Musical Trip to Birmingham

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 104, 25 February 1890, Page 2

Musical Trip to Birmingham

(BY " ROBERT DE DIABLE.") One of those social events which go so far towards popularising and drawing together the members of our local institutions took place on Sunday, last, when, at the kind invitation of Mr Daw, the members of the Feilding Brass Band proceeded in his four-horse brake to the rising township of Birmingham. . Arriying' there the | settlers present, to their evident' delight, were treated to several selections by .the Band. After being refreshed by Mr Lowes, the genial host of the Birmingham Hotel, the bandsmen took a stroll to the highest peak in the vicinity, and from this vantage ground were rewarded by a sight that does not fall to their lot to wit|;neSs' every day. Away iti the distance I, could be seen t tie mighty Ruahine ranges, the backbone. of the North Island, while at their feet was the sinuous Oroua, like a silver streak, winding in and out the numerous valleys and gullies, and r^piond the precipitous bluffs, which mark its course; while all around were evidences that where the white man set 3 his foot the dusky-hued man rmist up sticks and 'get' for everywhere the eye rested, the primitive beauty of- the virgin forest was marred by the blister-like appearance of the numerous clearings. The heavy volumes of smoke rising here and there were ample evidence that the selectors look upon " burning " as a necessity, and take advantage of every opportunity for so doing. After the different characteristics of the country had been fully ' descanted upon, the members returned to the hotel, and sat down to a sumptous dinner, gratuitously supplied by Mr Lowes. After full justice had been done to the same, the Band were invited by Mr Salter to try the accoustic properties of the new Hall, which, is a most compact building for the township, and reflects great credit on the energy and unselfishness of' the* residents. The Band played several suitable selections, and on all sides the opinion was expressed that the Hall was perfect for sound, but as a full description of the building will doubtless be. given at the formal opening which takes place on 7th March, I will refrain from saying more in this connection. At 4 p.m. the horses were again harnessed, and after three ringing cheers were given for Mr Lowes a start was made for home, which was reached about 6.30 p.m., all having thoroughly enjoyed the outing. • I must now, as the foregoing is essentially a Band matter, say something with a view to waking up the dormant energies of several members of the Band, for I was sorry to notice that, notwithstanding the attractions of the trip, some three or four of the leading members were conspicuous by their absence. This, apart from their duties as bandsmen, should not be. Mr Daw at considerable expense offers the Band the trip, and his hospitality should be appreciated by the Band mustex-ing in full force. lam also given to understand that the practices have been very sparsely attended of late. This is not as it should be, for in Mr Daw they have a gentleman who is able and energetic in his duties as Bandmaster, and is most willing to occasionally entertain the members by taking them out to view the most interesting parts of the district. They also have Mr R. F. Haybittle, who, though having resigned the Bandmastership, is still an active member, and takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the Band's welfare. Apart from this, the Band is on a good footing, and wfll shortly receive new instruments from Messrs Boosey and Co., London. Mention must not be omitted of Mr R. Sommerville, who handled the ribbons in his usual able style.