FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8924, 18 September 1907, Page 2

FAREWELL SOCIAL.

A pleasant social function took place at the Drill Hall, Marton, last evening as a farewell to ex-Baud- , master Pedersen, who leaves next Monday on a trip to his native laud. The gathering was promoted by members of the band, and passed off very successfully. The dance music was supplied by the Baud and Mr Bert Crozior also assisted. The descriptive fantasias “Manrico” and “A Trip to Norway” were finely executed by the baud, under Bandmaster Sharpe. During the evening a presentation of a handsome travelling bag was made to Mr Pedersen by the president of the baud, Mr J. J. McDonald. He said they had met to say good-bye and wisli Mr Pederson a pleasant trip. He had lived in Marton for over a quarter of a century, 'during which time he had been a useful and respected resident, and had always taken an active part in keeping the Marton Band in an efficient state. Ho had served as a bandsman, carefully attended to the music as custodian for 25 years, and latterly as Bandmaster, which position he declined to accept this year owing to the fact of his trip to his old homo. Mr McDonald went on to say that anyone who has had experience with musicians must know how hard it is to get fellows to join in the hard work necessary to success. There were always some who had liked wearing the uuifom in preference to hard work and practice. The result was annoyance to the good workers. It had been hard to keep a band together in Marton, but this had been accomplished by Mr Pedersen, who had trained the boys and spent a lot of time in coaching them. He had done great work for his band, and they had not forgotten his efforts in raising funds for the purchase of new instruments. It could be said that no other man in the Dominion had done more for brass bands than Mr Pedersen had done for Marton. He wished him a pleasant voyage and a safe return to Marton.

After Mr Pedersen had replied three hearty cheers were given for him. The gathering testified to the great esteem in which Mr Pedersen is hold hy Martonians.