RECORD PIPE BAND ENTRY FOR N.Z. TITLES

Chronicle (Levin), 6 March 1947, Page 6

RECORD PIPE BAND ENTRY FOR N.Z. TITLES

WANGANUI, Mar. 5. When 24 pipe bands gather.in vVanganui this Aveek for the national pn^e band chainpionships a new record \a ui be established fdr never have so many bands been entered for the contest. lu ali, there will be about 5i/J pipers and drummers in Wanganui for tlie eontesl which is the most ambitious that the Highland Pipe Bands' Association of New Zealand (inc.) iias yet staged, aua there is every indicatiou to suggest tnat it will be one of the most success ful. No endeavour has been spared to make it so. Nine A gradc bands have entered, the sarne number as participated in the A grade championship for brass bands last week. Christchurch is sendiug foui bands, including the Bt. Andrew 's College Band. For the first time since 1913 Auckland will bc represented un the national chainpionships, this time by the Auckland and District Band. Although 24 bands will be competing. only 21 of them had to be provided with accommodation, and not much difticulty was experienced in arranging this. Three of the bands will be billeted at the racecourse, ahid one, the Ruahine Band, will be at Upokongaro Hotel. Wanganui will be represented by tAVO bands, for Avhom, of course, no accommodation had to be provided, and the Feilding Band will be participatlng Qiily , in tlie .street piarch, h-nd so they also Avill not need accommodation. Three college bands have entered. They are the Feilding Agricultural Iligh School 's Band, the St. AndreAv 's College Band and the Wanganui Collegiate School Highland Pipe Band.