Wanganui Band

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 54, 25 July 1930, Page 6

Wanganui Band

HE Wanganui Garrison Band was formed in 1882, and is therefore one of the oldest contesting bands in the Dominion, with a record that few bands, if any, in the world can boast of. A glance at the band’s contesting record shows the reason why the citizens of Wanganui are so proud of their famous Garrison Band. The band has to its credit 26 firsts, 9 seconds, and 5 third prizes. Its prizes include: First prize selection at Christchurch International Exhibition, 1907, and gaining the honour of the International Prize Band, first prize selection at Dunedin Exhibition, 1926, and winners of the Australasian championship at Ballarat in 1910. They have the distinction of being the only band that has gone over to Australia from New Zealand and won the Australasian championship. The band has still some of the old stalwarts in its ranks, who, by yeomen service, have helped to build up the Garrison Band’s wonderful record, namely, J. Trussell, A. A. Guthrie, ‘S. Signal, James McGrath, D. Williams, R. Boyd, Alex. Guthrie, W. Francis, and H. Hall (their present secretary). Mr. Tom Gray, the.conductor, who is the best-known bandsman and soloist in New Zealand, migrated from the ranks. He was the solo euphonium and solo trombonist of the band for many years, and is the possessor of 27 medals.