Musical

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 20, 12 August 1893, Page 7

Musical

It is quite refreshing to note such good feeling and evident appreciation of merit as was shown by the members of the Garrison Band to an old member —Mr E, Galbraith last Monday we.ek, on the occasion of his retirement. In a neat little speech Bandmaster Siddall made graceful and feeling reference to Sergeant Galbraith’s long and continuous connection with the band during 16 years, and expressed the sentiments of every individual member in giving utterance to his extreme regret at losing so conscientious a member. The only consolation left the band at the genial “ Bob s” loss was the knowledge that his interest in the band would still be as lively as ever. He then presented Mr Galbraith with an oak biscuit barrel, silver mounted, with an appropriate inscription thereon. In a few well-chosen words, Mr Galbraith thanked Mr Siddall and bandsmen for their kindness, and assured them of his lasting interest in, and good wishes for the future of the band.

We understand the Operatic Societyare thinking of staging another opera shortly, and are determined to maintain the reputation so justly earned on the occasion of their last appearance before the public in (a well-worn) Pinafore.

The Wellington shilling popular concerts, conducted by Messrs Parker and Prouse, have (says a Dunedin contemporary) fallen through, owing to the management disagreeing. Mr Prouse, “ the N.Z. Baritone,” is the gentleman who so delighted Invercargillites with his rendering of the Prophet in “ Elijah,” given by the Choral Society some time since. It may interest our readers to learn that Miss Cicely Staunton, who hails from Auckland, made her farewell appearance before a Sydney audience recently. The contralto, who is deservedly esteemed by the members of her profession, was accorded a benefit on the occasion. Miss Staunton —-vy;ho, by the way, once was a pupil of Miss Annie Montague (Mrs Turner) sails shortly with her husband, Herr Goldenstedt, for North Germany, with the intention of remaining permanently in Europe. During the Colonial Treasurer’s recent visit to Invercargill, he was waited on by Messrs Siddall and Jones (Garrison Band), and Mohr and Walker (City Band), who asked the hon. gentleman to use his influence towards having a concession made in railway fares to bandsmen attending the band contest to be held at Christchurch in November. Mr Ward said that he would be very glad to lay the matter before the Commissioners. The concession asked seemed to him a reasonable one, and he was inclined to think the Commissioners would meet them fairly. A social, given by the City Band, came off on the evening of Eriday, 4th inst., in Hanan’s Hall and was larg’ely attended, quite ninety persons taking advantage of the invitations sent out. The hall was nicely decorated and draped with flags —the work of an energetic committee headed by Mr Thos. S. Nisbett, the untiring secretary of the band. Dancing was indulged in right merrily until 12 o’clock, when an adjournment was made for supper, which was supplied by Mr Kingsland, and the fact that it was supplied by him is a sufficient guarantee that it was Al. During the evening Miss Geddes sang in a very pleasing manner “ Lochnagar,” and later onj Miss Gilchrist was heard to advantage in “Alton Water,” the assembly testifying to their appreciation of the efforts of both, ladies in a hearty manner. Under the baton of Mr Mohr, the band played the selection “ Bouquet of Beauties ” in a very finished style, showing that the members had made great progress since he had become conductor. Music was supplied by Miss Geddes (piano), and Mr McGregor (violin), assisted at intervals by Miss Kirwan (piano), Mohr and R. Wills (comet), Fergnson (euphonium),

Woodward and Ferguson (dpiißle B ass) and Blue (violin), and giving .every satisfaction, tße Lancers from “ Pinafore ” opera being especially acceptable. Cards and other games were provided for those who did not dance, and when the gathering broke up at close on 4 o’clock, one and all vowed they had never spent a more pleasant night.