HARMONICA BAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21179, 28 October 1938, Page 7

HARMONICA BAND

Social Evening Congratulations Offered by Mayor • A social evening was held in the Harmonica Band room on Wednesday night, between 30 and 40 members being present. Mr S. F. Hansen, president, welcomed the Mayor 'Mr W. G. Tweedy) who is patron of the Band. Acknowledging the welcome, Mr Tweedy said that he was very pleased to be given the opportunity to meet the members of the band, and he thanked them for the honour done him by being elected patron. He had been keenly interested in the band since it was first formed and was more than pleased at the progress made, both in musical ability and general conduct. The band was now a credit to the town. Referring to the contest held at Temuka last Saturday he was disappointed at being unable to attend owing to previous engagements. After reading the reports in the papers he was of the opinion that the band was not given sufficient credit for the good performance they put up. He congratulated them on their splendid performance in the street march, for with 12 bands competing they secured third place, only being beaten by two of the premier of New Zealand., one point only separating them from second place. They also secured highest marks in the hymn test and highest marks in the aggregate for selection and hymn. This went to show that their standard of playing was of a very high order.

Continuing, Mr Tweedy said that although the Harmonica Band was the youngest of musical organisations, and this was their first' contest, he looked forward to the time when the band would bring to Timaru championship honours. He knew this would entail a lot of very hard work for the boys, but he was quite confident they had the ability and the will to win. The organisation and administration also

entailed a tremendous amount of work, and he thought the band was fortunate in having a committee and supporters who were willing to give their time and financial support to the Band. Medals Presented The president, replying, said that the band was honoured in having the Mayor as patron, and he was sure every member appreciated the honour done them by Mr Tweedy being present at the social. He then asked Mr Tweedy to present to Drummer O’Hara a silver medal awarded to the best drummer at the contest (Harmonica Band Section), and silver medals to DrumMajor E. Miller and the conductor Mr C. Paine awarded in special recognition for their services to the band. Bandsman F. Wellford was then called upon to present Mr Tweedy with the band badge and colours. In returning thanks Mr Tweedy said the presentation came as a complete surprise to him, and he would consider it one of his most cherished possessions. Mr Hansen read a letter from the Provincial Bands’ Association congratulating the band on their performance at the contest, and also on their conduct both on and off parade. Mr J. Keenan, replying on behalf of the committee, spoke of the good work done by the president who was largely responsible for the Band being in its present sound position. He also thanked all members of the public who had so generously assisted with financial aid. Mr H. Hillier called for cheers for the Mayor which were given. The remainder of the evening was given over to songs, and musical items by members of the band and committee. All cars for the main ground must enter by the Smithfield Road gate and cars departing for the south go by the main gate and for the north by the Smithfield Road gate.