NEXT BAND CONTEST IN DUNEDIN IN 1930.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18393, 20 February 1928, Page 5

NEXT BAND CONTEST IN DUNEDIN IN 1930.

ASSOCIATION REVIEWS WORK OF PAST YEAR.

The twentieth annual meeting of the South Island Bands Association was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms to-day, Dr H. T. J. Thacker presiding. The annual report, which was adopted, stated that during the past year the following bands had been affiliated with the association :—Papanui, 4th Cadet Battalion. Temuka Municipal, Milton Municipal, Geraldine District, Rangiora and Hokitika. The fact that contests were now held alternately in the North and South Islands was without doubt appreciated by all concerned. Contest committees would now feel more confident as to financial results than formerly. The question of leave from military training for bandsmen attending contests had been brought before the Minister of Defence, with the result that conditional leave had now been granted. During the year the_ Bandsmen’s Memorial (costing £1177) was duly completed. The amount still owing was £203 10s. The balance-sheet, which was adopted, showed a bank balance of £l3B 11s 7d. In presenting the annual report the president stated that the bands were growing in popularity and efficiency throughout the Dominion, and therefore should be granted every facilit} r for the furtherance of those objects. He particularly stressed that bandsmen going to any contest should have a free pass on the railways, and a greater discount in fares when sea travelling. Municipal authorities in any city where contests were held should make concessions to bandsmen when travelling on the tramways. His one ambition, added the president, was to see the quality of the bands so improve that eventually a tour of the British Empire could be undertaken fcv a band worthy of the Dominion. The question of providing alterations and additions to the marching rules was discussed, and a resolution to make the necessary changes was carried. It was decided to appoint a referee for the quickstep, Mr W. D. Hunter, of Dunedin, being appointed to the office. It was further decided that the 1930 contest be held in Dunedin, following on an application from that centre to hold it there. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the visiting pipe bands for their cooperation in the present band contest. The following recommendation from the Christchurch Band Contest Committee was discussed:—“That in future band contests the judge be placed in an open position, and that the restriction of the amount of prize-money to be offered be removed.” Only the first part of* the recommendation was confirmed. The question in regard to prize-money was left as at present. It was resolved that the “New Zealand Bandsman” be the official organ for the South Island Bands’ Association. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follow: —President, Dr H. T. J. Thacker: treasurer, Mr H. Sweeney; secretary, Mr T. F. Hall; trustee, Mr R. J. Estall; committee, Messrs. W. Larcombe, E. Billcliffe, J. M’Cullough, W. D. Murray, W. Newton, L. Oakes, J. D. Hunter, A. Wood, A. G. Hamer and R. B. Hean.