HASTINGS BAND CONTEST.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 29, 27 February 1909, Page 2

HASTINGS BAND CONTEST.

By Telegnaph —Press Association. Hastings, February 20. The Band Contest tests, A and B grades, were held last night on the Racecourse, which was illuminated with electric light. Splendid weather prevailed, and about 2000 people were present. Six bands appeared in the B grade, which resulted:—Hastings, 103 points, 1; Petone, 100, 2; Gisborne, 1.30, 3; Stratford, HO, i; llawera, HO, 5; Manaia, 135, 0. As was erpected, in the A grade the Wanganui Garrison was easily first with 194 points, Newton (Aucklanu), )81, second; Palmerston North, 17S, third. The judge remarked that this test was the best he had heard in the Dominion. He had not heard the winners befjoro, and he was very pleased with them. The solos were exceptionally good, and he would have given them full marks but for some slips that were made. Baritone solo: ti. Jensen (Wnnganui Garrison) SI points, first; W. W. White (Hastings Town), 72 points, second. Three competitors.

THE SECOND TESTS-. Hastings, Last Night. Tin; final test selection, A grade, resulted: Wangamii, 'ivtl points, iirst; Newton, 1!H) points, second; Palinerston North. 177 points, third. 1! grade: Petone 1, Gisbornc 2, Manaia 3. NORTH ISLAND BRASS HAND ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON GAIUUSON Hastings, Last Night. The twelfth annual meeting of the North Island Brass Band Association was held to-day, Mr. M. Cohen presiding. AH affiliated bands wore represented, The President j expressed appreciation to Hastings for the excellent arrangements and success of the contest, .Referring to the complaint of bandsmen that the contest extended over long a period, he expressed sympathy "with members who could not leave their work, and said he was of opinion that a shorter programme would enable more bands to attend contests. Referring l u tile dispute of the Wellington Garrison Band, the President said full details were before the meet in". He desired justice, but considered Mr. Hill's letter malicious and unworthy of a bandsman in imputing motive's to Mr. llolben which were fraught with serious consequence.

Mr. 11. G. Hill said the point they raised was that Alfred Hill's name should not have appeared on the ballot paper, if they had been told that Mr. llolben had made a mistake the Wellington Garrison would not have taken any action. He had no personal feeling in the matter, but Mr. llolben had not

carried out his duties. The circular he (Mr. Hill) sent out v ,.i, to warn the contest committee that the contest would be illegal. His letter was not malicious. The President said the action of the Wellington Garrison was deplorable, and he moved: "That failing a complete •apology to the executive within one month, the Association suspend the members of the AVcllington Garrison Band during the pleasure of the executive." This was carried, Mr. Maker (Wellington) being the only dissentient. }lr. jj, (i. Hill, for writing to the secretary of the Hastings contest committee and failing to comply with the resolution of the executive was suspended during I lie pleasure of the Association. At the annual meeting of the North Island Brass Band Association the report and balance-sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted in the re-election of Mr. B. Oohen as president, and Mr. E. R. B. Holben as secretary.