BAND CONTEST.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 48, Issue 14609, 7 March 1922, Page 6

BAND CONTEST.

MASTERTON CONTEST. The question of holding the North Island B. grade band contest in Masterton this year was discussed at a public meeting hold in the Municipal Buildings last night, the Mayor (Mr. O. N. C. Pragnell) presiding. The North Island Brass Bands Association had been written to by Mi. B. J. Young, and had granted permission to hold the contest here. It was decided to endeavour to fix the event foi October. The Mayor said the last band contest in Masterton was held in 1903, and had been a great success. What had been done then could be done again it they had energetic officials on the executive. Mr Ward asked if they could hold a C grade contest as well. . . Mr B. J. Y'ouiig said it was doubtful whether the two grades would pay. More prize money would have to be found. . , . . The Mayor said he had gone into this question thoroughly and had found that they would net be justified m making the contest too ambitious. The gate money would be the same for the bigger contest as for the smaller one. Mr Ward said his idea in suggesting the holding of the two grades was that more entries would be received. On the motion of Mr B. J. Young, seconded by Mr D. Edwards, it was decided, that it was desirable to hold a L grade contest in Masterton this year. The following officers were elected: Patron Mr A. P. Whatman; president, Mr O. N. C. Pragnell; vice-president, Mr D.’ Edwards; treasurer, Mr W. G. Lamb; secretary, Mr B. J. Young; executive committee, Messrs T. F. Watson, L. Travers, 11. P. Hugo, F. J. Hunn, W. J. Paiamontain, C E. Gibbs, W. H. Jackson, B. Kraliagen, D. Caselberg, and Black. Mr Young siiid they must get. a gumantee of £3OO. When making formal application to the N. 1.8.8. Association for a contest in Masterton lie had forwarded his cheque for £25 as a deposit. He read a tentative programme providing for £330 in prize money. In addition, he continued, there were necessary expenses to consider, anil a guarantee of at least £3OO would be required. Mr L. Travers suggested that the contest should be held in the Paik instead of the Opera House, thereby erf eel in" a considerable saving. Mr Young said that the hymn test and the quick-step would be field outside in any ca-se. The judge at the Wellington contest had expressed the opinion that no test piece should be held inside a building. In Australia the bands played inside a marquee. Mr Travers suggested that guaiantees of £5 eac-li should be accepted; this would spread fhe interest in the eonlCMr W. G. Lamb said this would mean a great deal of extra work for the secretary, who would have to find sixty guarantors. _ , It was evntuallv decided that o 0 01 more guarantors of £lO each should be obtained. Messrs O .N. €. Pragnell, 11. P. Hugo and T. F. Watson agreed to act as guarantors at the bank. It was decided that the secretary write to the N. 1.8.8. Association to enquire as to whether the music should be all lest selections.