BANDSMEN'S COLUMN. FROM FAR AND NEAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7569, 29 November 1902, Page 6

BANDSMEN'S COLUMN. FROM FAR AND NEAR.

(By TOM-TOM.) (Specially compiled for the "Star.") " Musio the poor man's Parnassus." — Emerson. BAND NOTES. The impending departure from Timaru of Mr Sidney Wolfe is much regretted by the public of that town, and especially by the bandsmen. Por many years Mr Wdfe has held a leading position in musical matters in South Canterbury, and as conductor of the Timaru Garrison Band he brought the band up to a 'high standard. At past contests Timaru Garrison held a creditable position, and, thanks to Mr Wolfe's ability, earned a good name for itself. In every respect Mr Wolfe gained the esteem of all who came in contact with him, and the emphatic expression of good will tendered ham by the public of Timaru is expressive of due appreciation of his many good qualities. GRANITY NOTES. (By STRINGENDO.) Dear Tom-Tom, — West Coast bands are again in evidence, this time to face the renowned J. 'Ord Hume. There will be, according to the entries received for the Masterton campaign, two bands from the Coast, viz. — Denniston and Westport City. The Granity bandsmen are trying very hard to secure a full set of first-class contesting instruments, consequently all tlie available cash they can procure is devoted to that purpose. Both bandmaster and men are very disappointed that they cannot attend. However, they hope to be again into the fray in the near future, when they intend improving their position considerably. For the benefit of those bandsmen who attended the contest at New Plymouth, I would like to mention that the Granity boys, owing to adverse circumstances occurring after they had nominated, were limited to a single full rehearsal a week — eight rehearsals at home be-fore the competition took place. Notwithstanding this, they decided to see it through. At present the Instrument Fund is going ahead well, and the boys are now engaged rehearsing for a series of sacred concerts on Sunday nights. As the public are already looking forward to these entertainments there is every likelihood of the band benefiting largely through them. The fact of three* West. Coast bands being in the North Island Association contest should have a decided tendency to lift up So West Coast standard, a.nd every facility should be given to encourage these bunds to attend these competitions. This need not do away with our own .contests here on the Coast. However, when the iuxt contest does take place here, the public will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are listening to first-class competing bands. Denniston will be under Mr F. Hopkinsnn and Westport City under Mr J. M'Neight. These two bands, it will be remembered, tied for the cup at the last contest on the <-oast, so we can look forward to a big go for senior honours. Messrs Stains and Siddal (late Waihi, Mellors) are with Denniston, and are a valuable addition. Messrs Lockey, Bevan and Millards (Westport) fhould strengthen the Westport players. Greymouth. Reefton and Black's Point .ire quiet, but- will no doubt turn up at i our next contest '