BAND CONCERT AT AOTEA.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1917, Page 4

BAND CONCERT AT AOTEA.

A RECORD GATHERING. Ideal weather favored the Citizens' Band's recital at Aotea yesterday after noon, the visitors being attracted by the beauty of Messrs Sole Bros.' property as well as by the programme offered. Many of those present arrived early in the afternoon to spend a delightful hour or so in strolling through the beautiful grounds, which Messrs Sole are constantly improving, witli the result that there are probably no private gardens of their kind in New Zealand to equal them. At present Aotea is in perfect condition. The new fern gladeß have made splendid headway, the artificial lake lias been improved, and the many winding paths have been carefully cleaned up and in places re-graded. The attendance was easliy the largest that has gathered at Aotea, visitors attending from Stratford, Inglewood, Waitara and the surrounding districts, and very favorable comment was made on the reserve. The Junior Band acquitted itself commendably in a couple of patriotic marches, "The Red, White, and Blue," and "The Old Brigade," and also in two hymns. The juniors have made remarkable progress since being organised by Bandmaster McLeod, and they produce a well-blended, pleasing tone, to which the reed instruments contribute. They paraded in strength and were accorded very hearty and deserved applause, The senior band's programme was a generously long one, and included a bright march, "Royal Guards" (McAllister), a delightful suite, "The Bridal Rose" (Trussel); a sacred piece, "Peace be Still" (arranged by pandmaster McLeod) ; and a dashing quickstep, "Yeomen of the King" (Ord Hume). A trombone and euphonium duet, "Excelsior" (Balfe) by musicians A. Handley and H. Hedley, was very well received, and Corporal 0. A. McDonald, in a difficult and effective euphonium solo, "There's a Land" (Francis Allitson), contributed a popular number. By special request "The Rosary" (Ethelbert Nevin) and "Nearer, My God, to Thee" were in eluded in the programme. During an interval Mr. W. J. Penn, president of the band, explained that the concert had been held to obtain a sufficient sum of money to form the nucleus -£. the fluid for the building of the nn_ bandroom. He also tendered the thanks of the committee and band for the help the largo gathering had given, and to Messrs Sole Bros, for their kindness in throwing open their grounds to the band and the public. A collection taken up during the afternoon brought in the satisfactory sum of £lO.