The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1901. THE BAND COMPETITION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 290, 9 December 1901, Page 2

The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1901. THE BAND COMPETITION.

The brass band competition under the auspices of the New Zealand Brass Band Association, which takes place in a few months time, promises to be the most important function that has occurred in New Plymouth for many years. Its success depends very largely on the support accorded by the people of New Plymouth to the local committee. Last year the competition was held in Wanganui and the people of that pretty riverside town left nothing undone to make the affair a kuocbse. and the visit an enjoyable one to the members of outside bands. There is little doubt but that the right loyal manner in which visiting bandsmen were entertained by the good people of Wanganui accounts in a large measure for the large entries this year and we J feel sure New Plymouth is not going to be behind Wanganui in the matter of entertaining its guests. There is no doubt but that New Plymouth is indebted to the Garrison Band for the competition being held here. The spirited manner in which this young band entered for the various events, their discipline and creditable appearance, soon made them favourites not only with the other bands, but with the people of Wanganui, and when they extended an invitation to the executive to hold the next contest here it was accepted with delight. The entries this year are, we believe, a record for the colony, nearly twenty bands having nominated. Patting them down at the low average of twenty members each, it means nearly 400 bandsmen will assemble in New Plymouth from all parts of the colony. It is fair to assume that at least an equal number of bandsmen's wives and friends will accompany them, so the influx of visitors will be so considerable that the resources of the town in that respect are certain to be severely taxed. What is wanted now is for the whole population of the town and district to give the band contest committee the whole weight of their practical and moral support. The committee, already stlscted, appear to be the right men for the position, particularly the secretary, who is throwing himself into the matter in the most praiseworthy manner. As the time for the contest draws near the committee will want the assistance of others. Every effort should be made to secure excursion fares and special trains. The Union and Northern Steam Ship Companies should also be urged to grant excursion fares from Onehunga. As several Auckland bands have entered no doubt reduced fares would result in a good many visitors coming from Auckland, particularly now that the steamers run daily. We should also like to see the Town Band join in and assist in making the visit of the visiting bands enjoyable. There are many in New Plymouth who would like to Bee the two bands, of which we have every reason to be so proud, working hand in hand for the musical advancement of Taranaki, and if the coming contest should be the means of bringing this about, it would not be the least of the good results which we hope to see follow the assembling of bandsqien in New Plymouth.