The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1902. THE BAND CONTEST.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 6, 8 January 1902, Page 2

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1902. THE BAND CONTEST.

The success of the forthcoming band contest depends very largely oa the public spirit of th 9 people of Now Plymouth. It is not enough that the entries are large, for if the people of Taranaki do not heartily support the committee the success of the contest, from a public standpoint, will fall far short of what is desirable. We understand that his Worship the Mayor of New Plymouth and Councillor Tis.ih are interesting themselves in the matter, and propose waiting on the townspeople of New Plymouth to sncure their hearty support. In the first place it is intended, we understand, to ask for a guarantee of sufficient money to render the committee j secure and independent of weather and other contingencies. Then the questi >n of accommodation is a serious one. S > far, of the 16 bands that have paid the entrance fee, only about half have found accommodation,, and, the committee would like help in this matt' r. It has been suggested that the D'j ill Halt be fitted up with sleeping facilities. But it is not only the bandsmen who have to be provided for. A large influx of visitors may be expected, as the Railway Department proposes runI ning excursion trains from Wanganui. [lt has been suggested that a pl»n similiar to that adopted in Wellington during the Duke of York visit should be followed: that is for every one who is prepared to place one or two rooms at the disposal ef the conimitt- e to forward his name stating what number of beds he can supply, with or without meals, aod the rate of payment required. The secretary could they make out a list from which intending visitors would be able to select the accommodation they require. If some such a system is organised, there should be no difficulty; but it must be boroe in mind that, including bandsmen, something like a thousand beds will require to be found in New Plymouth alone. It is stated that the j finilway Department intend j to run a [kte train every evening as far Hawera, and no doubt this will enable many visitors to find accommodation at towns along the line, but these are not included in the above estimate. So far, we learn that it is expected most of the bands will arrive on the Monday, and a welcome concert will be held that evening in the Theatre Royal. On the following day a monster garden party ' will be held in the Recreation Grounds, ' the contest commencing on the Wednesday, Tkere is not the slightest doubt but that if the matter is properly taken up it will be the biggest affair ever seen in Taranaki. We feel satisfied the people of New Plymouth, and [ Taranaki generally, will give the com--1 mittee loyal and practical support.