The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3298, 17 August 1911, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1911.

The Gisborne Band Contest.

From the way in. which matte) s a shaping, there is every reason to relieve that the annual contest under the auspices of the North Island Brass Bands Association, which v. ill tn <e place in Gisborne next lebimuy, be an unqualified success. r i his is really only what might fairly be expected. for no stone is being left unturned to secure that end. To residents of other towns the ease with which a total guarantee of £ISOO w'as obtainc when the proposal to hold the content here was first mooted must surely have been striking. As regards the arrangements, everything, it is pleasing to iecord, is now well forward, thanks to the efforts of the representative and energetic committee at the head of affairs, together with those of the capable officials who have been appointed. As showing the very great interest that is being taken in the event by bands throughout the Dominion, it may be mentioned that already fourteen have signified their intention of being present—and entries do not close till 'November 4! When all things are taken into consideration, it is a matter for little wonder that bandsmen generally are looking forward to what promises to be in many respects the finest contest of the kind ever held in this country. From the point of view of locale, Gisborne, it is true, is somewhat off the beaten track, but the attractions of this district are so manifold’that it is safe to predict that the members of all bands will long retain the pleasantest recollections of their visit to this portion of the Dominion. As regards the contest from a musical aspect, it will mark for one thing the desirable innovation of a quickstep “test” as well as a selection “test” for “B” grade bands. What we should also say will weigh greatly with members of bands who have the contest in view will be the assurance which they are about to receive with reference to the excellence of the accommodation which will be available. In connection with the contest, there is, however, a matter which calls for comment. We allude to a statement by the writer of “Band Notes” in the “New Zealand Times.” that “much disappointment has been expressed in several quarters at the prize money which has been allocated for the contest.” It would seem, on account of the fact that Gisborne is not so conveniently situated as some other towns, as ‘though it were generally expected that the prize money would be considerably higher than has previously been offered in respect of contests of the kind. From the tone of his remarks it would even appear that the writer in question would have it believed that the various bands were of the opinion that ail amount equal to the guarantee, viz., £ISOO, would be allocated as prize money! As it- would cost some bands much more than the value of the first prize to attend the contest, “the game,” lie says, “seems hardly worth the candle.” Now, for our part, we believe that the attitude which is taken up by the writer of the notes m question is not one which will be endorsed by many bandsmen. There can be no doubt but that the bands which make the journey will be put to considerable expense. As in the case of all similar contests, all will be more or less out of pocket. But it is equally certain that there will be large entries just the same. Such a great honor will it be esteemed to carry off the chief prizes that no effort will be spared by supporters of the different bands to secure their attendance. As we have mentioned, fourteen bands have already announced their intention of competing. Surely that alone is a sufficient answer to the complaint to which wo have been alluding. In the “A” grade nine bands have already decided to vifcit Gisborne, and it is certain that that number will be considerably augmented. As regards the “B” grade, the list of bands whicu have announced their intention of taking part in the contest is still small. Favorable replies from quite a number' of other bands in this grade are, however, confidently anticipated. In addition to the prize money as originally allocated, a. special prize of £SO has, it will have been noted, now been donated by the Gisborne Citizens’ Committee to the band winning the first prize in the “A” grade selection contest. Both for bandsmen and the public alike there is, therefore, every prospect that the contest here next February will prove quite a memorable occasion.