Death of Well Known Band Conductor Occurs

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1942, Page 6

Death of Well Known Band Conductor Occurs

The oldest bandmaster in Taranaki, Mr. Albert Beesley, died at New Plymouth on Wednesday. Mr. Beesley was well-known throughout Tai'anaki, more particularly for his work as conductor of the Eltham Brass Band for more than 30 years. Mr. Beesley conducted a cycle dealer's business at Eltham i'or about 33 years and all that, time he was actively connected with the musical life of the district. He also conducted the Eltham Amateur Operatic Society and the Eltham Diggers' Orchestra. Under his conductorship the Eltham band gained outstanding success at many : contests, and it was not out of a place I at any of the Taranaki Brass and Pipe I Band Union's contests. Mr. Beesley was ! an expert cornet player. When he took up residence at New Plymouth five years ago, Mr. Beesley established a cycle business in Devon Street, but three years ago was compelled to give it up because of ill-health. Although taking no active part in band work at New Plymouth, he maintained his interest in the Taranaki Bands' Union, and was an official at several contests in recent years. Mrs. Beesley, like her husband, has been closely assiciated with Eltham's musical instittutions and with similar activities since living at New Plymouth. The funeral was held at Te Henui yesterday, the Rev. J. D. McL. Wilson taking the services at the house and at the graveside. Bearers were Messrs. H. A. Nuttall, H. Andrews, S. Murray, S. White i Eltham band), S. G. Robinson (brother-in-law, Kaikoke), and J. E. Carter. Members of the Taranaki Regi-mental-N.P. Municipal Band, under the conductor, Mr. H. Gallagher, played Chopin's Funeral March, and the hymn "Lead Kindly Light." Wreaths included tributes from the Inglewood Band, Eltham Band, Eltham Fire Brigade, Regimental-Municipal Band, late Stratford Operatic Society, St. Andrews choir, Women's Scottish Society, 27th Machine Gun Club, W.D.F.U., Happiness Club and Rangiatea Home.