FAREWELLING MR BAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 72, 12 March 1903, Page 3

FAREWELLING MR BAIN.

|As a mai k cf their appreciation of the valuable services Mr D. McKinnon Bitiu has rendered to musical interests j generally, and band matters pirticu- ! larly, a numbr-r of bandsmen and i friecds assembled at the Hotel Comtmonweilth on Wednesday evening to j wish him " Qcoi-bye " and success on I his trip to England, whither he goes as manager of the New Zetland Bund.

j The Miyor (Mr Dockrill) was chairman, and in proposing the health of Mr Bain said it was an honour to New Plymou'h to fcave chosen a gentleman among them for the position—and one whom it would be hard to excel in knowledge of the bu-iness in question. They had all known Mr Bain for a long time, and it was undoubted that in matters musical, as well as in business circl-F, he had been an unqualified success. His Worship then went on to refer to Mr Bain's untiring and successful efforts as supervisor at the Band Contest, for which the highest enconiums had been passed on him by bandmasters from all parts of the colony. As a supervisor he had not been exceeded in any other plac?. (Applause.) It was therefore no wonder that Lieutenant Herd looked to Mr B.nu for a business manager, is was known, Mr Biin and Mr Morey had evolved a sound financial scheme, and all they had to do was to wish Mr Bain aDd the Band a pleasurable trip and success in their undertaking. Mr Bain well knew that he carried with him the good wishes of I the bandsmen as well as the ' ownsmen, who would follow the doings of the rep'eaen'ative band and its manager: witb intere t. ;

Mr Bain's health was drunk enthusiastically with musical honors. The Mayor also, on behalf of th; bandsmen, presented Mr Bain with a handsome pair of pipes, snuff box, knife find a threepenny piece for " good luck " as a tok?n of esteem and goodill. Mr Baio, in replying, expressed his sincere thinks for tha kindness manifested, and then went cn to refer to the difficulty he bad in promoting the scheme, wh'ch he was glad to say had at last turret out saeisfacfcoiily, Be was prcud to hav<i the honor of managing the bacd. He knew theie ma hard work in front of him, but he was prepared for that, tie thanked tbe donors hear il/ for their present; and h ped to see them all again when he returned.

Mr E. M. Smith, M.H.R., said he was very pleased to be present, and he wished Mr Bain " God speed," a pleasant trip, ard a successful tour. He also referred to Mr Bain's long and arduous service in the cause of music and especially the band, but at tbe same time pointed out that no great end was at'aintd without pains. He aho mentioned the~Btruggles he (the speaker) hid had against adversity, often against tbe very men to whom his success would mean large pecuniary benefit. He alludt d to the factor that made for advancement, namely, the manufacture of the raw material laying ,afc our feet, and indicated that his ambitions were nearing accomplishment, more of which would be known in a few days. Mr. Smith then banded Mr. Bain letters of introduction to the and others, which would provo of value when at Home. Oa behalf of the Band Mr. Donovan referred to Mr. Bain's unswerving support of the Band, without whom he made bold to say it would not be in existence now. Mr Bain was practically father of the band, and as such they were sorry to lnse him, if only for a short time. He also referred to the proud pisi ion Mr. B in occupied - a position which wa; gratifying ti ail the band memb- rs, who wished him ev.-ry success.

The health cif tin New Zealand Band was then honored, and in responding M r . Bin Slid Lieut. He-d hul m doubt as to the succ-ss of the batsd. In fict he had- stid he was quite prepared to go Home even with a fortnight practice. Mr. Fr.nk Rob rt ß , as a cmpirately new arrival from England, spoke a few words of appreciation, a> d predicted a good time for the bacdsmec on their trip

Th l ) meeting concluded with time honerad " Auld Lang Syne," and cheers for Mr. Bain, Mr. Smith, and tbe Chairman