OUR KUMARA LETTER.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 13 April 1901, Page 2

OUR KUMARA LETTER.

(our own correspondent.)

It becomes my sad duty to record yet another death amongst us, Mrs Fitzgerald of tho Christchurch road whose serious condition I -noted yesterday, is tho victim this time. She passed away yesterday somewhat unexpectedly after a brief illness of only a few days duration. The deceased was a very old colonist, having come to Now Zealand from Victoria about ;i0 years back. She was a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and 61 years old at the time of her death. Of a kindly ar,d hospitable disposition she always made tho traveller welcome at tho family home on tho Christchurch road. Deceased had all those qualities,in a very marked degree that go to make up the character so necessary and welcomo in the pioners of a young country. She has left a name of which her family have every reason to be proud and that will leave a pleasant memory to a largo circle of friends and acquaintances along tho Coast. For the benefit of those who wish to attend, I may say that the funeral cortege will leave tho residence of her son (Patrick) in Seddon St. at 130 p.m. to-morrow, Sunday.

I understand there will bo at least two and probably three entries from this district for the solo competition in connection with the forthcoming Band Contest at Wcstport. It seems passing strange that 'though we support two excellent brass bands in our midst, neither has ever yet mustered courage enough to face the ordeal of a contest. It is certainly not from lack of talent, for it has always been admitted we have ample of that in our midst, It cannot surely arise from arise from a fear of being beaten. The real reason seems to me, to lie in the fact that no one capable man will take the matter up and instil a little enthusiasm into the movement. We have a leader capable in every way. and talent worthy of a trial, which, I am sure our band would give a good account of itself after a little training. A contest with the other Coast bands would do a world of good to our local bandsmen, even if they were beaten. With nothing more than a passing dance or a race meeting to practice for, and to stimulate their interest, bandsmen can never hope to rise above mediocrity. I would suggest then, that if neither of our local bands feel strong enough to enter the arena, that they follow the lead of the Grcymouth bands and amalgamate for the purposes of the contest. From such a union of forces there is more to be gained than the advancement of music, though that itself would justify the move.