BASE BAND'S MASCOT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 53, 15 May 1942, Page 5

BASE BAND'S MASCOT

(N.Z.E.F. Officku News Service) CAIRO, March .">. If it is true that dogs "are extremelv fond or music, then that is probably one of the main reasons why "Hull," the bull-terrier mascot of the New Zealand Base: Band, refuses to be separated from trombones and clarinets, not to mention the big drum. With more tenacity than Mary's little lamb, "Bull" follows the band everywhere it goes.

'•Bull" has been on active service for quite a long time, but his association with New Zealanders commenced when the base band made its tour through Palestine about sixmonths ago. Before that he was the faithful friend and servant of an English officer. The officer was suddenly transferred to somewhere dogs could not go, so- ''Bull" was acquired by the: New Zealand bandsmen just when he needed a good home most. He completed the tour with them, and sad to relate the attractions of his new life soon made him forget all his old associations.

Buck at Maadi. "Bull" did the /vimd'S of hospitals, soldiers' institutes and clubs and all the hundred other places a band is called upon to visit. He. even attended church parades, although on one occasion lie had to he soundly admonished for mounting the platform and remonstrating with tiie padre in the midst of the- service. Recently a sad mishap befell "Bull"' when lie was accidentally sin.-1 whilst on active service. Fortunateh' it was just a leg wound, although members of the band -were Somewhat anxious for several days, A surgical operation was performed, in which "Bu'l" took a rather intelligent and unwhimpering interest, and now he is well on the road to recovery. Soon il is hoped he will be following the band or*ee. again.