MILITARY BANDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 10

MILITARY BANDS

VISIT TO TAIHAPE CONCERT AND MASSED PARADE. (Own Correspondent.) Taihape was favoured with fine weather on Sunday for the visit of the Wellington Regimental Military Band and the Wellington Regimental Pipe Band, which are at present in camp at Waiouru. Keen interest was manifest in the visit of these two talented musical combinations, and Taihape turned out in force to see the visitors, over 800 people attending (he concert, which was held in the Town Hall at night. Seating accommodation was taxed to its utmost capacity, and so great was the crowd that some had to be satisfied with standing room only.

Taihape’s welcome to the military musicians was reflected in the large attendance at the hospital in the afternoon and at the Town Hall at night, and constituted a remarkable tribute to the two military bands. The Wellington Regimental Military Band wore scarlet tunics and dark trousers, while the Wellington Regimental Pipe Band appeared in khaki jackets and either kilts or tartan pants. Both attracted considerable attention as they paraded through the streets of Taihape (their distinctive uniforms and smart military bearing being the subject of much favourable comment). Shortly after 3 p.m. the two bands paraded in the main street and marched to the Taihape Hospital where the patients and public enjoyed a bright musical programme. The parade was led by the Pipe Band, under PipeMajor G. McLennan, with whom were associated Drum-Major A. Hobson, Sergt. J. McDonald, Corpl. J. Black. The Regimental Military Band was under the conductorship of Lieut. H. Baker. Also present were Lanc-Corpl. W. Baker and about 40 musicians. The Pipe Band comprised about 20 members. The programme opened with a March, “1914,” by the Regimental Military Band, well known war tunes such as “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” being included. Then followed a delightly selection entitled “Festivalia.” A stirring march, “Sandhurst,” was also greatly enjoyed, together with other musical ietms.

The contributions of the Regimental Pipe Band included “McKenzie Highlanders,” “Highland Laddies,” “Barren Rocks,” “Pibroch Donald Dhu,” and “Marquis of Huntley.” Massed Parade. At 7.30 o'clock in the evening the visiting military bands and the Taihape Municipal Band took part in a massed band parade through the main street, which was lined by hundreds of interested spectators. The parade marched from the Post Office as far as Otaihape Club and then countermarched back to the Post Office ana finished with a march to the Town Hall. The Pipe Band led the parade, and the Regimental Military Band anl the Taihape Municipal Band joined in as one unit for purposes of instrumentation, it being desirable that those playing the same instruments should be together. Enjoyable Concert. It is estimated that between 800 and 900 patrons crowded itno the Town Hall tCz enjoy the concert given by the military bands and the Taihape Municipal Band. Each and every item contributed by this ga.’axy of musical talent met with an excellent reception, and the big audience showed its appreciation by frequent rounds of ap-

plause. The visiting bands were welcomed by the Mayor (Mr. L. B. H. de Lautour), who introduced Lieut. H. Baker, conductor of the Regimental Military Band, and Pipe-Major G. McLennan, of the Regimental Pipe Band. The Taihape Band, is grateful to the public foi their support and wish to announce that another band concert 'vi.*r be held on the 16th inst. when the Wellington Artillery Band will visit Taihape.