OBITUARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 86, 3 August 1942, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR HARRY MAYO In the death of Mr Harry Mayo, which occurred recently an interest-

ing link with early Christ-church and Ashburton was severed. Mr Maj'o will be remembered particularly in those localities for his long association with South Island bands with which organisations lie enjoyed the widest reputation as a bandmaster with the highest qualifications. Born 75 years ago in Christchurch, Mr Mayo removed to Ashburton in his early youth and commenced his musical career under the tuition of the late Mr C. Wood from whom lie learned the violin. At 16 years °f age he joined l the Ashburton band and shortly after decided to see something of the .world by linking up with Wirths Circus as a euphonium player in the band. With this famous organisation hf toured Australia and New Zealand.^ Returning to New Zealand he settled in Arrowtown where he married. In 1900 he accepted a post as bandmaster to the Gore band. It was with this band he first provedhimself. The band won many championships South Island contests: and gained a high repuation. He next joined the Timaru Garrison and later on the Timaru Marines Band. His stay in this town was marked by widening activities in the musical world. He AVas orchestral leader of the Timaru Operatic Society and figured in many of its productions.

In 1908 he joined the firm of Chas Begg and was, posted to Nelson. Later he was appointed manager of the Nelson branch of Pinney and Company. At the outbreak of the great war he was advised for health reasons to go to Australia. Going to Queensland he settled at Mount Morgan and had the honour shortly afterwards of taking the Mt Morgan Municipal Choir to the Bundaberg Eisteddfod where it Avon the choral honours. Moving to Toowoomba ho was appointed conductor of the Municipal Choir and orchestra in both of which capacities he won signal success. Returning to New Zealand, he joined the E. and F. Piano Company in Auckland where he remained lor several years. His next position was to Hamilton on the staff of the Bristol Piano Company. While in Hamilton he conducted the Orphans Orchestra and also a further orchestra in Te Awamutu. Indifferent health compelled him to go into semi-retirement and some six years ago he came to Whakatane, where for a period he conducted the Municipal Band. More latterly he devoted his time to the training up of the Whakatane Boys Band, which in view of the tremendous difficulties facing him both as regards personnel and equipment, can only be described as a remarkable achievement. The band, which will greatly miss its old bandmaster, will nevertheless be a lasting monument to his kindly patience and training ability. The late Mr Maj r o is survived by his widow and an only son Mr Maurice Mayo of Auckland. There are five grandchildren.