THE "KILTIES" BAND.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3054, 26 November 1908, Page 5

THE "KILTIES" BAND.

A GREAT MUSICAL ORGANISATION. To-day Masterton is to be visited by positiveiy one of the best niilUary bands in the world—the famous Kilties Band, which is making a triumphal tour of the world. There is an erroneous impression abroad that the band is purely a pipe band, and it is as well to dispel at once this idea, and inform the general public that the "Kilties" achieved the great honour of defeating the world-famed Coldstream Guards Band at the Crystal Palace, London, in the selection "Tannhauser," in the presence of 1.70,000 people. This will give a good idea of the "Kilties" capabilities as a military band. Royalty, vice-Royalty, State Governors, Presidents, and noted personages generally in every quarter of the globe have paid wiliing homage at the shrine of the "Kilties," as their performances are as talented as they are varied. In Mexico the Band was given the use of all the State theatres free of charge, so enthusiastic was the Government at the visit of the famous organisation, and enormous attendances have listened to their playing in all the large capitals of the world. Indeed when the heavy expense of such a large troupe of performers is considered Masterton can count itself fortunate at being honoured with a visit by the Band. Whether with pipes, brass, woodwind or string instruments the performers are par excellence, and in- addition to the instrumental attractions there is a choir of 20 voices, under the conductorship of a recognised musical authority Mr Albert Cook. This gentleman is talented much beyond the ordinary, and possesses a magnificent baton set with rubies and diamonds, a present from His Majesty King Edward. The visit of the Kilties" is therefore one of considerable musical importance, and all lovers of first-class' instrumental music should not fail to hear the band. There is also included in the repertoire dancing by members of the Clan Johnston, including several lady performers. Regarding the arrangements for the band's performance to-day, the Band will arrive by the mail train from Napier at 3.20 p.m., and goes direct from the tram to the Showgrounds, where the matinee is to be held. In the evening a diversified programme will be given i» the will undoubtedly be the giant DrumMajor, Mr Dcnald McCormick, whose Town Hall. A centre of attraction height is 7 feet 3£ inches. The advance agent of the "Kilties," Mr McKenzie, is 7ft 2\ inches in height. Both are exceptionally fine stamp of men. Reference is made to their abilities in the athletic world in another column of this issue.