BAND COLUMN.
Notes by Coenet. Secretaries of bauds are invrted to send in iateiestirg paiagraphs, also brief reports of parades and other mnchons in which their bands take part. All communications shou'd be addressed to "Comet,"' Otago Witness office. It ha; fallen (o The lot of tho editor of the Australian Bandsman to di.=co\er the real ilh'oii ol the Kaikorai Band's withdiawal fioni the .New Plymouth contest. A\ ithoat. apolo^ie.> to a living soul he states: "It will Lo seen that Kaikoiai Band absolutely declines to compete with Lieutenant Held in the tent, and for reasons ■which are altogether different fioni tho^e given by the officials of the crack Dunedin band, we are not at all surprised at the decision." Continuing, he says: " Occasionally quick-tempered people will fall out and 'speak their mmd 1 :' to each other; but the a\erage body of men, when they have had: time to consider the matter, become more diplomatic, which is another term for evasive. And here wo have a case of a diplomatic band whose members, an our opinion, prefer to give a. side issue reason to their real obiection, . . . but if we have any knowledge of bands — and we flatter ourselves we have. — the real reason for their refusal, is the jealousy that exists between Kaikorai Band and the band o\er which Lieutenant Herd rules as conductor. . . . As is only natural the strong; feeling that is so much in evidence between jth© bands is, to eoire extent at least, shared flby the conductors, each of whom consideis {himself as good as the others. With such a. feeling ruling, the thought of having to iperform with a rival ir> the tenfc is more Jhan the Kaikorai Band can entertain, and io they decide not 10 compete. And we do not hesitate to say that the action of Kaikorai is just what Wellington Garrison "would adopt were the ca^e reversed. Human nature is the same the world over, »nd there are few bands who would not do gust ac Kaikorai is doing, were they to End themselves similarly situated. Pospiblv other bands would adopt a different fnethod, but that would be simply a matter M detail : the result would be the same." The editor also comments on the election of Lieutenant Herd as iudge a« follows: — '■ The trouble in New Zealand brings into prominence a defect in the plan of allowing the competing bands to select their own judge. In the present case some half a doaen names were submitted, and Lieutenant Herd, having secured the largest numt>er of votes, was appointed. Under ordinary conditions the matter would have ended with the announcement of the result of the voting, but ordinary conditions did ■not prevail this year with the X.1.8.8. 'Association, inasmuch a 6 one who had long been a competitor sought the position of •judge. In all there were something like 20 Ibflnds eligible to vote. But a large majority of these 20 were not rivals to either SLaikorai, "Wellington, or Wanganui. These three bands had topped the score so often that piactically the remaining seventeen jbands had fallen into the habit of accepting defeat from the three named as a '^natter of course. And having no iealousy (they did not in the least mind who occupied the tent, bo long as a good man was appointed. And so it was that a sufficient iiumber voted for Lieutenant Herd to secure ihim the appointment. It was certainly ja majority vote so far as a majority can jbe obtained without-- adopting the exhaustive system of balloting, but in the interest of the association we are inclined to theopinion that it was not a w ise procedure. "We are also convinced that Lieutenant Herd was ill-advised when ho allowed his name to go to the ballot. As one of the promoters of the association, he should have considered the welfare of that body before the small personal gain that is hkelv to accrue from the position of judge. Had he reasoned in the right line, ho must have seen how improbable ft was that the best bands would compete were he appointed. If they were to do so the Bandsman would have io undergo a complete reversal in its opinion of human nature in the band world. Regarding the dispute, the editors remarks are at variance with the facts, and are merely suppositions ; but the arguments on the method of electing the judge are certainly sound. As the man in the tent is a great factor in the ultimate success or^failure of ban-d contests, we would appreciate opinions from readers on the modes of proceedure in electing judges of fcand contests. On December 6 Mr J. A. Kappev -was buried. The deceased was a man of high culture and literary taste. For over 30 years he edited Boosey's Brass and Military Band Journal, and was director of inusio of the Chatham Division of the Royal Marines for the same period. A prolific writer on mu'ic, he was also in great demand as iudge of brass band coilrests. Till Mr J. Ord Hume took over the sditorship of Boosev's Journal, the late Mr Kappey's name was c\or before players of that firm* music. "Scu\enir di Richard Wagner" (one of the finest bra's band selections eiei written) is b\ J. A. Kappey. and has been frequently played as an "own choice" celecrion at contests. Members of the Xow Zealand Band whilst in England were the recipients from Boosc> and Co. of a bound volume of Kappc\'s "•History of Military Music." containing history and de\elopmcnt of open-air music of -^ancient time-., ancient instruments and their successors, and history of the rise and development of modern military mueic That the book is treastued by the men goes without saying. Tb/> pail-beaiers and followeis •were- repie^entath c of th" majority of the military bands of the kingdom. The mu«ic houses were also well represented. The Sunday concert civen by tiic Mornjngton '3:>nd was v^ell paUonised. a °o n dlv number of the public attending at S(. Clair to hear the content As the band leaves for Xcw Phmoath next Thursday, a final concert will be- held in the Gardens on Wednesday evening-, whpn <he band will to heard afc its best in "Will am Tell" and " Gems of Schaumann." For financial reasons we hope that tlio weather will be- on its bfit bohaiioni run ing the evening. As the conU-r will bo well on tho wav before another i-~sue of the Band Coh inn. I take ibis opu.n Innitv. on behalf of (lie ban-Keen, of vw-h'ner Morniiigton every success at Xi'a Plyrriou'h. The D'-nerlin (i,i,-j o-vuuiod ihe Oar<lru^ Rouuid ■ nil afternoon, and nil eip^l ,ir pmi,i\ ,Ti,\o r rouii-rimio of anproPiiii" in'- r i mlii r.'o ,_ vlt'ctoi-hip of Lo . „, s C,. o -_p X .' < v V. 'i I r. i t l .-I i- r'no (\iU-iloi.ian f'-ro.MiiN o" .*■ t('irc..M mil pla\fii iliMipor th» aftei 'loci at the Araatiur AlU*>uo
Club's sports. Owinjr to the heavy wind, a programme of light music was giv«n. One of the roost successful and enjoyable concerts ever given in Dunedin was held by the Kaikorsu .Land in the Botanical Gardens on Friday evening. The weather wae absolutely perfect, and the light on the rotunda good. The lar^e crowd present evidently bad feith in the band, judging by the substantial manner in which they retponded to the appeals of the "man with the box." They weie not disappointed, but rather surprised, at the excellent bill of fare provided, and showed their appreciation of the various items by loud and continuous applause. The vocal quartet party — Messrs Eager, Oliver, Falck, and Ibbotaon, practically earned an encore for their contribution, but surprise and genuine modesty prevented them from earning further appreciation. The item is certainly woithy of future piogrammeb. The various items by the band were well gi\en, the applause showing the mu*ic was to the people's liking. The programme was as follows: — March, "Dreadnought" (Rimmer); barn dance, "Wailmcr at the Church" (Ord Hume); deiscnpcne fantasia, "The Smithy in the "Wood," with all accessories, cuckoo, bird whistles, bells, am ils, etc. ; American sketch. "In Old Kentuekv" (arranged by Shipley Douglas ; two-step, "Clorinda. ' Who ever clieamt of a pipe and bra-53 band playing in unison? Mr G. B. Laidlaw is to be congratulated on his effort in arranging parts of " Corn Riggs" and "The Barren Rocks of Aden,"' making it possible for the two bands to march on the street playing one piece in pretty perfect tune. In addition to the maioh, the pieces were played as a selection on the rotunda by the combined Kaikorai and Pipe Bands, and fairly brought down the house. Certainly this item was an enjoyable novelty; and the selection by the Pipe Band also earned applause. At the conclusion of the performance, Mr Laidlaw thanked the public for their substantial patronage, intimating: that this was the first of a «enes of popular evening concerts to be given by the band. The playing of " God save the iving" concluded an evening's entertainment that was free front vexatious intervals and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mr Dave Farnie, of the Invercargill Garrison Band, was a vieitor at the sports on Saturday, returning home from a business trip to the north. A Garrison Band member of many years, Mr Farnie informs me that since Mi Searell's retirement the position of conductor has been filled temporarily by Mr M'Robie, the Imifone player. Overtures, which arc hkeiy to be successful, are being made to Mr Tom Lithgow (a former member of tho band and brother to Aliek, "Bell Biid," the wellknown solo cornettist), to take over ihe conductorship of the band. Both of those gentlemen are band) conductors in Tasmania at the present time. Although not quite as good a band as the old ImcicargiH Garrison, under Lieutenant Siddali, there is plenty of promising talent among the seasoned veterans. When a band plays a programme of 1b popular numbers each day and none of the first day's items are repeated in the second day*6 programme, one is not surptised to read of the music being much appreciated. The Gisborne Private Band (conductor Mr D. M'Killop), engaged' to supply the music at the Napier Park's races, were congratulated on their performance. There is no doubt about Gisborne Private being a "live"' band blessed with an energetic secretary. Secretary J. Osbarne left for Auckland, via the East Coast, on a business trip of a week or two. If lime permits he may put in a day at New Plymouth on his way back. Mr H. Northey, late of Wanganui Band, has been elected conductor of iho Methodist Mission Band of Lithgow, IV ew South Wales. The contest at Maryborough (Queensland), was adjudicated on by Mr C. Trussell. late of New Zealand. The Besses Band left Liverpool on July 25, 1906, and completed the to.ir a- L Kal goorlie. Western Australia on Xo /ember 17, 1907. leaving Fremantle on the following day for the return voyage home While on the boat during the jo'irnev to Port Said Mr Boyle compiled a hst of the places they visited and the number of concerts ffiven is as follows: — United States 33, Canada 14, United States 78. LViada 5, United Slates 77, Canada 8, Fiji Islands A, New Zealand 180, Australia 270— total 672. The famous conductor Mr John .Jia-iney has resigned the conductorship of tbe Black Dike Mills Band after holding rho office for 19 years. Mr W. Rimmer is named as his siicces^or. It is owing to Mr (Jiadnev's ability that this famous band has remained for years on the pinnacle of f.ime. Ari\ancins: years will ir>ost likely be the cau.-e of Mr Gladney's retirement. At the annual meetins of the Alexandria South Brass Band Mr W. Bringans, bandmaster, who presided, complimented the band on being fr<je of debt. Th<> band's income for the rear amounted to £S3l4s2d, and with last rear's balance in hand (£32 0s 3d), made a total of £85 "'4 B sd. Against this, the expenditure for the year was £65 18s 9d. leaving a balance of £19 15.* Bd. All moneys owing by the band viz., £16, would be wiped off with the amount now in hand, which would leave them with a clean sheet and a. credit balance of some £3 odd. The band now consists of 25 playing members — seven now members being enrolled. The election of officers for the esuing \ear resulted as follows: — Bandmaster, W. Bringans : serceant. L Churchill : cornoial, G Campbell : lanco corporal. Alf. Larsen ; assistant librarian. W. Moorhead ; drum major, W. S. Laidlaw ; societary and treasurer, W. Pierco (all re-elected) : committee—Bandsmen f'l.uichill, Dumsday. Xoill. Spooncr, A'f. Larson. Partridge, bandmaster and setrpuirv (ox-offk io). The- sum of two guineas was voted to the socrptai\. It was resohed to make an effort to compete at the conte» v to be held at Lr.wience in October. '" I rover noticed that o'<l church in the sanatorium srround** before." said a lady while returning to Rotorua from the round (rip la^t week. And the other passengers laughed hugely. for the "old church" was the new bath-house, still uncompleted, the total cost being a trifle of £40,000. At Denver (Colorado) a man tailor sued a lady customer for refusing to pay for a costume, on the ground that it was not a pood fit. The jury was composed of women, and decided unanimously in favour of the plaintiff, after a careful inspection of the costume. WOLFE'S SCHXAPPS invigorates tb.B l>ov>els and kidnejs Ask fo* "HIALEfi'S,
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED The "Windsor Magazine for January offer.an excellent programme to the magazine reader, and emphasises the fact with a fly shp attached to the familiar green cover. " Complete novel by Fred White, contributions by Sir Gilbert Parker, F. Marion Crawford, Retort Barr, and Justus Miles Forrnan" reads well, and suggests rich possibilities iv the beguilement of an idle hour But there are — strange as it may appear— magazine readers who look for something- more than fiction, who enjoy fact, therefore it :s well to 60e Sir Hairy Johnston's illustrated article on "The Last Struggle with the Sla\e Traders in British Central Africa."' to be contracted with Frederic Leo's amply illustrated description of the mysteries which pertain to "Photographing fepeech," and yet again with the lighter metal of " Signalling by Windmill " and tbe art interests of the opening. "More Pictiu-es by Great Artists," with its generous pages of fine plate*. The size of the magazine is on thi< occasion increased somewhat, and no moie ovcellent bid for popular favour is made than that embodied in the Windsor green co\ei^. The Hibbert Journal for January is rich in its variety of great themes, ably dealt with by contributor old and now. Readers of the Hibbert can ne^ er become oblivious to those profound religious and philosophical problems which still confront the human mind in its search for truth. Neither can they ignore the subtle quality of intellectual endeavour so liberally bestowed in manifold efforts to solve those problems. In the j present issue we pas^ fiom perusal of a characteristic eseay on '' The Immortality of the Soul,"' by Sir Oliver Lodge, to an equally characteristic but widely differing utterance anent " The Religion of Sensible Scotsmen," by Professor W. Wallace. In Dr Wallace's opinion, Scotland stands not where it did on matters theological. The Rev. Father Geiard, S X., defend* "The Papal Encyclical from a Catholic's Point of View," attempting less to destroy the " Moderni-st " po-ihon than to show that Catholics must reject modernism or cease to be Catholics. On tlie other hand, the Rev. George Tyrrell breaks a lance in his defence of "The Pio a pect=; of Modernism," and maintains that the Catholic position cannot tor long be held. The Bishop of Carlisle has a vigorously-expressed aiticle, entitled "Ihe Catholic Church: What is irV" and "The Papacy in its Relation to American Ideals," is a most thoughtful article by the Rev. L. H. Schwab. Among other leading conti ibutions aie papers on "The Alchemy of Thought." "The Reasonableness of Christian Faith," and " Religion — a Neces&ary Constituent in All Education," etc. The usual large space is gi\en to discussion^, leviens. a/id bibliography of current literal ure.
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Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 70
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2,703BAND COLUMN. Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 70
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