HASTINGS BAND CONTEST

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2432, 22 February 1909, Page 5

HASTINGS BAND CONTEST

DEPARTURE OF CITY BAND. Yesterday afternoon, by the courtesy of the 1-ocal manager of the Union Steamship Company (Mr. J. W .Preston) the Newtown Band (Auckland), which was travel ling south to 'participate in the Hastings contest, commencing to-morrow, came ashore and gave an open-air concert from Trafalgar Rotunda. The combination, which i® competing in the “A” grade, played a nice selection of music, which -was thoroughly enjoyed by the large number of -people who thronged the river hank. A collection was made to help defray the baud’s expenses, and a fair sum was contributed. -At the conclusion of the concert, the band marched along Paiinert.son Road, being joined at the baud room by the City Band, and both bands then marched to the wharf, via Bright Street -and Gladstone Bond, p’nying a spirited march on route. The combination of the two produced a fine volume of tone, and the effect was distinctly pleasing. Both band's were farewelled at the wharf b.v n large crowd, and cheers wore exchanged as the launch steamed out into the river. ~ ~

The City Band lias been practising assiduously of late, and the members have gone away filled -with high anticipations. Speaking to a "'•Times” reporter, Conductor A. E. Lawrence said he was very hopeful of his band doing good work. They had not paid more than ordinary attention to the quickstep, and he did not anticipate a place in it for the boys from Gisborne, but he thought they were capable of winning in the test selections. The members of the City Band who went south are: —Conductor, A. E. Lawrence; bandmaster J. Richards; E. R. Miller, F. Albrecht. W. Faulkner, W. Dayman, F. Quigley, G. Douglas, H. Torrens, F. Wilkinson, G. Grice, B. Williams, T. Williams, C. Williams. E. J. Spurdle, G. Alarlow. G. Wildish, J. McConnell, J. Kelley, ,P. Gardner, W. J. McKennic, B. Sebire, W. Harris, P. Morris, F. Haseldean, C. Clayton, C. Smith, T.Donogan. In addition to the above, the band was accompanied by Air. Harold Piper (accompanist) and Air. George Buscke (secretary). Tlio quickstep contest will be taken on Wednesday, the first test .selection on Thursday, and the second test selection (own choice) on Friday. The band competes in the “B” grade.