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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 59, 12 March 1935, Page 4

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QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S BAND TRIBUTE PAID BY CITIZENS Members of the Citizens’ Committee of the Queen Alexandra’s Band and supporters gathered in force at the Rendezvous last night to tender a welcome to Lieut. E. Webb, conductor, and the band members who returned last week from the New Zealand championship band contest at Timaru. Mr. H, G. Horsley, patron of the band, presided, and those present included Mr. E. W. F. Gohas, president of the band, Mr. 1\ Symes, past-president, and Air. A. E. Halligan, of the Wanganui City Council. Mr. James Crichton, former conductor of the Wanganui Garrison Baud, Mr. W. G. Herd, vice president of the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band, and Airs. F. Cunningham, official accompaniste to the band, were also among the guests. Apologies were received from Mr. W. A. Veitch, M.P., <Capt. G. L. Buck ley, Capt. E. Laws, of the Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifle Regiment, Mr. L. W. Chisholm. Mr. B. Tougher, conductor of the Wanganui Garrison Band and several others.

During the course of the evening congratulations were extended i<» Lieut. Webb for again annexing the Dominion championship on the soprano cornet, to Mr. A. Ramsay, winner of the euphonium solo championship, to Air. A. Spencer, runner-up in the H flat solo, and to members of the quar let (Messrs. D’Ath, Granville, Ramsay and Power), who also were second in their section. Tribute was paid to the band’s performance in being run-ners-up in the second test, and musi cal honours were accorded all. Opportunity was taken to express appreciation of the assistance of Mrs. Cunningham, who acted as official accompanist® to the band at 1 imaru. Returning thanks, Lieut. W ebb ex pressed keen pleasure at being able to furnish an excellent report as to the conduct of band members throughou< the contest. He was also very pleased with their playing and considered that, if they worked hard during the forthcoming year, they could look forward with confidence to better results at New Plymouth in 193 ff Continuing, Lieut. Webb said that he could not let the occasion pass wHb out paying tribute, on behalf of band members, to the untiring efforts and unflagging enthusiasm of the Citizens Committee, making special reference to Messrs. Gohns, Symes and Horsley, wb" had been so generously supported by their colleagues and the citizens of Wanganui in general. Mr. J. Crichton, who had attended the championship contest this yeai, complimented the band on its performance, especially in the second test. On behalf of the Citizens’ Committee, Air. P. Mepham added a word of praise, remarking that it was a satisfactory feature that the members of the band had worked conscientiously to justify the support accorded them in Wangaflui. During the evening musical items were contributed by Mrs. Ireda Cunningham, Lieut. E. Webb and Messrs. E. Olliver, G. Bosher and George