BRASS BANDS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 34, 10 February 1933, Page 3

BRASS BANDS

DEMONSTRATION TOMORROW

The campaign inaugurated several -weeks fcgo to collect funds to enable Wellington to' be represented at the Dunedin contest •which, commences on 18th February, will virtually conclude to-morrow with a demonstration at the Basin Reserve. It had been the aim of both the Port Nicholson Silver Band and the Wellington Municipal Tramways Band to attend the contest this year, which promises to be of more than ordinary importance; but owing to the financial depression which set in about the period ,of the last contest in Wellington, and which has become accentuated since the idea of dispatching the two bands south was abandoned, and it was decided to concentrate on eending only one away. Asthe Port Nicholson organisation won the championship at the last contest, the onus of defending the title fell on that body, and, headed by the Tramways Band, the various bands of Wellington set about to .-'raise, the wherewithal needed to send the champions south. An appeal to the public for monetary'assistance in defraying the expenses of the P.N.S.B. to the "contest has not met with the response anticipated. Donations have come in, but not with that liberality looked for, and several-endeavours to raise funds have been baulked.by bad weather and other causes. For "these reasons the necessity is all the more acute for financial assistance, and the demonstration to be held by the bands to-morrow afternoon is relied on to furnish the balance required to ensure the champion band's participation in the contest. .An excellent programme has been drawn up, and several novel items have been deluded which should add greatly to the attractiveness of the fare to be provided. The Port Nicholson Band will give the final ceremonial rehearsal of the contest quickstep, the drill inspection to be conducted by Colonel St. J. Beere, D.5.0., and Captain V. Sugden, N.Z. Staff Corps. There will be a great number of miscellaneous items, including musical novelties, and some splendid ballet- and dance items by men and women performers, and a fancy dress "parade. Though the campaign virtually closes to-morrow, theJ?ort Nicholson Band has decided to give a farewell concert in the Town Hall nest Wednesday evening, and the players will be heard in a programme of specially selected items, besides being assisted by prominent artists.