AT THE CAMP.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15189, 9 April 1917, Page 5

AT THE CAMP.

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS. REGIMENTAL BAND’S GOOD , WORK. CHURCH PARADE. The Seventh Regimenal Baud, widely known as the Garrison Band, accomplished good work at the camp yesterday. In the morning, the band played a large number of Territorials to the Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and Methodist Churches. Yesterday morning the men attended church parade. Chaplain-Colonel Evans conducted a service for the Anglican section of the troops in the aj?ricultural shed on the grounds, and tno other men marched into town, headed by the Garrison Band, and attended service at their respective churches. On re-assembling before dinner the forces were formed up in a square and briefly addressed by Colonel Hughes, who took the opportunity of giving them a little information concerning the Regimental Flag. He explained that, some years ago a flag was presented to the regiment, when it was attached to the 18th Royal Irish, by a local resident. That flag was a green flag, with a harp on it, and was not a regular reimental flag. Subsequently funds were presented to the Regiment for the purchase of another flag, and General Godley was asked to procure one at Home. This was done, and the flag the men saw' flying was the one procured. It, bore the emblem, “Acer in Amis, and “South Africa, 1900-02,” signifymg that the men of the 7th Regiment had fought in South Africa. W hen the present war was over the Hag would bear the names of Egypt, Gallipoli, France, Salonika, and other places w here officers and men of the Regiment had gallantly fought and died in the cause of freedom and justice. The Colonel then went on to explain ike significance of the flag—what it stood for. It meant to the men of the "th Regiment just what the Ehsign, the Union Jack, meant to the British frices. The flog must be respected oh all occasions. When on route marches it wculd be cased, and when in camp it wculd be uncased, and every soldier who knew his duty would salute it. The Colonel also reminded the men that when the revellio was sounded they should immediately stand to attention. If they were in bed they should jump up and stand to attention. He, however, did not intend to enforce this custom. But when the retreat w r as blown, every man was expected to stand at attention until the call was finished. Another matter drawn attention to by the Colonel was the attitude of men in uniform when the National Anthem was sung or played. He ren inded them that they should also stand at attention on such occasions.,^ At the conclusion of the address “The Last Post” was sounded in honour and memory of fallen comrades during the war, the men saluted the flag as they marched-to their respective tents, and soon the rattle of dinner plates announced a performance which required no special injunction from the Colonel or any other officer to do it justice. In the afternoon the cam]) was visited by a record crowd, w'hen the Garrison Band gave one of their concert performances, which for many years past have proved so attractive throughout the Dominion. The band vas in fine form. The rendering of the overture, “Poet and Peasant,” was marked by that artistry and freedom which characterises their performances at all times. Mr Northey was again most successful in the cornet solo, “Till My Soul be Free,” the accompaniment being admirably played by the band. Mr M. Bowes again proved his undoubted ability as a horn soloist. His line rendering of the cavatina. “The Burgomaster,” was much admired. One of the most popular selections given was the fantasia “Simeon,” the largo crowd being delighted with the splendid tone produced, and the excellent church bell effects. A collection was taken in aid of a fund to send to Major Cunningham in France, the sum of £3O 10s 6d being received. This amount has been handed by the band to the treasurer of the Seventh Regiment, to be added to the amount they are sending, Mr Trussell as acting-conductor of the band, vas heartily congratulated by a large number present yesterday, including many of the visiting officers, who expressed their pleasure at the fine performances given.

GARRISON BAND CONCERT. The Garrison Band as Ihe 7th Regimental Band had a fairly Heavy day’s work yesterday. In the morning they marched the Presbyterians, Wesloyans, and Methodists to their respective churches in town, and returned to camp and played the hymns, National Anthem and a lovely motet—“ Hear us, O Saviour” —for the Anglican church service held in camp. In the afternoon a record crowd assembled on the racecourse to hear the open-air- concert given by the band. Great interest was taken, in the music played, especially by the large number of visitors, and judging by the many complimentary remarks made by the audience, the performance was undoubtedly up to that high standard of efficiency which has been proved by the band on the contest platform for many years past.