BANDSMEN IN TROUBLE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1914, Page 7

BANDSMEN IN TROUBLE.

the RECENT “SCENE." [Feb Fresh association.] Auckland, February I'b j Two bands have been identilioil in ' an ofiieial report with the disturb- j mice which was made at the conclusion of tho “A” grade quickstep competition in the Domain on Saturday The Wanganui Gar- # risen Band is named as one of the offenders, the other being- the Wellington City Band. The matter was discussed at a meeting to-day ,of the Contest Committee, with the result that instructions were given to the secretary (Mr J. R. Williamson) to communicate the tacts 01 the incident to the North Island Brass Bands Association. In a letter which he addressed to the secretary of the Association, Mr Williamson describes the manner in which the bauds had been arranged for a performance of the march imperator,” under the baton of the adjudicator (Captain \\ . C. Bentley). When tho signal to commence the performance had been given ‘‘the two bands on the left of the conductor, instead of playing the march music, saw tit to make noises with their instruments and to play music other than the set piece. “Captain Bentley’s appeal to these bandsmen to desist was without avail, with the result that the performance bad to be stopped. Upon Captain Bentley resuming his position, the members of these two bands went through the performance which is known as “counting out” the judge. When order was eventually restored, die march was gone on with, and with the exception of perhaps three or four members of the two bands, tho latter took no part in the performance. “The offending hands were the Wan. fanui Garrison and the Wellington City Bands. This degrading and contemptible exhibition was greatly resented by the large audience who wore present on the stand and adjacent to the spot. It is only fair o state that tho drum-major of the Wanganui Garrison did offer an apology to one of the Contest Committee. My co’mlnittee believes that personally he had nothing whatever to do with the disgraceful proceedings. However, you will quite unlerstand that anVapology of this na-. ure is quite inadequate, and my •ommitteo trust that the conduct of ho hands in question will bo thorough’y gone into, and punishment comnensurate with the offence meted out :o the offenders.” APOLOGY DENIED. v "Wanganui, February 20. Tu connection with] a telegram from lackland, re the disturbance at tjic,, 'and 'Contest," stating Secretary ( Villiamson, of the Band Contest Committee, in a letter to the North Is•and Brass Bands Association, declares hat the Drum-Major of the Wanganui larrisou Band offered to apologise to mo of tho Contest Committee for his land’s conduct, Drum-Major Harrison aiies. that he made any such apology, ’e says lie told the chairman of the unmittee that his band was not im.'heated and there was nothing to pologise for so far as the "Wanganui larrison Band was concerned.

“ONLY A LITTLE FUN.” Wellington, February 20. Referring to the naming of the WelIngton City Band in connection with ic unpleasant incident at the band attest held at Auckland, Lieut- Herd i.vs he was not in charge of the band i the time but was amongst the speeders. So far as he could see, about re bands played in different times s they inarched towards the centre,, 1 continued playing when formed in hollow square. From a spectator’s of view the whole thing appeared s if intended as a joke and should ot have been taken seriously. It was lleged that the judge advanced toards tint bands in an angry manner, ossibly his action turned the joke ■do a more serious channel. The men vidently becoming incensed, continued laying. If the Wellington City Band ■id take part in the demonstration lie as very sorry, as its discipline hroughout the contest was very good, ieut. Herd added that it was quite he usual thing at he conclusion of a ontest for the bands to have a little tin, and had a little discretion been •sed by the band order could have eeu easily restored. It had been his xperience when acting as judge, that ten were apt to make a little diverion, but if a little patience was used e found that they readily respondd to the baton. ~ 1 ;