion--, Mr A. M< N rib (i landina.-t er i thanked Mr Mas.-cy f>>r his kindness and assistance on this and maty previous occasions when he had allowed them the free use of his hall.

Mr I'ergus an, of Invercargill, was then called upon to speak. He congratulated the band on their S] dendid building and remarked that never before had he seen a bandrooin so well fitted up. It would be a credit to a much larger town, and he extended to (h' members his best, wishes for continued rti-w in the future. Tlie Mavoicss- acted ns hostess and invited all I o remain and partake of afternoon tea, which was tastefully served at, the bandroom. At night :.n oyster supper and smoke concert was participated in by the bandsmen and friends.