MUSIC IN WANGANUI.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1933, 16 December 1913, Page 16

MUSIC IN WANGANUI.

. SOME FLOURISHING SOCIETIES. : Music in Wanganni has been by no means neglected. A number of teachers aro unusually capable, and . although Wanganui has produced no world's celebrities yet, the standard is undoubtedly a high one. By reason of its magnificent record the' Garrison Band takes first place. This band was under Mr. Jas. Crichton in tho first instance, and of recent years under Mr."Albert Wade. For the last twelve years, with one exception, it has practically swpt the board, and in the opinion of experts is now as good if not better than ever. Possibly the performance that will be remembered for ever was the trip to Ballarat two years ago, when it won tho championship of Australasia. ■ The Liedertafei comes next. Established in 1898, its first concert was given on September 22 of that year, and sinco then it has Mover looked back. On November 12, 1913, it' gave its 41st concert. It has practically only had three conductors, Mr. C. W. Naylor, Mr. A..,. J.' Towsoy, .■ Mr. Louis

Cohen," and at present Mr. A. Wade. All' havs been enthusiastic. Tho Liedertafei is a particularly happy body. Recently tho five original members at present on tho active list, Messrs. Richardson, Pawson, Hienokl, M'Beth, and Muir, gave a very handsome challenge shield for ,competition. The contest excited great interest, and will iio doubt lead to increased interest in this desirable form of good nnisie. The popular Dr. Hatherly lias been president for many years,' Mr. C. Hieuold is vice-president, and Mi'. J. A. Alcorn a respected and capable secretary. The Liedertafei lias done a good work in importing the best vocalists and instrumentalists in tile Dominion to assist at their concerts. The Orchestral Society is also a wellestablished organisation', doing good 1 work under the guidance of Mr. Louis Cohen, aii-1 its concerts are thoroughly enjoyable. The Operatic and Dramatic Society m the past lias done very good , work. Practically all Gilbert- and Sullivan's, besides other popular opteis,, have been produced. After being moribund for some years, tho society was recently revived, and an excellent performance of "The Geisha" given. Mr. L. Cohen and

Mfs. Wray W?re responsible for tfts direction of the musicj and Mr. Tom Pollard and Mr. J. G. Swan attended to the stage work. . Tlio Queen .Alexandra's Own Regimental Band, iinder Conductor Buckley, is a promising organisation, and bids fair to achievo honours in band circles. Intelligent Visitor (in Victoria Avenue)—"l have been standing hero half an hour, and have not seen any but well-dressed people pass, How do you account for that?" Mr. T. H. Battle is one of Wangaiiui's Icadiii'4 architects, and a gentleman who is, in liis sphere, doing much to elevate the status of Waugamti as a budding city, From a personal inspection of the buildings lie has erected, one ran say at once that Mr. Battlo's work is dis* : tinguished for its strength, simplicity, and good taste. Notable examples of Ms work occur in the new "Chronicle." office, which oexupk'R a commanding position at- the corner of Wicksteed and Campbell Streets. The design of the facade shows impressive strength, and good proportion in every feature, and in that ro&pect it is one of the best in Vnnganui.