Q.A.M.R. BAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 243, 14 October 1939, Page 6

Q.A.M.R. BAND

will NOT COMPETE AT CONTEST SOLOISTS MAY ATTEND SUPPORT FOR PATRIOTIC EFFORTS. The band of the Queen Alexandras Mounted Rifles will not compete at the band contest which is to be held at the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition in February, at Wellington A decision to this effect was made at a meeting of bandsmen at the conclusion of’the last practice. A number of members said they would experience difficulty in securing the necessary leave because of the employers being short-handed as a result of employees enlisting in the special military force. It was also pointed out that as the band was attached to the Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifle Regiment, members were liable for service if called upon. The Q.A.M.R. Band has not attended a New Zealand contest since the Nelson contest in 1937. 11 was hoped that the band would be represented at the 1940 event. Any entry is to be forwarded, although the band will not compete, so that soloists will be able to take part in the competitions. This will also enable the band to take part in the event of the war being terminated before then. For the past two years. the Q.A.M.R. band has been operating on its own resources and has made no appeal to the public for financial help. It was intended to organise a carnival to raise funds for the contest expenses but the carnival has been abandoned in order to avoid competition with appeals for patriotic purposes. At the meeting members of the hand expressed I heir willingness to help any patriotic organisation.