AIR FORCE TRAINEES

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 57, 24 January 1941, Page 3

AIR FORCE TRAINEES

Passing-out Ceremony Cancelled

CONCERT GIVEN BY BAND

The passing-out ceremony of Air Force trainees, which was to have taken place at the Rongotai Station ’yesterday afternoon, was cancelled on account of rain. The band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, how ever, performed its part . of the-pro-gramme and was given an enthusiastic reception by the thousands of people present.

. The officer commanding the station. Wing-Commander T. AV. White, thanked the public for their attendance before the band concert in the assembly hall.

”We deeply regret that it was found necessary to cancel the ceremonial portion of the programme,” he said. “I am particularly sorry for those trainees who have been training so hard for this day.. I want them-, to know that we appreciate all the good work they have done in training for their passing-ou: ceremony.”

At some future date, he added, there would be another passing-out ceremony which he hoped many people would, attend.

Before the concert, the band gave exhibitions of marching in slow and quick time to rhe accompaniment of its own music. The bearing of the men and the steadiness of their marching won applause from the visitors who lined the parade ground.

The assembly hall was packed to the doors for the musical programme, which contained 13 items, each one of which received a great ovation. The conductor was Flight Lieutenant Gladstone Hill, who has had a wide experience in military band music and has put a lot of work into the building up of the band. which has a personnel of 58 members.

The Maori music won particular appreciation, specially, a rhapsody composed by Mr. Lew Jones, Auckland which has been specially arranged for the band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. “Waiata Poi.” arranged by Flight Lieutenant Hill, was another much appreciated item. A waltz. ‘‘Siow March,” arranged by Bandsman F. Calloway, featured the eight drummers of the band, who displayed much dexterity and originality with their drumsticks. .

In the .six months during which this military band has been in existence a great deal has been accomplished, for which credit is due both to Flight Lieutenant Hill and the drum-major. Warrant Officer J. Hardwick. It marches well. and plays well and is a band of which the Royal New Zealand Air Force.may justly feel proud. Yesterday’s performance indicated that it has won the admiration of a large section of the public of Wellington.