OLD BAND HISTORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17306, 22 March 1924, Page 1

OLD BAND HISTORY.

TO IHE EDITOR Sir, — The report of an interview with Mr W. F. M’Lean concerning the old time bands in Saturday’s Star” was most interesting, but a few errors occurred, mostly in ; , >rd to dates. Mr M'Lean gives the date of formation of Derry’s Band as 1896. This should be 1901, the band being forr.rcd by Mr Derry after he left the Wooiston Stanmore Band is recorded a~ dying out in 1894. This is wrong. Stanmore Band competed at the Jubilee contest in 1900, and was conducted by the late Mr R. Trist-Searell. Stanmore Band also plaved at Christchurch Exhibition in 190607. The Elite Band did not rise out of Stanmore Band’s ashes. This band was formed in the early 90's in connection with the Lower High Street Church. It's name was changed to Elite when Mr A. G. Heath took charge as conductor Mr Heath conducted Elite at the Jubilee Contest, and also played for Stanmore. Elite was afterwards known as Linwood, and was under the baton of Mr Arthur Duggan for many years. Stanmore was afterwards a Regimental Band attached, I think, to the C.Y.C. Mr M’Lean did not mention Turrell’s City Reed Band. The early history and financial and other troubles of the Wooiston Band wotild be interesting reading, besides being creditable to the band. Christchurch has had many bands and produced many fine soloists, but Wooiston and Derry’s have weathered the storms and with that younger combination, Christchurch Tramways, The city has three bands of which it should be. and is undoubtedly, proud. I am, etc.. E.A.M.L.