OTAKI BRASS BAND.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 20 September 1920, Page 3

OTAKI BRASS BAND.

FIRST ANNUAL SOCIAL. j It is pleasing to be able to report that the Otaki Brass Band’s first annual social, held on Friday last in ’ Brights’ Theatre, was an unqualified | success both financially and socially, j There was a very largo attendance, | including many visitors from Te Horo, i and dancing accommodation was taxed to its utmost. Musical items and dances were interspersed, the master i of ceremonies (Mr H. Witehell) keeping things going merrily, so that there was not a dull minute. Mr W. H. Field, member for the district, apologised for his absence from tho i gathering owing to urgent Parliamentary business. The Band ; opened the programme with a selecjl.tion, "Austral.” This was a very [■ fine effort indeed, and showed that the I bandsmen, under their able conductor f (Mr Utiku Hapcta), had made rapid strides, the rendition of the fairly difficult music being really creditable, i With continued practice the Baud should certainly be capable of taking music of a high order. The Band also played for quite a number of the dances. The dancers expressed them selves delighted with the band’s efforts. The Cook Orchestra supplied tip-top music for other dances, and were assisted by Miss TJtiku, Mr Natt Hanley and others with extras.

Miss Hapcta danced a Highland fling in good style, and songs were contributed by Messrs tstahle (2), H. Taluwi and Jacob Utiku, while Master Robert Fielding gave a cornet solo, and Mr Natt Hanley at the piano entertained the audience with musical sketches. Every item of the musical programme was encored, the programme being a most enjoyable one. Mrs Stahle, Miss Tahiwi, and Mr Natt Hanley supplied the accompaniments. During the evening Mr Witehell returned hearty tha*ks to those present for their liberal patronage, and to those who had contributed to the musical programme. Mr Witehell said the baud was deserving of the support accorded them, as they were only too pleased to assist in any deserving local object. They had a splendid band in Otaki many years ago, and it was very evident that the present Band would speedily become proficient. The speaker reminded the public, that it cost, a lot of money to secure band instruments, and the bandsmen gave their time and talents, and it was only a fair thing that the public should help to pay for the instruments. Mr G- Noble acted as M.C. for the. dancing, which was kept going spiritedly until an early hour on Saturday

morning. It was a big order to provide supper , for such a large assemblage, but a con siderable number of ladies, under the able supervision of Mrs J. R. Bills, j attended to the wants of all, a capital ’ supper being supplied. j