MARLBOROUGH JUBILEE BAND CONTEST.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9644, 9 November 1909, Page 6

MARLBOROUGH JUBILEE BAND CONTEST.

Not the least important among the long list of festivities included in the Jubilee celebrations of the above province was the Band Contest, which took place during four days of :he week. Mr McLeod, who was in attendance as musical judge, returned to Masterton yesterday, accompanied by Mrs McLeod, and speaks in glowing terms of the hospitality extended bv Blenheim officials and residents. They were taken for motor journeys throughout the district, which were greatly enjoyed, while they were entertained in many.other ways during the celebrations. Owing to the meagre results forwarded from Blenheim, our representative gleaned the following particulars from Mr McLeod, whose decisions were apparently very popular,, a feature of his work being that he succeeded in placing the bands in exactly the same order of merit as regards musical points in all three of the band competitions. The following are. ths details:— B Plat Cornets—E. Elliott, Petone, 74; P. Reeves, Blenheim,

72; A. McMasters Westport, 66. Eight competitors. BB Fat Bass—G. Barrett, iNelson, 71; E. Neighbours,. Westport, 69; J. Duschke, Westport, 59. Only starters. E Flat Bass —M. Hale, Westport, 69; R. H. Fulton, Blenheim, 66; F. M. Mannsen, Nelson and T. Fitzell, Petone, 65 each. Eight entries. S Flat Tenor Horn—G. Watt, Westport, 74; A. Mason, Blenheim, (late Masterton) 68; J. McDonald, Westport, 67. Eleven players. Euphoniums —S Wheatley, Westport, 70; C. Cummings, Petone, 66; P. O'Dwyer, Hibernian, 54. Soprano CornetStevenson, Hibernian, 69; L. Neighbours. Westport, 67; P. Robinson, Nelson, 65. Trombone Trios—-West-port, 82; Blenheim, 79; Hibernian, 62. Grand Band Waltz Competition —Westport, 82; Blenheim, 80; Nelson, 73; Hibernian, 62. Baritones— S. Neighbours, Westport, 68; E. Matthews, Hibernian, 65, Bass Trombones—Jno. Cummings, Westport, 69; L. Holdaway, Blenheim, 66; L. M. Estcourt, Nelson, 60. Tenor Trombones —Jas. Cummings, Westport, 75; T. Neighbours, Westport, 73; L. Tunnicliffe, Blenheim, 69; A. Lethaby, Nelson, 65; F. Kear, Hibernian, 59. B Flat Bass—F. R. Wilkins, Blenheim, 65. Only competitor. Test Selection—Westport, 86; Benheim. 84; Nelson, 78; Hibernian, 69. . Quickstep. Music. Drill. Tl. Blenheim Garrison S3 151J 234J Nelson Citizens 80 137J 217J Westport Garrison 84 125J 209J Hibernian, Blenheim 73 113 186 Quartettes— Westport No. 1, 86; Blenheim No. 1, 84; Westport No. 2, 79; Nelson No. 1,, 77; Westport No. 3, 72; Nelson No. 2, 69; Blenheim No. 2, 67, Hibernian No. 1. 66; Petone No. 1, 64.

Commenting on the playing, Mr McLeod said that taken all through it was very good in the solos, especially the Trombones, a good standard of excellence, being generally maintained. The band numbers were disappointing at first, but improved wonderfully, that in the Test Selection being first class by at least two of the bands. Mr McLeod received congratulations from a number of visiting and resident musicians, while the remarks which hs passed upon the individual merits ul ; the performers at the conclusion of each sections, pointing out defects and suggesting remedies, were greatly appreciated.