BASE BAND’S MASCOT

Waikato Independent, Volume XLII, Issue 4001, 13 May 1942, Page 2

BASE BAND’S MASCOT

“ BULL » FOND OF MUSIC

DOG’S VARIED CAREER ' (N.Z.E.F. Official; News Service.) If it is ti;ue ''tliat dogs are extremely fond of music, then that is ■probably .one" of the main-reasons why “ Bull, ” the. bull-terrier mascot of the New Zealand Base Band, refuses to be separated from trombones and 'clarinets, not to mention the big drum. With more tenacity than Mary’s little lamb, “Bull” follows the band everywhere it goes. “Bull” has been on active service for quite a long time, but his association with New Zealanders commenced when the base band made its tour through' Palestine, about six months ago. Before that he was the faithful friend and servant of an English officer., The officer was suddenly transferred to somewhere dogs could not go, so “ Bull ” was acquired by the New Zealand bandsmen just when he needed a good home most. He completed the tour with them, and, sad to the attractions of his new life soon made him forget all his old associations. i* Back at Maadi. “ Bull ” did the | rounds of hospitals, soldiers’ insti- $ tutes, and clubs, and all the hundred other places a band is called upon | to visit. He even attended' church J parades, although on one occasion he had to be soundly admonished for mounting the platform and remonstrating with the padre in the midst of the service. Recently a sad mishap befell “Bull” when he was accidentally ' shot whilst on active service. For- . tunately it was just a leg-wound, although members o*f the band were somewhat anxious for several days. A surgical operation was performed, in which “Bull” took a rather intelligent and unwhimpering interest, and now he is well on the road to recovery. Soon it is hoped he will be following the band once again.