BAND CHALLENGE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1929, Page 1

BAND CHALLENGE

GREYMOUTH V. WOOLS TON. CHRISTCHURCH, June 24. “Greymouth has thrown down the gauntlet to Woolston,” announced Dr IT. T. J. Thacker, at the annual meeting of tho Woolston Hand, en Saturday evening Accompanied (by Messrs W. IX Murray (West Coast), J. D. Hunter

(Dunedin), A. L. Oakes, and W. New,ton (Cliristc-linrc-li). Or Thacker stated, on arrival at the Woolston Band Hall, that at a meeting of the South Island Bands’ Association held earlier in tho evening, Greymonth had issued a challenge to Woolston. to be played during the B anil t Grade contests, to be held -at Greymouth on November 23rd. He contended that it would be one of the star items in the history of hand music- if such ft challenge came eh There were difficulties in the way o' district contests, hut at the Wanganui Band Contest held last year, tin North and South Island Bands’ Association had decided io encourage district contests, and to frame rules for these purposes. “It will mean a big thing to the Greymouth conies* if this challenge can be accepted, and would be eloquent, testimony of the sympathy we in Christchurch have with Coasters in their recent distress.”

Mr W. I). Murray, West Coast rerepresentative on the South Island Brass Bands’ Association, pointed out that it had been decided to delete Ihe A Grade at the West Coast Band Contest. This was necessary. as Greymouth was the only A Grade band in the district, and to concentrate on the' B and C Grades. Greymouth had thrown out a challenge to W'olston T'f the latte)- could accept this, it would be a great day for hands and hand music on the Mest Coast.

' Dr Thacker announced that Captain G. Buckley, conductor of the Queen Alexandra’s Own Band, Wanganui, had been appointed judge. He also promised a trophy for the contest, which be hoped would become an annual one. The tost selection would be own choice. Mr R. -T. Estall. conductor of tlm Woolston Band, said that he would very much like to see bis band take up the challenge. They had great sympathy with the Greymouth Band, and would do all in their power to assist the Greymouth contest. There were difficulties in the way of sui-li a contest, particularly as November was a busy month in Christchurch, but if it was at all possible, the hand would go. (Applause.)