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Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1917, Page 4

SOLOS PLAYED ON SUMMIT,

The visit of the New Plymouth Citizen's' Band to Mount Egmont during tile week-end was a unique and interesting experience. 'XTie trip was arranged by Mr H. Williams, manager of the North Egmont Hostelry (at whoso invitation the band made the visit), and M*. F W. G. McLeod, thej bandmaster. Die bandsmen were com veyed to tho Hostelry on Saturdayevening in motor vehicles provided at reduced rates by Mr. W. W Jackson. On their arrival they were met by Mr, and Mrs. Williams, "-ho at once made them at home. After tea, the. band played a programme in the presence of a large number of guests. The men were accommodated in the Old' House, and spent the evening pleaiantlyj though there was little sleep for anyone there that night. The men were very keen about ascending to the summit, and during the night the sky waa frequently the object of careful scrutiny, and there were many expressions of (lis/ appointment when, at midnight, the* sky becamo overcast, and thick rain* laden clouds hung over the mountain. At 3 a.m. nearly the whole of the band was astir, ready to go forward. The guide, Air. Williams, said there was every indication of heavy rain, and strongly advised against^the original project—of tno whole band ascending to the summit and playing ihere., Eventually a party of over twenty, including several civilians, declared their intention to make the trip, and a start was made in favorable weather at twenty minutes to five. When the party readied tho vicinity of Humphries' Castle, the wind became strong and intensely cold, and again and again the party was enveloped in heavy mists, hut they held together well until the scoria was reached Here the heavy going, the exhausting work, and the intense cold proved too much for a number of the men. At a point a little below the termination of the scoria several turned hack Seven bandsmen and two civilians reached the summit, and Sergeant Coulter, who had carried his instrument with him, played several euphonium solos, including 'Annie Laurie/' '-'Nearer My God to Thee," and "\Auld Lang Syne." Photographs of the successful climbers wero secured. Some of the men made the trip to the top in 2'/« hours, doing the return journey In 4 hours 40 minutes. Some time afterwards the bandmaster, Mr. McLeod, and two boys, Leslie and Zedrie Ncwell, reached the summit. Twenty-five motorcars arrived at the hostelry during Sunday, and in the afternoon the band played a number of choice selections in the presence of about 200 people. The music was greatly enjoyed, and £6 was collected. The return journey was made in tho evening, and, prior to leaving, members of the band expressed their warm appreciation of the kindness and hospitality extended to them by Mr. and, Mrs. Williams.