BAND CONTEST.

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 March 1901, Page 2

BAND CONTEST.

Nothing further of an official nature has been received from the Wellington. Garrison Band, so we may take it for granted thait they will not be among the competitors next week. Practically they are resigning their claim to the title of champion band of the North Island. Their absence is necessary a matter for regret, but ii in no way affects the success of the gathering, for the remainingl bands are sufficiently numerous, and of tho requisite calibre to make a rattling good contest. When the nominations are too large it is not alto gether an unmixed blessing, for very often the proceedings are delayed until the "wee sma 'oors," and the band unfortunate enough to play last certainly labours under great disadvantages. With the exception of the Wellington Garrison we may take it for granted that the bands, who have withdrawn, though they had not a very good chance of winning, but it is not too much to assert that the successful band, when the judge announces his decision may be any one of the number that will visit us. Woodville is a. very good band, and has been third on a previous occasion. Masterton is v^orted to bo practicising very hard, and making great progress. New Plymouth City is also doing good' work. Petone has a capable bandmaster in Mr J. H. Sherwin, a gentleman who has enjoyed the advantages of Kneller Hall training. Palmerston North won the marching last year, and intend doincr their best to retain their laurels, while the local men m.ny be depended upon to uphold the credit of Wanganui. The contest is of a very open nature, and the public may rely upon enjoying some very fine playing and a close finish. In addition to the bands previously mentioned Waipawa are sending a quartette, and a'number of soloists. Mr F. Beavis' name was inadvertantly omitted from tiie list published of subscribers, his donation being £1.

With reference to the comments which have been made on the Wellington Garrison Band's withdrawal from the Wanganui contest, Mr T. Herd, bandmaster of the Wellington Garrison Band, has made an explanation to a Times repjrter. Of course, Mr Herd does not treat seriously (lie 111-natured imputations that have been circulated, but he considers it due to the band to explain its position in the matter. The band, he buys, entered for the competition three months ago, in good faith, and under the belief that it would be able to compete. As far back as two months ago he commenced the practice of the test piece for the competition. The incessant calls upon the band since it won fcho Christchurch exhibition contest, have,1 however, rendered it impossible for the band to put in an appearance in anything like its full strength. As a sample of the risks that the bandsmen undergo, it may be mentioned that one member of the band was discharged from his employment for losing half a day at the reception of the Indian troops on Monday last. Mr Herd recognises that the withdrawal of the Garrison Band will remove a big attraction from tho contest, but in justice to the band and its reputation, he could riot appear with only a section of its members, on .such'an important occasion. The expense is another difficulty, considering the many calls made upon the band lately; still, that objection, lie says, cou/td- have been got over if a muster could have been counted upon. Mr Herd is somewhat amused at the insinuation that he is afraid to meet, some of the competitors' that have entered for the contest, and can afford to let it jjass It is true that the band did lose some of its best players, but that was seven months ago, and since that time it won the exhibition contest at Christchurch, plainly showing that it had quite got over the loss. Mr Herd says that'the charge of professionalism levelled at the band is contemptuously splenetic, and is not conducive to that friendly rivalry that should characterise all sudh; contests. —N.Z. Herald, .