TARANAKI BANDS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 339, 21 January 1937, Page 4

TARANAKI BANDS.

CONTEST IN APRIL. Union Delegates Discuss Arrangements. Described by the president, Mr. P. S. Finlayson, as on e of the most representative gatherings 'field for some time, a meeting of Taranaki Brass and Pipe Bands Union delegates was held at Strfatford last niglht to complete arrangements for the 1937 Taranaki contest to be 'held at Waitara. Present were: Messrs H. Patterson, C. Murfitt (Inglewood(, F. L. Egarr, H. J. Andrews (Eltham), A< L. Campbell (Hawera Pipe Band), R. MacDonald (Stratford Pipe Band), R. Christiansen, D. Adams, W. A. Smith (Patea), A. J. Kelly, A. E. Pollock (Stratford Citizens), J. Autunovic, J. W. Hamlin, J. R. Bennett (Waitara Municipal), J. R. Skinner (Auroa Pipe), E. H. Gould, H. C. A. Fox (Hawera). The secretary of the New Zealand Brass Bands Association (Mr. J. G. Osborne), under date January 13, wrote that permission to hold the contest, probably at Waitara on a date in March, would be placed befor the N.Z.8.8.A. management committee at a meeting to be held within, the next seven days. At the same meeting the application for the Waitara Band to be regarded as a “C” grade bund would ba considered. Select-on Of Date. The Waitara Band Contest committee advised that at a public meeting a strong committee was formed to further the proposal and the required guarantee of £5O had been raised. It seemed that it would be difficult to select a suitable date and at the time of writing, April 3 appeared to be the most suitable. March 6 was Regatta Day in Waitara, the Stratford show would be held on March 13, and Stratford races on March 20, leaving only the Easter holidays open in March.

The Taranaki Trotting Club wrote pointing out that a trotting .meeting would be held at New Plymouth on April 3 and should the two functions take place on the same day they would dash, with consequent detriment jto. both parties.

After considerable discussion in regard to a suitable date it was resolved to make application to hold the contest on April 10, nominations to close on February 8.

IngT-wood Band’s Position., I Mr. Murfitt stated that it was not

; certain whether the Inglewood band | would % compete bn account of the ■ Thursday halfhol day. Only four of the members did not work on Saturdays. There was a possibility that the band would be able to compete in the evening in the selection. The position of the Eltham band as regards the contest was uncertain at present on account of the rcsigi nation of the* conductor, said Mr. AnI drews.

I Mr. A. Beesley, conductor of the ■ Eltham Brass Band for the past 33 years, and who has been connected

with the union since its inception, forwarded his resignation pn account of his departure from Eltham. “Personally | am very sorry £o think that Mr. Bosley i s relinquishing his interest ii’n the band ‘movement,” said Mr. Finlayson. “| do not think (that such & keen and enthusiostic bandsman will ever ciease taking an interest in band work,” he added. His suggestion that acceptance of Mr. Beesley’s resignation be held over until the annual meeting and that he retain office as vice-president in the meantime was approved. A resolution was carried placing on record the services of Mr. Beesley. On the motion of Mr. Murfitt it was resolved to endeavour to arrange for pipe bands to compete in one grade. A proposal from the Waitara Band that two verses of a hymn selection be played in the evening and that a separate award be made was approved. “The idea was highly to be commended,” said Mr. Fox. “Not much time would be taken up fn playing I two verses of a hymn,” he added.