GREY BAND RETURNS.

Grey River Argus, 2 March 1927, Page 2

GREY BAND RETURNS.

WELCOMED AT STATION. PUBLIC CONGRATULATIONS. The railway platform and the approaches to the station were thickly crowded with people yesterday after noon when the Greymouth Municipal Band returned by the express from thejr brilliantly successful participation in the New Zealand Band contest at Wellington. When the train had departed tire Mayor, Air. Parfitt, addressing the etowd from the edge of the platform congratulated the band on its performance particularly mentioning Bandsman J. Robertson’s achievement in winning the cornet champion of champions’ contest. lit* apologised for the absence of Dr. J. W. Alcßrearty who had been hurriedly called out of town and would very much regret being unable to be present.

Air.. T. E. Seddon, ALP., added his congratulations to those of the Mayor dwelling upon the magnitude of th? band’s achievements when pitted against the best talent New Zealand •ouhl produce. Air. W. D. Murray, Secretary of the Band, said it was most gratifying to feel that they had been so successful, not for their own benefit but for the honour of the town. In appealing for support for the band he mentioned that Conductor McMasters would probably ’•cceive tempting offers from othei parts of New Zealand. It should be the endeavour of the townspeople to ensure that they would not be deprived of his it.valuable services.

Conductor McMasters thanked the citizens of Greymouth for their loyal support while the band was practising for the contest and the bandsmen for their conscientious work. He thought a great part of their success was due to the fact that the band and public had stuck together so well. It was saio that bandsmen had a good time at the contest hut it was because that they Lad practised hymns at Wellington so diligently that the band had achieved so much. To be placed first by a judge of Air. Halli well’s calibre was a great honour.

The welcome concluded with cheers for the band which then marched down the Quay to the band hall.