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Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1990, 28 January 1907, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY. THE AUCKLAND BAND. Tlio Aucklanl Salvation Army Band of 110 .performnrs arrived on Saturday morning by the AVimmera, on their way to the Exhibition, via the West Coast and Gisborne. The Band paraded from the wharf to the Barracks, exciting much interest. In the evening they wore given a public wolcomo at the hell’r.v by His Worship the Mayor. A large crowd had assembled, and keen interest was taken in the proceedings. Mr Townley said that on bnhalf of the people of Gisborne ho extended the Band a hearty welcome. They were over glad to extend a hearty welcome to members of the Salvation Army, and of course the pleasure was heightened when the welcome was to a first-class band as on the present occasion. (Applause.) He trusted that the band would be- well received by the people and carry away with them very pleasant recollections of their visit here. At Christchurch they would seo a great deal more than could be shown them at Gisborne, but, he hoped that their visit to Poverty Bay, the first spot on which Captain Cook landed — he had passed Auckland by to come hero (laughter)—would be so enjoyable as to ensure their retaining lor it a warm corner in their hearts wherever they might go. (Applause.) He incidentally mentioned that the Gisborne corps of the Army had.got an excellent band, thought it could not claim to have anything like the strength of the visitors. Brigadier AlbisLon returned thanks on behalf of the Band. It was not, lie said, a travelling band in the ordinary sense of the word; they were all men working at various callings, the same as were those at Gisborne. Their object was to do what they coidd for the exalting of God’s Kingdom in encouraging their comrades in the towns they visited. They had already been to New Plymouth, Eltham, AVanganui, Feilding, Palmerston North. Woodville, and Dannovirke; at each place they had warm receptions, lint at no place had they received a more kindly one than at Gisborne. They -were going to Christchurch, where there was to he wliat was termed a week’s congress. Three hundred Salvation Army bandsmen would meet in that city. Their aim was to do what work they could for God, and they felt that they could help forward the work of salvation by music as well as other ways. They fully recognised the merit of the local hand and would he pleased to work with them. (Applause.) Bandmaster Tremain, being called on also returned thanks for the reception. He said that while most of the Band were strangers to Gisborne he had worked here 18 or 19 years ago. Ho referred to the steady progress that had been made by the town, and contrasted the Army's present line band in Gisborne with that when he had done a little “tootling” for them many years ago. Indeed he believed that he started the hand with Brother Stuckey on the big drum, and that for a time they almost comprised the whole band. (Laughter.) They would he only too pleased to play behind the fine local hand. They wished to try and bring souls to God, and if their help .resulted in only one or two coming forward they would be well repaid. It was to he no holiday for them. They meant to give the people plenty of music. At the. call of the Mayor cheers were given for the visitors, and the latter gave counter cheers for the Mayor and Gisborne. The Band then played selections, and also paraded up and down, playing before going to the barracks. The special services conducted by the Auckland Salvation Army Band yesterday was attended by large crowds. The Band paraded to the Recreation Ground in the afternoon, and was favorably commented upon for their marching and military appear a nee. They gave a splendid programme from the Band Rotunda. At night His Majesty’s Theatre was crowded. A musical service was given, entitled, “The Av reck of the Wairapara,” which was heartly received. . The Band will give a special programme to-niglib in His Majesty s Theatre, which should command another crowded audience. The box-plan is open at Mr Miller’s.