THE GARRISON BAND.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 1227, 6 February 1907, Page 4

THE GARRISON BAND.

The Wan&iaiivui Garrison Band leav3s for Christchurch to-day for the purpose of taking part in whiat there is every reason to bslieve will be the most important contest yet held in New Zealand. We can.n.ot permit Conductor" Crichton and liis bandsmen to take their departure without availing ou>r-' delves of this opportunity of wishing them every posible. success. If hard and continuous.work, backed by boundless- enthusiasm, are' the essentials to succe-s, then our Band deserves it to the uttermost. The time is not oppoav tune, noa" would it be becoming-, to

speak boastingly of the Band's prowess, but we shall surely not b& accusted of paroch/ial egotism if we merely detail the. splendid record with which the Band goes to this year's contest. Herte, in brief, is the tale ctf the Band's achievements:—

1898.—Napier: Second in Test Selection and first in Marching Competition. 1899.—Palmerston. North: Second in Te?(fc Selection and a\3:> in March"ng Competition. 1900.—Wellington: Second in Test Selection and second in. Marching Competition. 1901.—New Plymouth: Highest aggregate for music throughout contest .and, won the Besson Shield. 1902.—-Wanganui: First in Test Se'leetion, first in Marching Competition, and won the Benson Shield. 1903.—Masteiton: Second in Test Se-

•; lection and first in Marching 'Competition. :■■:,,.■■'.' ■■•■•.-■- ---1904;—TimaruV First in Test Selection and first in Marching Com'pe- ■- tition. ;.-'--T!h©'::Vßaiid.:;'did::" not compete *t the contest held in Pal.merston North: v, : 1905.— Auckland: First in Test Se^ec-■■.,-tion,'"-'fir^b in Marching Competition, and won the Besson Shield. . 1906—Hawera: Won the Test Selectiaa, the^ Marching Competition, arid the JtJesson Shield.

This is indeed an excellent record, and on© of which, the Band may well be proud. Let us hope "they'will be ab'.e to "keep the flag flying' at Christchurch, but, whether victory or defeat awaits them there, it may be taken for granted that they will acquit themselves with credit.