CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL COMPETITION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2841, 3 May 1882, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL COMPETITION.

Success of the Timaru Band

The first musical competition for bands took place last night, in the Concert Hall, which was densely crowded on the occasion. The following gentlemen were the Judges: Messrs R. Walton, Wells," Simms, Barnett. Lan“dergan, and Tendall. At the commenoerttent of the proceedings,. Mr Walton announced that a ballot for the order in which the bands should be heard had been taken; and had resulted as follows 1. Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Band (Christchurch); 2. Christchurch Artillery Band; 3. Timaru Artillery Band; 4. Lyttelton Brass Band ; 5. City Guards’ Band; and 6. Thames Scottish Band. About 8 o’clock, comparative silence having'been obtained, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Band, some 16 performers, under the baton of Mr Button, began the concert with Eicci’s “ Crispin©,” which they played in good time, and with careful attention to expression.' ’The Christchurch Artilleiy Band, of about 21 performers, under the baton of Mr A. Hamilton, then played a grand selection of English, Irish, Scotch, and Welsh melodies, characteristically harmonised by the conductor. Those were played with great spirit, precision, and tasteful light and shade. Next came the Timaru Artillery Band, some 18 strong, who under the baton of Mr James Eowles, played very nicely, though somewhat unevenly, Smith’s “ Honoria.”

Following this, the Lyttelton Band, some 24 strong, under the baton of Mr M'Donald, played, with great spirit, a rather noisy piece, entitled “The Afghanistan Campaign.” The performance, though good, was of too uniformlyforte a character. The City Guards Band, 22 in number, under the baton of Mr Dorn, played a very pretty selection from “ Zampa ” with much well-judged effect. The Thames Scottish Band not being present, the Artillery Band gave Mendelssohn’s “ Wedding March,” and the Christchurch City Guards played another admirable selection.

The applause which followed each Siece was almost equally enthusiastic, ut perhaps was rather more pronounced in the case of the Timaru Band, At the close of what had been a very enjoyable concert, the decision of the judges was announced by Mr Walton to bo as follows First Prize—Timaru Artillery Band. Second Prize Christchurch City Guards.

Honourable Mention Hamilton s Artillery Band. . The announcement was received with ebeers. The Timaru Band then, by request, plaj'ed selections from “ Patience.

The above report is taken from the “ Lyttelton Times," and it is worthy of careful perusal. It will bo observed that our contemporary praises the playing of every band engaged in the competition with the exception of the Timaru Band, yet the latter Band gained first honors! The conduct of our contemporary is contemptible in the extreme, and quite unworthy of itself. Wo congratulate the Timaru Band because they have gained honors in a strange place on their merits, and we feel certain the people o£_ Timaru will receive them back again with hearty cheers. A full dross parade of the Battery has been ordered at 7.15 p.m to-night to proceed to the railway station and receive the victorious bandsmen on their return home.