FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 568, 4 December 1915, Page 11

FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS

BANDS' DEMONSTRATION

A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING.

Cathedral Square was full of music this afternoon, when the comI bined bands of the city gave a deI monstration in aid of the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund. . All the military and civil bands of the city and suburbs took part in the demonstration, which was in every w r ay I successful. Large crowds thronged the Square all afternoon, and there is promise of an even greater attend-, ance this evening, as the demonstration is to be continued until 10 p.m. A platform was erected on the west side of the Square, by J. and W. Jamieson and Co., Ltd., who gave all the material and labour free of charge, and on this platform the various bands performed as their turn came. First of all the bands paraded in Latimer Square. The bands which took part in the demonstration were: First Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry), First (Canterbury) Regiment, Woolston, Lyttelton Marine, Christchurch Tramways, Sumner, Citizens' Defence Corps,) Derry's, and Rechabites. The bands marched via Gloucester, Manchester,] and High Streets to the Square, where they were massed for the playing of the national hymns of the Allies, under the conductbrship of Lieutenant Siddall, conductor of the band of First (Canterbury) Regiment. From then on, band after band took the platform, and played selections. The programme was varied at times by the advent of a choir of boys under the conductorship of MiStanley East, who sang "Sons of New Zealand" and other patriotic songs; and by Scots dances by a number of little lasses. ' A large crowd gathered in the Square to listen to the bands, and many young ladies diligently plied collecting boxes, so that a good sum must have been collected.