MUSIC IN A STORM.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4329, 12 October 1921, Page 2

MUSIC IN A STORM.

A THUNDERING DISPLAY. WRETCHED CONTEST CONDITIONS Saturday morning broke clear and fin.e, and several thousand people were attracted to the Parawai R,aceepurse, where the quickstep competition of the Thames Band Contest was to be held. Before the large crowd was settled it became evident that a thunderstorm was soon to sweep oyer the grounds. Before long there were bright flashes of lightning and deafening blasts of thunder. The contest commenced, and so did the rain. The grandstand was filled to the overflowing point, and .the fortunates on the ground who had umbrellas were beseiged, and little groups of men, women, and children clustering round umbrellas were seen all oyer the grounds The thunder and lightning continued and the rain came down in torrents, the bandsmen pluckily facing the adverse climatic conditions and giving their performances wellu Before long the ground was a sea of puddles, making marching extremely difficult. The people were now making their way homewards, not desiring to further face the elements. The homeward journey was, however, beset with difficulties. Torrents of water wer.e rushing across the already flooded streets, ' and crowded taxis were rushing along the roadway. It was a w.et but nevertheless cheerful crowd which found its way back to Thames. <■ All the bandsmen were wet to the skin, While .not a few of the were in a similar condition; but hone appeared dejected. ' - . THE CONTEST. Despite the boisterous weather conditions the playing and marching on Saturday afternoon were very fair indeed, and as far as a casual onlooker was concerned any band might have won. However, the judges’ decision was as follows, the first four bands being very close: -.1. Hauraki (Thames), 266% points; 2. Dannevirke, 264% points ; 3. Hamilton 264% points. Whakatane was % point behind, fourth. Other points were : New Plymouth, 263 ; Auckland Infantry, 261% ; Te Aroha, 254<%; Waterside Workers, 244. THE SELECTION. The tes.t selection, “The Valkyrie,.’* was decided on Friday night, eight bands competing. In announcing the decision the judge said that it was a difficult selection and difficult to play. He was surprised at the high class of playing. The following is the result: 1. Hamilton, 140 points; 2. 6th Hauraki (Thames), 135 points ; 3. Ist Auckland Infantry, 129 points. 8.8. Flat Bass resulted : 1. W. Crosby (Ist Auckland Infantry), 96; 2. D. Owen (New Plymouth), 89; R. Woollams (Whakatane), 86. E. Flat Bass: 1. G.. Munro (Ist Auckland Infantry), 89 ; 2.. N. McDowell (Dannevirke), 88; 3. G. Fisher (Hauraki), 87. Tenor Trombone: 1. J. Cummings (Hamilton), 89; 2. E. Feek (New Plymouth), 87'; 3. H. Redwood (Te Aroha), 86. Baritone : 1. M. McKenzie (Hamilton), 96 ; R. Sinclair (Auckland Infantry), 94 ; P. Williams (Auckland Infantry} 90.