GRANITY BAND’S GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Grey River Argus, 15 April 1948, Page 8

GRANITY BAND’S GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Former members or tne Granity Silver Band, from all parts of New Zealand are expected to gather in the Buller district this week-end, when the band celebrates the 50th anniversary of its foundation. During the years that have passed, the band has been a great asset to the musical needs of the Buller district, and the willingness of members, at all times, to assist public causes has' earned for them great popularity. During its existence, the band has had its ups and downs, but at present it is in a very sound financial position, with a strong membership of more than 20 players. Many notable bandsmen learned the art of playing brass instruments

with the band, and n6t a few of these prominent players of the past will join in the coming celebrations. JUBILEE BOOKLET So that the occasion may not pass, but be vividly imprinted in the minds of old bandsmen and the people of Granity, the band has published a finely illustrated 46-page • booklet, which was printed by the ‘‘Grey River Argus”, Greymouth. The booklet, reviewing the history of the band, and the contests in which it took part, will be a permanent, reminder of the stalwarts of the past, whose enthusiasm has kept the band going so successfully throughout the years. The celebrations open to-morrow night, when the band will give a recital under Mr A. G. Coe at 7 p.m., followed by a grand ball, at which an address of welcome to visiting bandsmen will be given by Mr H. E. Gear. On Saturday, the main celebrations will take place, opening with a grand

parade at 12.45 p.m. to the school grounds. There the Member for Buller, the Hon. C. F. Skinner, and the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, M.L.C., will give addresses. The afternoon’s programme includes a hymn test for hands, and a quickstep competition, with ladies’ marching and Highland dancing. Afternoon tea will be available on the grounds, together with ice-cream. In the evening, former bandsmen will be the guests of the band at a reunion. Sunday’s arrangements include a motor excursion to the Burma Road, followed by luncheon and a reunion picnic at Mokihinui. One of the features of this outing will be the rendition of “Invercargill” by oldtime members of the Band. The large committee in charge of the arrangements for the Golden Jubilee celebrations has the full details of the whole programme in hand, and residents as well as former members are assured of a memorable week-end.