Musical.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 26, 22 September 1894, Page 5

Musical.

BANDSMEN’S COLUMN.

[Bt “ Quaver.”]

Another week has come and gone, bringing the band contest still nearer. Messrs WFight and Round s test selection, “ Schubert,” is at last tcuhand, and its arrival has effectually disposed of the question as to whether the second test selection was to be one of the bands’ own choice. It seems to me that the postal authorities, and not Mesars Wright and Round, are to blame for the unnecessary delay in its arrival, as it bears the same postmark as the letter received from Messrs Wright and Round about a fortnight ago. In regard to the marching competition, I understand it is the intention of the Contest Committee to hold this on the Union grounds, East Invercargill. If this intention is carded out I hope the committee will have a team of horses or bullocks in readiness to pull out any unlucky band which may perchance be engulphed in the mire. The only approach to these grounds is a veritable “ slough of despond,” and I am Certain that even Christian, of ‘"Pilgrim’s Progress ” fame would hesitate before trying to wade through it. The Gala street Park has many advantages over the Union Grounds at present. . I trust the committee "will not overlook this fact, as in my opinion the gate receipts will suffer if people have, firstly, to walk such a distance ; secondly, to swim or wade two or three chains, and thirdly, to run the risk of twisting their necks to get a view of the proceedings. Whilst giving this little piece of gratuitous advice. I would also respectfully point out to the Committee that the N.Z. Brass Band Association was formed ostensibly for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the affiliated bands, and the annual contests were to be a means whereby conductors and teachers of bands could be shown their errors, and by reading the judge’s criticism, have an opportunity of correcting themselves. Such being the case, I contend it is the duty of the Committee to request Mr Martin to write a detailed criticism of -each band’s performance. “ Comparisons are odious,” therefore I consider a judge should avoid as much as possible comparing one band’s performance with another, but should, allow each performance to stand on its own merits, and by detailing the errors, etc., show each band clearly where they were in the wrong. The Railway Commissioners still retain their obstinate position, and by their attitude prove that it is about time the railways were again under political control. Thus the Yolunteer Gazette : “ The difficulty which is surrounding the bandsmen on the question of travelling expenses should never have occurred. There is something wrong that a quibble should have been raised over this matter. The expenses which their carriage by rail would involve on the railway authorities’ part may be considered as nothing. Even if a principle is involved, surely men who give much of their time for the advantage of the eolony at large are Avorthy of some little encouragement. Apart from the educational good the contest will effect, there is a point that men on the defence strength of the colony are debarred a privilege which is commonly afforded globe-trotters, travelling football and cricket teams, etc., many of whom take money out of the colony, and fail to perform any ennobling act during their stay. There is no doubt the Defence Minister has had too much in hand lately, or this difficulty would never have cropped up. Men travelling in uniforms should have free passes, if requisitioned for by the officer commanding the district. I have to acknowledge the kind greetings of my older fellow-scribes, Camp-follower” of the Band Review and Volunteer Gazette, and “TomTom ” of the Canterbury Times, and will gladly exchange news. “ Camp Follower ’’ remarks ; —The

scant attention extended to all associated bands is a reproach to a country in which educational pursuits are fostered and pupils trained to such a degree as they are, and who can gainsay the fact that not the least heaven-born branch is music ; and to the bulk of people military music possesses undoubted charms, while to Englishmen a band is ever a strong attraction. “ The Invercargill contest promises to be a big success. To all the members of the committee I offer my congratulations. Though not prepared to state my candid opinion herein, I don’t think the actual Avinner is hard to spot; neither is it hard to spot those who will require cheques from Mr Manson. ,

“ We can only hope for a good contest, general satisfaction, fine weather, a very large attendance, a successful issue, and favourable arrangements from ‘ the obdurate three?.’ Mr Manson is a veritable Trojan for work, aud deserves the highest success for his many labours.”