(Otago Witness, Issue 2608, 9 March 1904, Page 26)
Source - National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past
BRASS BANDS CONTEST.
TWO WINS FOR THE KAIKORAI.PALMERSTON NORTH, March 3.
The following is the result of the first test piece: - Kaikorai, 150 points; Ruahine, 136; Taranaki, 134; Masterton, 132; Hastings, 129; Palmerston, 128; Palmerston Municipal, 125: Auckland No. 1 Infantry, 121; Hawera, 119; Auckland Garrison, 118; Newtown, 110. The winners also take first prize in the E. and B flat cornets and tenor horn competitions; while a member of the Ruahine Band wins the euphonium.
There were 12 entries for the trombone solo, but only five faced the judge. The piece taken was "Herculean Polka", by Reverie, which was not altogether suitable for the instrument. The work was not as good as it might have been, probably on this account. The judge, however, classed the first two performers as fair.
Trombone Solo.- S. Sly (Taranaki), 107, 1; H. Taylor (No. 1 Infantry), 106, 2; S. W. Hutchinson (Masterton), 103, 3; C. M'Connell (Hawera), 101; J. R. Elliott (Denniston), 95. Sly's marks were - Intonation 15, tone 15, expression 15, phrasing 15, articulation 15, style 16, execution 16; Taylor- intonation 15, tone 15, expression 14, phrasing 15. articulation 15, style 15, execution 16.
B Flat Cornet Solo.- The test piece in this was "Toreador." Out of 25 entrances, seven only faced the judge. Results : J. Giles (No. 1 Infantry), 107 points, 1; H. J. Crysett (Hastings), 104, 2; B. Cosgrove, 103, 3; J. Richards (Taranaki), 102; S. Hunter (Auckland Garrison), 97; E. Schnack (Kaikorai), 96; P. Williams (No. 1 Infantry), 92. Giles's points were - Intonation 15, tone 15, expression 15, phrasing 16, articulation 15, style 15, execution 16; Crysett - intonation 15, tone 15, expression 14, phrasing 14, articulation 15, style 15, execution 16. The judge was again disappointed with the selection. He said there were some "circus bits" but nothing to bring out the musical qualities of players.
Drum Competition. - Horn. (Taranaki), 1; Peters (Kaikorai), 2.
Side Drum. - Smith (Kaikorai), 1; Miller (Hastings), 2.
The quickstep competition took place in heavy rain, but was witnessed by a large crowd. The sum of £242 was taken at the gates and stands. All the bands, according to experts, showed a marked improvement on any previous year. The marching was also very fair. Results : -
March 4.
The solos were continued in the Theatre Royal this morning as follows: -
E Flat Horn Solos (test, "When other lips," "Bohemian Girl"). - J. M'Kersey (Denniston), 112, 1; M. Davie (Kaikorai), 110, 2; J. D. Whelan (Kaikorai), 109, 3. Also competed: J. May (Hastings) 107, S. Miller (South Canterbury Battalion), 107, J. Lloyd (Ruahine) 107, W. Taylor (Hawera) 106, H. E. Strong (Auckland Garrison) 105, A. Mason (Masterton) 105, W Norman (Masterton) 10-i, W. Coultart (Taranaki) 103, G. Williams (No. 1 Infantry) 101, A. M'Neil (Newtown) 101, H. Wilson (Taranaki) 99, A. White (Hastings) 99, F. Walker (No.1 Infantry) 94.
E Flat Bass Solo.- M. Goglan (Kaikorai), 109, 1; J. Jamieson (Hastings), 108, 2; H. Calkeen (No. 1 Infantry), 106, 3. Also competed: Dixon (Masterton) 105, G. M'Donald (Taranaki) 105, F. Hunter (Auckland Garrison) 102, F. Hutchins (Ruahine) 101, E. Brich (Hawera) 96.
TEST SELECTIONS.
The judge announced his decision, in the test competitions soon after 11 o'clock, the bands being placed in the following order: - The prizes are £100, with 25 silver medals and a gold medal for the conductor; £50, £25, £15, £10, and a silver-plated cornet valued at £15 15s.
THE BEESON SHIELD. The Beeson shield, of the value of £50, to be held for one year by the band gaining the highest aggregate points in both test selections and for music in the quickstep competition, which counts 1 point in 5, resulted as follows: -
Kaikorai, 306, 1; Ruahine, 282 4-5, 2; Hastings, 276 4-5, 3; Palmerston North, 275 3-5; Masterton, 272; Taranaki, 268 2-5 ; Auckland Garrison, 264 ; Palmerston Municipal, 260 4-5 ; No. 1 Infantry. 2512-5; Hawera, 250 4-5; Newtown, 236 3-5.
Kaikorai 293 - 1
Ruahine 274 - 2
Hastings 267 - 3
Palmerston North 263 - 4
Masterton 259 - 5
Taranaki 258 - 6
Auckland Garrison 254
Palmerston Municipal 251
No.1 Infantry 241
Hawera 239
Newtown 233
Military Music Total
Kaikorai 71 1/2 65 136 1/2
Palmerston North 73 63 136
Masterton 67 1/2 65 132 1/2
Hawera 68 58 126
No.1 Infantry 70 51 121
Auckland Garrison 64 53 117
Hastings 62 49 111
Palmerston Municipal 60 49 110
Taranaki Garrison 58 52 110
Newtown 58 43 101
Ruahine 56 44 100