FINE RECEPTION IN WELLINGTON

Southland Times, Issue 24114, 1 May 1940, Page 6

FINE RECEPTION IN WELLINGTON

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL BAND PLAYING DESCRIBED AS “SUPERB” (Special to The Times) WELLINGTON, April 30. Treated with the utmost consideration and accorded every hospitality wherever they went, the members of the Drum, Trumpet and Bugle Band of the Southland Boys’ High School will have plenty by which to remember Wellington when they return home. They have had practically the freedom of the city and, in the words of their bandmaster, Lieutenant J. L. Napier, the reception they have had on all sides has been “marvellous.” “I cannot speak too highly of the way in which the band has been received both on and off parade,” said Lieutenant Napier in an interview this evening. What he considered of great importance was the fact that their playing in public put new confidence into the boys and had matured their work hi a way that no other experience could have done.

“All the times they have played in public here they have felt that friendly atmosphere that is so essential if the performer is to give of his best,” he said, “and besides being tremendously proud of them myself, I feel that the hard training we put in before leaving for Wellington has been more than justified. The band’s performances throughout have exceeded my expectations and Invercargill has every reason to be thrilled at the impression it has made here.” Lieutenant Napier was particularly pleased with the discipline of the lads, whose average age is about 15 years, and remarked that not once had he had to issue a reprimand. The health of the boys had been excellent. MANY ADMIRERS Lieutenant Napier’s opinion of the boys’ playing is echoed everywhere in Wellington and their dignity and bearing have won them a host of friends and admirers. The Returned Soldiers’ Association was highly delighted with the band’s performance at the Anzac Day service, the New Zealand president, the Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., describing its effort as superb. Congratulations were also forthcoming from the Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser), the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), the Minister of Industries and Commerce the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), Major-General J. E. Duigan (Chief of the General Staff), and officials and members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

Lieutenant Napier spoke enthusiastically of the effort of the people of Invercargill to raise funds to send the band to Wellington. As the result of a fair all expenses were met and the band would return without a penny owing. He also expressed his keen appreciation of the manner in which the principal of Rongotai College (Mr F. M. Renner) and his staff had looked after the comfort of the boys while they were billeted at the college, and he was particularly appreciative of the way in which Mr C. S. Mac Kay, manager of the Southland Court at the Exhibition had made them welcome. SOUTHLAND PARTIES This morning a large party of boys from the Southland Boys’ High School arrived by the steamer-express for a stay of four days, and they were greeted by members of the band, who went down to the wharf. Some of the arrivals, after an all-night trip in the boat, were not able to take particularly enthusiastic interest in the welcome, but they soon recovered from their slight indisposition. Tomorrow morning another large section of Southland’s population is due to arrive. This is a party of farmers who are on a six days’ visit. The band will sail for the south tomorrow night.