Musical.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 28, 6 October 1894, Page 7

Musical.

BANDSMEN’S COLUMN

[By “ Quaver.”]

Next week the long-expected and much-talked of hand contest will be held, and I take this opportunity of reminding the music-loving people of Invercargill and Southland of the fact. The contest begins on Wednesday afternoon, with the marching competition on the Union football grounds, East Invercargill, and I prophecy a record attendance, if the weather is fine, as the railway arrangements are such that persons within 70 miles of town can make the journey at very little expense. I congratulate the contest committee on the excellent local railway arrangements , and 1 sincerely hope their efforts to enable country residents to attend may be practically recognised by the Southland public.

I understand the Christchurch Garrison and Stanmore bands will not be present, so that Christchurch will have hut one representative, her youngest band. The band in question (the Sydenham) has decided to visit Invercargill, a decision that redounds to the credit of the members, and is a mild reproach to those who have decided to remain out. Plucky Sydenham I I hope your trip to Invercargill may he a pleasant and enjoyable one, and I am sure Invercargill bandsmen and friends will do all in their power to make it so.

Notwithstanding the fact that two or three bands have hacked out of the contest, patrons will be well repaid by attending the various competitions, as the bands competing are all cracks, and the best in the colony. The City Guards’ band gave a very enjoyable concert on Wednesdaj r evening on the rotunda, and the large attendance of citizens goes to shew the interest taken in the coming contest. The contest selections and marches were played, and, although under a disadvantage owing to the strong wind, the selections were splendidly played. The following letter has been handed to me, and speaks for itself: —■ Sir, —In answer to “ Quaver’s” query as to why the cornet presented by Messrs Boosey & Co., is to be given to th e first prise hand, and not to the first prize cornet soloist, I cannot do better than quote from the donors letter, dated 17th August, in which they say : —“ We will send you a plated and engraved cornet, value £l2 10s to be presented to the band winning first prize.” The Committee have no option but to carry out the wishes of Boosey & Co. Yours, etc., W. V. SIDDALL. Invercargill, Sept. 29th, 1894. This is all very fine, but I consider that, as the winning band receives a cash prize of £IOO, the cornet should have been allotted to the champion cornet or other soloist, as has always been the custom in the past. I would suggest here that his Worship invite the citizens to clese from half-past three on Tuesday afternoon so as to give townspeople an opportunity of meeting the bands, and biding them welcome to our city. Before another budget of notes appear, the contest will be nearly over, therefore it behoves me to utter a word of praise in favour of the contest committee, and their energetic secretary, Mr Manson. Bine weather, large attendances of the public, and general satisfaction at the judge’s decision, should make the contest of 1894 far ahead of its predecessors.