GRENADIER GUARDS’ BAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19985, 18 December 1934, Page 10

GRENADIER GUARDS’ BAND

WELLINGTON’S WELCOME Bv Telegraph-Press Association WELLINGTON. December 17. The Grenadier Guards’ Band arrived at Thomdon at 11.17 from Palmerston North. The already filled city, owing to the Duke of Gloucester laying the foundation stonp at the new railway station, saw a nuge crowd assembled along the band’s route to the Town Hall, where a civic reception was accorded them. The Band plaved its way through the streets, to the accompaniment of great cheering, and excitement. En route it halted at the War Memorial to place a wreath. The First Battalion Band accompanied the Grenadier Guards Band on its march from Thomdon to the War Memorial, where they were joined bv the Port Nicholson Silver Band. On reaching the Town Hall, the bands formed up in front of the dais on which were the Mayor (Mr T. C. A. Hislop). Deputy-Mayor (Mr W. H. Bennett). Mr E. Palliser (president of the New Zealand Bands Association), and Mr H. B. Burdekin 'president of the Wellington Provincial Bands Association). Major Miller replied to the Mayor's welcome, and specially thanked ' the police for the splendid handling of the crowd, which had given the Band a chance to make a show.

MAORIS’ GIFT TO CONDUCTOR By Telecraph—Press Association MARTON. December 17. A spectacle unprecedented in the Dominion tour of the Grenadiers’ Band took place at the civic welcome on Sunday, when Major Miller was presented by Mr Paikea, secretary to Mr T. W. Ratana. with a. handsome Maori mat as a token of welcome and of loyalty to the Crown of 40.000 Maoris, comprising the Ratana movement. Amid scenes of enthusiasm. Major Miller permitted the mat to be draped over his uniform. He reciprocated by calling for cheers for Marton and the Maoris, and specially requested the Ratana band to march with the Grenadiers’ Band to the park, where a crowd estimated at 3.500 assembled.