BAND CONTEST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1381, 16 February 1905, Page 2

BAND CONTEST.

(Pax Press Association.); Auckland, last night. To-day’s proceedings in connection with the North Island brass band contest have undoubtedly constituted an epoch in the history of band music in this city, The chief function of the day was the mayoral reception and garden party given by the Hon. E. Mitchelson in the Domain. After speech making the various bands performed, each showing proficiency that in Borne cases rose to brilliancy. The Kaikorai and Wanganui bands both received the compliment of well deserved encores for their selections, and each of the other bands won generous applause. A march played by the massed bands at the end was magnificent. Between 7000 and 8000 people were present. The Mayor welcomed the bands on behalf of the citizens of Auckland. Though the local bands had not been very successful, yet what they had learned since the arrival of the southern bands would,. he had no doubt, be an inducement to them to work hard and aim at turning the tables on visiting bands in the future. If the public would only realise their responsibility we would be able in every town to produce at least one good band. He was informed by those competent to judge that each year there was a marked improvement in music at these gatherings, and that this year there was a great improvement upon last year. Mr M. Cohen tendered them warmest thanks for the cordial welcome accorded in Auckland to visiting bandsmen. Mr W. S. King, judge of the oontest, and Mr Holborn, secretary of the association, also spoke. At the contest this morning the B flat bass solos resulted : A. Wheeler, Auckland Battalion, 106 points, Ist; N. Allan Taranaki Garrison, 100, 2nd ; Falbreoht Ruahine Battalion, 98, 3rd: G. FitzelJ Kaikorai, 96, 4th. ■ '

_ ", . Later. In the ovenmg the quartette and trombone parties were engaged in competition, the majority of the bands sending in representatives. The programme comprised really beautiful selections of numbers. The standard of playing was in almost every instance high. These two events resulted as. under Quartettes: Kaikorai No 1 156 marks 1, Wanganui Garrison No 1 150 2, Wellington Garrison No 1 148 3 Also competed—Waihi Federal No 1 140 Wanganui Garrison No 2 144, Waiht Federal No 2 and Ruahine Battalion No--1134, Taranaki Garrison and Gisborne City 132, Impey’s City 136, Ist Battalion No 1 129, Kaikorai No 2 and Hamilton 128, Hastings 120, Ist Battalion No 2 119. Trombone Trios—Wanganui Garrison 146, Taranaki Garrison 138, Waihi Federal 138 tied for second place. There wore no other competitors. At tho annual meeting of tho Association held to-night it was decided that the next contest should be held at Hawera.