THE BAND CONTEST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2768, 24 March 1910, Page 7

THE BAND CONTEST.

THE GISBORNE CONDUCTOR’S VIEWS.

The Gisborne 'City Band, which attended the contest iat Wanganui, returned yesterday morning—at least 10 members did, the remaining eleven having decided to extend their holiday. Questioned yesterday by a “Times” representative, Air. A. E. Lawrence, conductor of the Band, said he thought that the Band had got on splendidly at the contest, which he considerecfone of the most successful yet held. The judging was deemed satisfactory by all, and adverse comments were not to be heard. The interest taken -by the public Air. Lawrence deeribed -as immense, crowds of [people from all over the North Island (being present. Speaking personally, for the Gisborne Band, lie remarked that they were “simply lords of the manor” at Wanganui, where the people did everything they could for “the Gisborne contingent.” On Sunday they were taken for an allday excursion up the Wanganui River, and in all other ways everything was done to make their stay .pleasant. In particular they had extremely pleasant quarters, and all the members were perfectly satisfied with their trip. “In the contest the Band did very well,” said Air. Lawrence, “and were practically second in the number—though not in value—of prizes, taken, the Nelson Band taking a larger number. In the solos,” he continued, “our Band took one first, five seconds, and three thirds, and in the test selection they were second, besides being third in the march selection, in -which A and B grade hands competed.”

iAlr. Lawrence went on to describe a novel duet, which ’ was played at the completion of the Friday night’s test. It was a duet by tlie shortest and the longest- man in the bands assembled, and was played on two monster basses. The two selected men were A. Lang, cf the Gisborne City Band, and T. Hughes, of the Nelson Garrison Band, and the piece played was “Life’s Dream is O’er.” It iwas played splendidly, lie said, but the comparison of the sizes of the men was certainly ludicrous, and aroused much merriment. Air Lawrence further observed that lie considered t-liat had -the Band come last they would have had just as enjoyable a- time, as everything was managed to perfection. Asked as to jhis opinion on the advisability of there being two grades of bands in the contest, Air. Lawrence said lie considered it was quite the best arrangement possible, and pointed out that, although there were only two bands entered in the A grade, there were 10 entered in the B grade, and if only one grade was taken then some of the smaller bands would be likely to drop, out, considering that- they had no chance of prize money. The number of bands competing would thus lie reduced, and interest in the contest would, naturally, not be so groat. In regard to tlhe 'next contest™ Air. Lawrence said that- the -Bands’ Association Committee had decided that they could not have the contest in Gisborne next year but they bad practically decided that it should -be held here in 1912. This was considered by the Gisborne Band more satisfactory than if next year’s contest were held here, as it was thought that the Borough Council would have their 'municipal works well under way, the year after next, and it would be -more to tlie advantage of the town, to have the contest hero then.

In conclusion, Mr. Lawrence had a word .to say about the conduct of the members of the band while in 'Wanganui, and when travelling. It was a. big thing, Qio said, to have 30 men on tour, hut from the day they set out. till the day of their return, they could not have been better behaved, and by their conduct they reflected credit on the town from which they came.