THE LYTTELTON MARINE BAND.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 252, 27 November 1914, Page 6

THE LYTTELTON MARINE BAND.

To the Editor of THE SW., Sir, —At a meeting of the members of the Lyttelton Marine, Band, held this (Thursday) evening, it -was decided to forward to you the following resolution, passed, unanimously,, iii .regard to your band contributor's remarks on the playing of the band at the municipal concert given on the Victoria Square rotunda, Christchureh, on Thursday evening, November 19 : "That the members of the Lyttelton Marine Baud have not the slightest respect for the opinions of "Maestro," your band contributor, concerning the performance given, on the Victoria Square rotunda last week, and that if it is your desire to offer criticism upon open-air band concerts' in Christchureh, a band expert whose opinions are respected should be chosen to carry out the work." Notwithstanding the condemnation by '' Maestro,'' the members believe that their concert was a good one, and that the large gathering of citizens of Christeharch was more than satisfied with the performance. The band has stood the test of criticism well on the contest

platform, the only place where merit and demerit can be decided, and' the good .expressions of .opinion of two English judges, Mr T. Morgan and Mr E. Sutton, who canje to this country specially to adjudicate competitions held under the auspices of the South Island Bands Association, are at striking variance with, the opinions expressed .by your, band contributor. Mr Morgan awarded the- Lyttelton Marine Band first prize with points .approaching the maximum in the B section, Christchurch contest, 1912, and Mr Sutton allotted the band second place to the present Dominion champions, 2nd Eegimental (Timaru) in the last championship competition of the South Island Bands Association," held at Invercargill during November of last year. At this contest Lyttelton Marine defeated the famous Kaikorai Band in each selection played, and you will admit, therefore, that its"' performances were considerably above the average. The band has riot deterio-. rated since. When next the band plays on the Victoria Square rotunda, on Pe- : eember 17, its members would welcome your presence, or that of some recognised band, expert, that you may: judge whether or. not the Marine Band had a right to accept engagement to play in Christchurch. Judging from your, contributor's notes, it had not.—l am, etc., G. WHITFORBy Secretary Lyttplton Marine Band. 84 Oxford Lyttelton, November 26.

[Our correspondent takes the same attitude as another whose name appeared on Wednesday. It ig not di spute j that the audience enjoyed the concert, or' that' the Lyttelton Marine Band is a good one.: Our,contributor mentioned various technical imperfections in the band's playing, and it is open to any member of the band or any other musically -educated person who was present to': jshow- that '' MaestrjOt'-t' was wrong. So far no attempt has been made to do so.—Ed. The Sun.] -.; ,<</.,'