BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

GREAT RECEPTION TO DERRY'S BAND.

Tile weather faired up in the afternoon yesterday and the pioneers were taken to the dredge, returning via Rimu and Kanieri. The trip was enjoyed greatly. Last night the pioneers were the guests.of the Exhibition Executive, and were present at the performance of Derry’s Band. Today a considerable party of pioneers proceeded to Boss. There was not a large attendance at the Exhibition during the daytime yesterday, but at night the public Hocked to tin* building to hear Derry's Band perform. 'There was a very large attendance in the buildings all through the evening. It was announced that the band was to play in the main annexe, but a last minute change was made, and the band performed in the Orpheus Theatre. The little building was packed sis it never was before. Crowds were unable to gain admittance. The Band itself was crowded on the small stage, and though all ventilation that was possible was secured, the heat was very great, and several ladies weie almost overpowered, and had to make their exit..

Prior to Hu* opening number by the Band, .Mr \V .Jelfrios. Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, extended a public welcome to Mr Derry and the Band, and wished them a pleasant stay on the Coast. The Band lost no time in presenting their programme. From the opening Sousa march, right through, the Band had a great reception. The playing was a delight and a revelation, and despite the oppressive heat thi* crowds inside and outside the hull, lingered to hear the lull programme. Several of '.he numbers were a special delight. "The Smithy in the Wood" was a particularly popular number, and was encored. Il is to be hoped this number will lie heard here again under more comfortable conditions for the audience. Ihe "Blue Danube” was a special request number for future rendition again. 'The Band is ti very fine organisation, under splendid control, and light and shade are brought out with delightful effect. Mr Derry is a master conductor. obtaining his results in a quiet, hut most effective manner. The Band became popular instantly, and is sure to draw large attendances f< r the remainder of the season, which includes two programmes to-day. afternoon and evening, and two to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon and evening, all of which will be in the Exhibition Buildings. I niler favourable weather conditions crowds arc sure to flock to hear the bawl on every possible occasion. Derry’s Band was given a welcome social at the Soldiers’ Hall by the me in I Kirs of tin* Itoyal Orchestra and other musical friends. 'The large hall was packed to overflowing, and the dance proved to be one of the brightest anil host yet held here. Dancing went on far into the night, the excellent music mid the splendid floor retaining the patronage of those present to the fullest extent. It' was a very jolly and sociable gathering, and gave the visitors the opportunity of making themselves at home on the Coast. SECOND AP RE A RANCH TO-DAY.

Derry's Military Band so popularly received at the Exhibition last night, makes its second appearance to-day. Two programmes wifi he rendered—tin* first at .'1 o’clock this afternoon, when there will he an extra charge lor admission, and the second at 8 o clock to-night—when an extra, charge of nr shilling will be made. There will be t-.ve distinctive programmes to-day. and the band is certain to have another remarkable reception.

To-morrow (Sunday) the baud will perform twiee at the Exhibition Buildings— rendering two sacred programme-. Ihe first colleen w ill lw tit 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and the second at S.3D o'clock in the evening. Tlie programmes will be rendered from the baud stand at the western eml of the Greynioutli Avenue. ’I lie selection of items indicates that both concerts should be exceptionally good.

The band will make its final appearance here on Monday next. It is regarded as the finest military hand in Australasia. Next Tuesday night there will he a concert in the Orpheus Ibeatre. lbe programme is being arranged by Mr \V. K. l’erry, and will include items by the Exhibition Choir and the Hokitika Orcliesra. There will be in addition several individual items by lady and gentlemen soloists. From AVednesday on a juvenile duo. assisted by local talent will bold the boards at the Orpheus Theatre nightly. Matinees will be arranged for also. Further particulars later.

I LAND PERFORMANCE TO-NIGHT. The Exhibit'll! Council at a meeting held this morning resolved that in view of the Very large number of people nimble to hear Derry's Band wink’ performing in the Town Hull. luLire programmes will he given in tile main building, and season ticket holders lie charged Is. and non-season tickets 2s for admission. The building is considered to be a ball for the Band for this purpose.

Sir John and Lady Luke of Wellington arrive here on Monday and will he staying at the Red Linn Hotel, ’they wib lie accompanied by .Mr and Mis IL Holland (cx-Mayor) of Christchurch. .Mr Hurst, President of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce, arrived yesterday, and is staying at Keller's Hotel. Mr Hurst is interested particularly in tlio Nelson district exhibit, at the Exhibition. To-night Derry's Band will play a Highland patrol “ I lie “Wee MacGregor.” illustrating the approach and passing by of a Highland patrol. Also the famous fantasia, “At West Point.” There will La a piccolo solo, and a “Jolly Fellows’’ waltz. The other selection!- " ill include “ I lie Gondoliers.” The sacred music to lie rendered tomorrow includes: “Adesto Fidelis. ‘The Lost Chord.” .Mozart s 12th. Mass. “Christians Awake." “I he Wren” and the tone poem “Fuilandin." There will he other notable items also. A special programme is being arranged lor .Monday.

TO CONTINUE ANOTHER WEEK. CHRISTCHURCH DAILY TRAIN SLR VICK. The Exhibition authorities have been advised by the District Traffic Manager. that the daily train service will be continued until 19th. January— Saturday of next week. From 21st. January to 2nd. February the service East and West "ill run on Mondays. Tuesdays. Thursdays anu Saturdays—-an extra day in each week. These arrangements, will meet with the approval of the public.