MR F. W. G. M'LEOD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9601, 22 September 1909, Page 5

MR F. W. G. M'LEOD.

A SUCCESSFUL CAREER. n 1900 the Masterton Municipal Brass Band was a very different combination in comparison with the Masterton Battalion Band of to-day. In that year it was decided to invite applications for the position of conductor and Mr F. W. G. McLeod, then of Oamaru, secured the position. The marked success achieved by the Band under his conductorship is wellknown. Shortly after arriving in chis town Mr McLeud established himself as a bookseller and stationer in Hall street, but increasing business necessitated a removil, and he then secured premises in the Star Block, which are now occupied by Messrs Cole and Westerman. About five years ago he was joined by his brother-in-law, Mr R. J. Young, and the business of the firm expanded rapidly. Several years qgo arrangements wjre made for the erection of "The Academy Buildings," which, were built in accordance with the requirements of the firm. In 1903 Mr McLeod went to England as a member of the New Zealand Band, which toured the Old Country. When Lieut. Herd, who went Home as conductor cf the Band, decided to stay in England, Mr McLeod was elected as conductor in his stead, a compliment not only to his musical ability, but to his personal popularity with the other members of the Band. The handsome Band Rotunda in the Park is not altogether unconnected with Mr McLeod's efforts, and it may safely by said that the pride which the Masterton public naturally took in its highly efficient band was an inducing factor towards the erection of the Rotunda. Some eighteen months ago Mr McLeod resigned the conductorship of the Band owingto pressure of business, and to his not being, at in the best of health. During the first week in November next the Province of Marlborough will celebrate its jubilee with a carnival at Blenheim, and among tthe attractions an important band contest has been arranged. Mr McLeud will act as judge at the contest, and would have been unable to do so save that he was able to secure permission to defer his departure for Cobar until November next. It is worth mentioning that it is the third time that Mr McLeod has been offered a position as band conductor outside tf New Zealand. He has previously been offered positions both at Hobart and at Ararat (Australia). Mr McLeod has also been an active member of the Knox- Church, as a msmter of the choir, choirn aster, organist, elder, and latterly as a lay preacher in the out-stations.