TBL Archives - Newspaper Extracts (1946-1954)
Thursday, 13th June 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 4):MUNICIPAL BAND - The president of the [Burnie] Municipal Band (Mr. L.Y. Watson) presided at a recent meeting of the committee, at which it was decided to hold the annual ball in August on a date on which the Theatre was available. The secretary (Mr. S. Wall) and the women's committee were empowered to make arrangements. The president and Mr. H. Rigney, who were delegates to a recent conference in Launceston, at which it was decided to form the Tasmanian Band League, gave a report on the proceedings. It was explained that 15 bands were represented, including the two Burnie brass bands. It was decided that headquarters should be in Launceston, and Mr. Brain was elected secretary and Mr. Seymour president. A constitution based on that of the Victorian Band League was adopted, and it was decided to affiliate with The Australian Band Council. Mr. Watson explained that it was proposed officially to launch the league at a meeting at which massed bands would play in Launceston in November. The Governor (Admiral Sir Hugh Binney) who was chief patron, would be asked to inaugurate it. Mayors and wardens in the cities and towns of affiliated bands would be elected patrons. Another proposal was for a contest for boys' bands to be held at, Beaconsfield. It was decided to direct the proxy delegate to propose to the league that, owing to the low standard of band music in this State, bands be classed as "D" grade.
Friday, 2nd August 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 4):INTEREST IN BAND - At the annual meeting of the [Ulverstone] band, the president (Mr. M.M. Rockliff) referred to the large attendance. It was composed largely of young men who were keen on the work. The band almost disappeared during the war, through enlistments and other causes, and at one stage only three bandsmen attended at the railway station to play a welcome home to returned men. The newly-elected president (Mr. J. Collins) appealed to the public to give, the band their support. One of those at the meeting was Mr. H. Brain, secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League, whose father was a former member of the Ulverstone Band.
Monday, 12th August 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BAND MEETING - A meeting of the Ulverstone Band committee was presided over by the president (Mr. Jake Collins). It was decided to hold meetings on the first Tuesday evening of each month. Socials in aid of funds were referred to the original women's committee and the committee appointed at the annual meeting. The secretary was instructed to table a report at each meeting on progress made by individual bandsmen, and it was decided that parades be held, in uniform, every three months for inspection purposes, in a programme extending throughout the summer months. Accounts totalling £92/10/ were passed for payment. Messrs. B. Stratton and A. Quantrell were appointed delegates to the Tasmanian Bands League.
Tuesday, 3rd September 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BAND MEETING - The Burnie Municipal Band last evening made preliminary arrangements for a welcome-home dinner in honor of 17 bandsmen who have returned from the fighting services. the president (Mr. L.Y. Watson) was in the chair. It was agreed to ask members of the women's committee to act as hostesses for the dinner and social evening on September 28. Members appointed Messrs. S.G. Keep and L. Wilson, of Launceston, proxy delegates to the Tasmanian Band League. A motion recorded appreciation of the part played by helpers in connection with the recent successful ball. It was reported that profit from that fixture had enabled a cheque for £31 13/6 to be forwarded to aid the After-Care Fund.
Wednesday, 16th October 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BAND MEETING - At an extraordinary meeting of the [Burnie] Municipal Band on Monday night, it was decided to give a welcome home dinner on October 24 to members of the band who had returned from service in the forces. Applications were received from two bandsmen in Victoria, who wished to join the band if suitable employment and accommodation were available. A conference of the Tasmanian Band League will be held in the bandroom on November 2, 3 and 4. To augment funds it was decided to hold a series of dances in the Town Hall.
Monday, 21st October 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 3): 
Friday, 25th October 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 5):MASSED BANDS TO PERFORM - Launceston, Thursday. the Tasmanian Bands League will present its first peacetime massed bands' day at Launceston next Sunday. The event is expected to be the most impressive of its kind ever seen in Tasmania. Highlight of the day will be the grand march from Lindsay street to York Park, where there will be a combined concert. Bandsmen from Hobart, Burnie, Devonport, Ulverstone and Latrobe will arrive in Launceston on Saturday and Sunday. More than 500 bandsmen will take part in the concert. The Mayor (Alderman Hollingsworth) will open the recital at York Park at 3 p.m. Each of the 13 bands will provide items. On Saturday evening visiting bandsmen will be entertained at a social function in the City Hall. Trophies for the most efficient drum major and the best marching exhibition have been given. The main object of the Tasmanian Bands League was to make Tasmania premier band State in the Commonwealth, the organiser (Mr. Round) said today. The league was formed last April and tomorrow's concert will be its first big undertaking. The aim is to foster the study of instrumental music and cultivate a national sentiment among bands; also to create a public demand for band music by providing recitals, entertainments and competitions. It is desired to assist charitable organisations and inaugurate and control instrumental contests, including championships.
Monday, 28th October 1946 ("The Mercury", Page 6):PIPE BAND SHOULD TOUR HEMISPHERE - "The staff work and leadership of St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band, of Launceston, leaves nothing to be desired, and the band should be sent on a tour, not only of Australia, but the whole of the Eastern Hemisphere." This was stated at Launceston yesterday by Mr. R. Bashford when declaring the band winner of the street marching contest in the massed bands concert at York Park arranged by the Tasmanian Bands League. The Caledonian drum major Mr. A. Mackrill was awarded the sash for the most efficient drum major. Devonport Municipal Band was runner-up. There was an excellent attendance at the ground to hear bands representing Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport, Ulverstone, and Latrobe. Mr. Bashford said a greater interest should be taken among young musicians, and an endeavour made to obtain better premises in which to hold practices. He visualises fifty bands participating in future concerts. The Mayor (Mr. Hollingsworth) congratulated the league on the success of its first postwar concert. He said the objective of the league was to assist the formation of a Tasmanian band to compete in the Australian bands competitions on the Mainland, to encourage youth in music, and to stage mass performances in Hobart and Launceston every year. The bands assembled opposite the Railway station and marched to York Park. The concert was organised by Mr. L.O. Round and Mr. A.E. Brain was secretary. The possibility of providing a representative Tasmanian band to compete in Mainland competitions was referred to by the president of the league (Mr. A. Seymour) at a band smoke social at Launceston on Saturday night. Mr. Seymour said it was hoped to stage mass bands displays throughout Tasmanian in the future. Present at the social were bandsmen from the Launceston City Band, the Launceston Silver Band, the Launceston Railway Junior Silver Band, Hobart Returned Soldiers' Memorial Band, Devonport Band, the Burnie Marine Band, the Ulverstone Municipal Band, the Invermay Boys' Band, the Burnie Pipe Band, and the Launceston St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band. A musical programme was given, and items by Master Tom Ivery and Paul Vertigan.
Monday, 28th October 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 2):BAND FESTIVAL IN LAUNCESTON - Launceston, Sunday. - The Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band, at the festival today, won the marching contest, and its drum major, A. Mackrill, won a sash awarded the most efficient drum major of the day. The official adjudicator (Mr. K. Bashford) praised the winner for his good work. He said a close runner up was the drum major of the Devonport Municipal Band. "If I had the money, I would not hesitate to send this band, not only to Australian States but to all countries in the Eastern Hemisphere," he said. The Mayor (Alderman Hollingsworth) presented the sash and cup to Drum-Major Mackrill and Pipe-Major R. McKenzie. He said Launceston was justly proud of the Caledonian Pipe Band. More than 5000 people attended York Park for the festival and lined Invermay Road as the bands marched to the park. Officially opening the festival, the Mayor congratulated the bandsmen on their fine display. "Any community would be poorer without a band," he said. Because of the ban on Sunday competitive sport, the City Council would not allow the bands to be judged in York Park. Mr. A.E. Brain, secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League, said that if the marching of the 13 competing bands had been judged in York Park the council would have regarded it as competitive sport. Therefore they were judged as they marched along Invermay Road to York Park. "lt is a ridiculous situation," he said. "The council could not stop us from judging the marching in Invermay Road, but would not allow us to do it in the park. It made us submit a programme and stipulated that we could not charge for admission, but were allowed to take silver coin collections. The money received will go to a fund to assist bands in Tasmania, but the crowd might have had a much better show if the judging had been carried out on the ground." The Mayor said the council placed no restrictions on the organisers of the festival. "They made no request to us, and the council in no way restricted them," he said. "If they are dispensing with judging on the ground, it is their own choice. A request was received to hold the festival, and it was granted on condition that no charge was made for admission. That is all the council dealt with." The bands were tendered a social last evening by the Tasmanian Bands League. The president (Mr. A. Seymour) said stronger incentive was necessary to develop local talent and enable it to compare with mainland standards. Items were given by Mr. T. Avery (Burnie Marine Board Band) and P. Vertigan. The visiting bands wore Hobart Memorial, Hobart Junior Memorial, Burnie Marine Board, Burnie Pipe, Ulverstone Municipal and Devonport Municipal. Others represented were the Invermay Boys', Launceston Boys', Railway Silver (junior), St. Andrews Caledonian, Launceston City and Railway Silver bands.
Monday, 4th November 1946 ("The Mercury", Page 4):MASSED BANDS FESTIVAL AT BURNIE IN JANUARY - A massed bands festival will be held at Burnie in January, it was decided at the first annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League at Burnie on Saturday. It was decided the 1948 festival be at Hobart. The president (Mr. A.J. Seymour) was chairman and among those present were. Messrs H. Grice (Launceston City Band), G. Carney (Launceston Brass), L.R. Hughes (Returned Soldiers' Memorial Hobart), A.E. Crawford (Railway Silver Junior, Launceston), A.R. Walters (Launceston Pipe), A.R. Brickhill (Launceston Railway Junior), V. McMahon (Launceston Railway), A.E. Brain (league secretary), and L.O. Round (treasurer and representative of Hobart Junior Memorial). North-West Coast bands also were represented. The following officers were appointed: Patron, the Governor (Sir Hugh Binney); president, Mr. Seymour; vice-presidents, appointees of affiliated bands; secretary, Mr. Brain; treasurer. Mr. Round. Mr. Round was appointed organiser for the massed band festival, with the secretary and treasurer in each centre concerned collaborating. There was support for a suggestion by Mr. McMahon that Christmas, 1947, be regarded as a tentative date for a league carnival in Launceston. Mr. McMahon said he visualised a contest capable of attracting competition from the Mainland. It should be possible to raise £500 as prize money. The title of Tasmanian champion should go to the band securing highest points in the highest grade and there should be separate provision for competition for brass and pipe combinations. It was resolved the Government be again approached for financial support on similar lines to that accorded the Victorian Bands League. It was agreed to seek concessions for rail travel by bands.
Monday, 4th November 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 4):VISITORS ENTERTAINED - Messrs. L.Y. Watson (Municipal Band) and H. Goninon (Marine Board Band) were among Burnie residents who ensured that visitors to this town for the first annual conference of the Tasmanian Bands League were not neglected. Mr. A.J. Seymour (president) and other officials and delegates from Launceston and Hobart were escorted to Table Cape and other district scenic vantage points on Sunday. The secretary (Mr. A.E. Brain) last evening said the visitors were highly appreciative of the hospitality extended.
Wednesday, 6th November 1946 ("The Advocate", Page 8):BURNIE TO HAVE NEXT BAND FESTIVAL - A fine spirit of co-operation was demonstrated by band enthusiasts from many parts of the State when, at Burnie on Saturday evening, the first annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League took place. The recent successful festival in Launceston was reviewed and it was decided to hold a similar fixture for massed bands in Burnie next January. The president (Mr. A.J. Seymour) was chairman, and others present were: Messrs. S.A. Winwood and R. Goninon (Burnie Marine Board Band), H. Grice (proxy delegate for Launceston City), S.G. Keep and L.Y. Watson (Burnie Municipal), G. Garney [sic] (Launceston Brass), A.W. Kent and H.L. Dunstan (Devonport Municipal), F.E. Parsons and A.H. Thomas (Ulverstone Municipal), L.J. Coventry and T.R. Hicks (Latrobe), L.R. Hughes (Hobart Senior), A.E. Crawford (Launceston R.S.J.), A.R. Walters (Launceston Pipe), A.R. Brickhill (Launceston Railway Junior), V. McMahon (Launceston Railway Senior), G.A. Addison (St. Andrew's Pipe, Burnie), A.E. Brain (League secretary), and L.O. Round (treasurer and representative of Hobart Junior Memorial). The Burnie Warden (Cr. M.A. Whitford) welcomed the visitors and expressed his council's keen interest in band affairs. Presenting the annual report Mr. Seymour referred to the Success attending the initial efforts of the league, and said the recent festival was a tribute to those concerned with the organising. Bands from the North-West Coast had made a fine contribution. the participation of the Latrobe combination, despite its inability to parade in uniform, was a mark of genuine good sportsmanship and enthusiasm. Its members who were excellent ambassadors for their town. Congratulations were due to the Launceston St. Andrew's Band, which won the sash and the cup for marching. Mr. Round, who was praised for his organisation of the festival reported a profit of £103. A letter was received from the Burnie Athletic Club seeking permission to conduct a bands contest in conjunction with its New Year's Day sports carnival with prize money of £50. A deputation was appointed to wait on the secretary of the club and discuss the requirements of the League in regard to accredited adjudicators and similar details. Mr. Walters indicated that, although pipe bands apparently would not be eligible for the competition, St. Andrew's would make the trip from Launceston that day. Mr. Keep, who said he appreciated this spirit, offered to give a small trophy for pipe bands at the Burnie carnival. The following officers were appointed for the ensuing year - Patron, The Governor (Sir Hugh Binney); vice-patrons, all mayors and wardens of cities or towns with affiliated bands; president, Mr. Seymour; vice-presidents, appointees of affiliated bands; secretary Mr. Brain; treasurer, Mr. Round. lt was agreed to appoint a firm of chartered accountants as auditors, On the motion of Messrs. Crawford and Goninon, Mr. Round was appointed organiser for forthcoming massed band festivals with the secretary and treasurer in each centre concerned collaborating. During long discussion on the form of league activities there was a popular reception for a suggestion by Mr. McMahon that Christmas, 1947, be regarded as a tentative date for a league carnival in Launceston. Mr. McMahon said he visualised a contest capable of attracting competition from the mainland. It should be possible to raise £500 as prize money. The title of Tasmanian champion should go to the band securing highest points in the highest grade, and there should be separate provision for competition for brass and pipe combinations. There was no opposition to a motion by Mr. Watson, seconded by Mr. McMahon, that Burnie be the centre for the league's next festival and that it take place on the "long week-end" next January. Delegates from other centres also agreed with a resolution that the following fixture be at Hobart. They expressed the opinion, however, that in making plans further ahead the claims of other centres with affiliated bands receive consideration. Among general business items was a resolution that the Tasmanian Government again be approached with a request for financial support on similar lines to that accorded the Victorian Bands League. It was agreed to approach the Commissioner for Transport will a strong case for special consideration of claims of travelling bands to rail fare concessions. Professor B.W. Caten and Messrs. McMahon and C. Edwards were appointed to grade affiliated bands. The chairman advised Mr. Hughes against proceeding with a motion to institute a system of established fees for public performances. This was a domestic matter for individual bands, he said, and one which the league might well leave alone. Setting hard-and-fast rules might prohibit bands in smaller centres earning fees from organisations unable to finance the appearance of a band at their fixtures at "stiff" minimum charges. Discussing the co-operative spirit of Tasmanian bandsmen, Ulverstone delegates referred to an occasion when the local combination was restored to a working basis from a position of serious slump through the help of Burnie Marine Board Band. It was resolved, at the suggestion of Mr. Dunstan, to approach Army Disposals with a view to securing band instruments in bulk and distributing those to combinations in the greatest need.
Saturday, 4th January 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 5):£1,000 BAND CONTEST AT LAUNCESTON - Plans are in progress for staging a £1,000 brass and pipe band contest on Dec. 25, 26, and 27 this year at Launceston. Ald. L.O. Round, State organiser of the Tasmanian Bands League, said this yesterday. The decision to revive band music and contests in Tasmania was unanimous at the annual meeting at Burnie last November. Mr. Round said Launceston City Council and Government would be asked for financial assistance, and a canvass of the business community would be made to seek its support in making the first postwar band contest successful. Contests in hymn music and selections in massed and solo items, also quickstep marching, would be held. In solo items it was possible Australian and Tasmanian championships for cornet and trombone and other instruments would be staged. The event would provide for a contest in hymn music on Christmas Day and carol music at night, with a general contest in quickstep and selections on Boxing Day and Saturday, and a massed band display on the Sunday. A number of inquiries have been received from interstate brass and pipe bands about the carnival. The grading of bands will take place soon. The league will stage its second Tasmanian Band Day at Burnie on Jan. 26, provided accommodation can be found for visiting bandsmen.
Saturday, 4th January 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):BAND CONTEST PLANNED - Plans are now in preparation for the staging of a £1000 Brass and Pipe Band contest in Launceston next Christmas. This was stated by the state organiser for the Tasmanian Bands League (Ald. L.O. Round) in Launceston yesterday. Ald. Round said a decision to organise band music and contests throughout Tasmania was reached at the annual meeting of the league last November. Both the City Council and the Government would be asked for financial assistance and a canvass of the business community would be made to obtain its support. It was proposed to incorporate hymn music and massed and solo items, also quick step marching. It was hoped that an Australian and Tasmanian championship for cornet arid trombone would be conducted. Ald. Round said enquiries had already been received from interstate brass and pipe bands regarding the contest and he hoped the public of Launceston would help to make the contest a success. The grading of bands would be conducted in the near future so that competitors would know in what section they could compete.
Saturday, 4th January 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):PROPOSED £1000 BAND CONTEST - Launceston, Friday. Plans were in preparation for £1000 brass and pipe band contest next Christmas, the State organiser for the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. L.O. Round) said today. The decision to organise band music and contests throughout Tasmania was decided at the annual meeting of the League last November. The City Council and the Government would be asked for financial assistance, and the business community would be asked to state its views. It was proposed to incorporate hymn music and selections of massed and solo items, also quick-step marching, and it was hoped an Australian and Tasmanian championship for cornet and trombone would be conducted. Inquiries had already been received from inter-State brass and pipe bands regarding the contest.
Tuesday, 7th January 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BANDS' DAY - Provided accommodation can be obtained, Burnie will be the venue on January 26 of the biggest band festival yet held in the town. It is expected about 400 bandsmen will take part. The decision to hold the festival at Burnie was made at the last annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League at Burnie in November. The last band festival was held in Launceston late last year, and was attended by several bands from the North-West Coast. An official of the Tasmanian Bands League pointed out that the forthcoming festival had to be held on the North-West Coast, otherwise this section of the island would have to wait for a couple of years. Any person with accommodation should advise a member or official of one of the local bands.
Saturday, 25th January 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 6):BAND FESTIVAL - Resident were keenly disappointed when it was decided not to hold the massed bands festival here tomorrow it was learned yesterday that the Tasmanian Bands League had decided to abandon the fixture when it was found impossible to arrange accommodation and billets for bandsmen from northern Tasmania. An official of the League said the decision was made with much regret, as it was hoped to stage in Burnie one of the biggest band days yet held in Tasmania. However, bandsmen could not be expected to travel to and from Launceston in one day. He understood every effort had been made to arrange accommodation, but sufficient was not available. The League was pleased the Latrobe Band had been able to arrange a festival in aid of its funds for new uniforms. Local bandsmen will visit Latrobe tomorrow.
Monday, 10th February 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):COASTAL BAND FESTIVALS - A meeting of delegates of North West Coast bands was held in Ulverstone on Saturday evening to discuss the holding of band festivals at various centres. Mr. L.Y. Watson, Burnie, was elected chairman. It was decided to hold festivals in Devonport, Ulverstone and Burnie within the next few weeks. The sequence was drawn for and resulted: Devonport, February 23: Ulverstone, March 16: Burnie, date to be fixed. It was decided to invite the Tasmanian Band League to take part and that takings go to the band of the town in which the festival was held. Visiting bands would pay their own expenses. It was suggested that at the conclusion of the festival season, an additional festival be held at Penguin to foster public interest in the Penguin band, which has not yet reached its pre-war status.
Monday, 24th February 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 5):BANDS' FINE EFFORT AT DEVONPORT - Devonport clearly indicated its appreciation yesterday when local and visiting brass bands provided an impressive display of marching and some fine music. The occasion was recognised as "Band Sunday." Following a similar assembly in Latrobe some weeks ago, the movement was taken up by local bandsmen and their supporters with the object of stimulating interest in band music and to rally support for the Devonport Band, which is in need of new instruments. Keen appreciation was expressed regarding the manner in which bandsmen from centres as far distant as Launceston co-operated. The bands marched off at intervals of four minutes from the intersection of Rooke and Stewart streets. First was the Launceston Boys' Band, the young; players making a fine impression in their smart uniforms, with their flowing capes of navy blue and red linings. Then followed Burnie Municipal, and St. Andrew's Pipe Band (Burnie), the kilts and the bagpipes proving as popular as ever with spectators. Members of Latrobe Federal looked smart in their new uniforms, and the Burnie Marine Board and Latrobe Federal bands marched together, the last to move off being Devonport Municipal. The bands marched to the oval, where their marching and playing were very impressive. A largo crowd assembled. The playing of "Lead, Kindly Light" by the massed bands was deservedly applauded. The Warden (Cr. E.J. Rust) gave a brief address, and there followed selections by each band the programme concluding with the National Anthem after the massed bands rendered the evergreen "Colonel Bogey." Receipts totalled £92, £60 being taken at the gate, £20 at an afternoon tea booth and £12 from the sale of cordial. Among the visitors was the president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. A. Seymour, of Launceston). Many came from the northern city and intermediate towns. A special train was run by the Railway Department to Mersey Bluff.
Wednesday, 26th February 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 5):AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR BAND CONTEST IN NORTH - Sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League, an ambitious interstate and intrastate band contest will be conducted at Launceston from Dec. 25-28. Prize money will total £750. Fourteen Tasmanian bands, have been graded - four in "C" grade and 10 in "D" grade. They are: "C" grade: Burnie Municipal Band, Launceston City Band, Hobart Memorial Band and Railway Silver Band. "D" grade: Burnie Marine Bd. Band, Devonport Municipal Band, Invermay Schoolboys' Band, Latrobe Federal Band, Launceston Boys' Band, Queenstown Silver Band, Hobart Junior Memorial Band, Railway Silver Junior. Ulverstone Municipal Band, and Campbell Town Brass Band. Prize money for the contest is: "B" grade (for Mainland bands), £185; "C" grade, £175; "D" grade, £160; pipe bands, £170; quickstep, £15 in each grade. The Tasmanian Band League is to solicit assistance from the Government and city and municipal councils where there are bands, towards the expenses of the bands competing. It is believed it is almost 50 years since a band contest of this nature was held in Launceston. The league is to ask sporting organisations to conduct cycling, running, chopping, and other events in conjunction with the band contests. Ald. L.O. Round, of Launceston, is State organiser for the league.
Wednesday, 26th February 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 4):BANDS PREPARING FOR CONTEST - Plans are in hand for the staging of the interstate and state band contests to be held at Launceston on December 25 to 28 this year. The musical adjudicators of the league - Messrs. B.W. Caten, V. McMahon, and C.J. Edwards - met recently to grade the bands, and the following was the recommendation which was received and adopted by the general meeting held last weekend. Gradings are as follows: C Grade - Burnie Municipal Band, Launceston City Band, Hobart Memorial Band, Railway Silver Band (senior). D Grade - Burnie Marine Band, Devonport Municipal Band, Invermay School Boys' Band, Latrobe Federal Band, Launceston Boys' Band, Queenstown Silver Band, Hobart Junior Memorial Band, Railway Silver Band (junior), Ulverstone Municipal Band, Campbell Town Brass Band. A sub-committee met and submitted a schedule of prizes for each grade which was adopted by the general meeting. A framed certificate will be presented by the league for a Tasmanian band championship and special certificates will be given to the winner of each grade. It is understood that it is nearly 50 years since a band contest of this nature was held in Launceston. The organiser for the contest is Ald. L.O. Round. Tho league has decided to contact various sporting organisations in order to stage a complete Launceston Gift carnival with cycling, running and chopping in conjunction with the band contest.
Friday, 28th February 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 6):BAND GRADINGS - Messrs. B.W. Caten, V. McMahon and C.J. Edwards have graded bands for the inter-State and State band contests in Launceston from December 25 till 28, as follows: - "C" Grade: Burnie Municipal, Launceston City, Hobart Memorial and Railway Silver (senior) Bands. "D" Grade: Burnie Marine Board, Devonport Municipal, Latrobe Federal, Queenstown Silver, Ulverstone Municipal, Invermay Schoolboys, Launceston Boys, Hobart Junior Memorial, Railway Silver (junior) and Campbell Town Brass Bands. The following schedule of prizes has been adopted: "B" Grade (£185), first £120, second £45, third £20; "C" Grade (£175), £110, £45, £20; "D" Grade (£160), £100, £40, £20; pipe bands (£170), £110, £40, £20; quickstep, £15 each grade (£10, £3, £2). A framed certificate will be presented by the Tasmanian' Bands League for a Tasmanian band championship, and special certificates will be awarded to the winner in each grade. The Government, Hobart and Launceston and all municipal councils where bands operate will be asked for financial assistance, as the contest will provide experience for bandsmen in all centres. Sporting organisations will be asked to co-operate in the staging of a carnival embracing cycling, running and chopping. Mr. L.O. Round, of Launceston, is State organiser of the Bands League.
Thursday, 20th March 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BANDS FESTIVAL - Burnie Municipal, Marine Board and St. Andrew's Pipe Bands were represented at an enthusiastic meeting in Burnie on Tuesday evening, when it was agreed to hold a local band festival on Sunday, April 20, at West Park Oval. It was agreed to issue invitations to all Tasmanian bands and to ask Mr. Seymour, president of the Tasmanian Band League, to act as compere for the afternoon. The secretary reported having invited the Warden of Burnie (Cr. M.A. Whitford) to open the festival. the choice of a marshal was left to Mr. L.Y. Watson. the meeting discussed plans for the afternoon. Bands, it was decided, would assemble at the Post Office and march to the oval via Wilson, Wilmot and Alexander streets and North Terrace.
Tuesday, 25th March 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):SEVEN BANDS PERFORM AT ULVERSTONE - Seven bands, representative of Burnie, Launceston, Devonport, Latrobe, and Ulverstone, took part in Sunday's festival at Ulverstone. Approximately 4000 people saw an impressive marching display and enjoyed the playing of the massed bands and individual combinations. St. Andrew's (Burnie) Pipe, Latrobe Federal, Burnie Marine Board, Launceston Railway Junior, Devonport Municipal, Burnie Municipal and the Ulverstone Municipal Band were present. A special train from Launceston was packed, and several busloads also travelled from Launceston, Busses ran from all Coastal and many inland centres. The festival was described as the outstanding event of its kind held on the Coast for many years. The president of the local band (Mr. J. Collins) thanked members of the visiting bands for their wholehearted support, and described the occasion as a red-letter day for Ulverstone. He introduced the Warden (Cr. H.E. Boon), who congratulated those concerned on the arrangements and said such fixture deserved the full support of the public. Mr. A. Seymour, president of the Tasmanian Bands' League, who was compere was welcomed by Mr. Collins. He congratulated the organisers and stressed the value of band in municipal life. Their support should be largely the responsibility of municipal councils, he said, as members contributed a great deal of their time to practice. He congratulated the Ulverstone band on its rapid strides in the past 12 months. Massed bands items were conducted by Mr. Adam Quantrell, Ulverstone bandmaster. Mr. L. Coventry, of the Latrobe Federal Band, officiated during the massed rendition of the National Anthem. The St. Andrew's Pipe Band made a pleasing contrast to the other combinations. Exhibition marching and manoeuvring were heartily applauded. A striking feature was the marching into the oval, at two-minute intervals, of all the bands. They came from the bottom end of Reibey street. The large crowd which followed them caused some congestion at the entrance gates. Afternoon tea and cordial booths conducted on the ground by women supporters of the local band, were well patronised The programme included "Nearer My God to Thee" by the massed bands, which also rendered "On the Quarter-Deck." Each band gave a selection and quickstep. The hearty applause indicated that the afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed.
Thursday, 27th March 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):THE MAGNETISM OF BAND MUSIC - From time immemorial band music has drawn the crowd almost with the magnetism of the Pied Piper; therefor it was not surprising that the band festival at Ulverstone last Sunday afternoon under the auspices of the Tasmanian Bands League drew 4000 residents and visitors to the Recreation Ground, which probably had seldom before presented so attractive a setting for an outdoor function. The day was sunny and clear, with blue skies overhead and glimpses of a blue, blue sea through the leafy green of boobyallas, and of shimmering gum trees grouped together. A belt of fir trees fringing the ground wore their dress of deeper green, a sturdy oak tree its lighter green foliage, and a sheltering hedge its trimly-cut appearance. Cars and buses filled the parking area and lined the streets nearby. The grandstand was packed with onlookers, who also assembled around the arena. With many young folk contributing to the gathering there was color everywhere. The smooth green oval, marked with red and white pennants on top of shoulder-high poles, made an ideal stage for the varied programme presented. Seven bands took part. At two minute intervals each unit - preceded by a Boy Scout in uniform, holding aloft a banner which spelt the name of the band he heralded, and led by its authoritative drum major - marched from lower Reibey Street to the Recreation Ground. St. Andrew's (Burnie) Pipe Band lent a picturesque air to the festival. Its drum-major, resplendent in the tall busby head dress of the role, twirled and tossed his shining staff with great dexterity; and pipers leal and true, wearing the plaidie, mostly of the Gordon clan, with the kilts, the fur sporran and the white spats of the Scottish national dress, marched to the characteristic swirling of bagpipes. There was something dramatic in their appearance, and the typical music, far away from its Highland environment, surely stirred the heart of many a Scotsman as the kilted pipers swung into sight. Players attached to the six brass bands wore the more familiar navy uniform and caps, with facings, pipings and braidings of red, white or lighter blue, according to color choice. Their brass and silver band instruments gleamed in the brilliant sunshine. The courtesy of conducting the massed bands was extended to Mr. Adam Quantrell, Ulverstone band master. The opening item was the hymn, "Nearer, My God, To Thee," one of the best known and most beautiful of all sacred numbers, played with reverence and delightful pianissimo effect. Quicksteps by St. Andrew's Pipe Band, Burnie Municipal, Burnie Marine Board, Devonport Municipal and Ulverstone Municipal Bands (the lastnamed chose "lndependentia" for its turn) were played in the brisk tempo demanded for their style. Selections from the same bands and also the Latrobe Federal Band, including military marches, descriptive pieces and rousing compositions, were received with applause. Latrobe contributed the fantasia, "Balmoral," a tuneful number of light and shade; and Burnie Marine Board Band rendered a Dervish chorus, "In The Sudan." This was artistically interpreted, with the muffled tom-tom of native drums woven through its oft-recurring theme, and the final bar ending abruptly on a single staccato-like note. "Sussex By The Sea," a march from the Launceston Railway Junior Band of boyish players, was a very fine item, its accent on the catchy chorus. With the sparkling sea so near and snowy-breasted seagull circling and wheeling around, the infectious spirit of this item seemed to pervade the air. A picture of far-off Sussex Downs on a sunny day, undulating towards the sea, was readily visualised. "Genevieve" was a slow waltz stately in its measure, and delicately played by Devonport bandsmen and "Old Comrades" (Ulverstone Band) was a well-performed number its story of friendship and loyalty musically told. St. Andrew's Pipe Band gave a pleasing medley of Scottish and and Highland reels; and Burnie Municipal Band scored with its choice of negro choruses, including the old favorite, "Old Kentucky Home," with its wistful and homesick longing; the jaunty invitation of "Camptown Races," and other familial darkie tunes. At times, however, numbers of happy little children, occupying the green grass around the edge of thn arena, almost "stole the show" as they entertained the delighted onlookers. Caught with the infection of the music on such a sunny day they broke through all restraint and "followed the band." It might almost have been the inspiration of the words of "The Floral Dance"! Small boys, with shoulders thrown back and heads erect, marched with swinging arms as though drilled for the part. An occasional dog followed at the heels of his young master, and little girls joined hands and danced the folk songs and the twists and turns of their kindergarten games, in which self-consciousness knew no place. Toddlers, too, were drawn by the music, one fat little fellow in blue rompers venturing to the very centre of the ground. A dainty little girl in pink, with a big pink bow in her hair, held her frock wide and danced a solo turn with pretty and unaffected grace. For the final item, the massed bands, assembling on the far side of the ground, marched across the green sward to the tattoo of drums before uniting in the spirited and descriptive naval piece, "On the Quarter Deck." This was an impressive finale, with the company of bands men under the control of Mr. W. Welling (Devonport), who is the oldest drum-major in Tasmania, and whose name in such a capacity is almost a household word. Mr. L.J.L. Coventry, bandmaster of Latrobe Federal Band (one of the oldest established, if not actually the oldest, band in Tasmania), wielded the baton for the National Anthem, thus concluding what might well be described as a very "pleasant Sunday afternoon."
Tuesday, 1st April 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):MASSED BANDS CONCERT - The City Council, at a meeting last evening, granted permission to the Ex-Servicemen's Housing and Welfare Association to conduct a massed bands concert in York Park on April 20. Ald. Round said the organisation was launched last year to provide homes for ex-servicemen and women. It was worthy of support. Council agreed also to donate £100 to the Tasmanian Bands' League to conduct a band contest in Launceston towards the end of this year.
Monday, 21st April 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 7):BAND FESTIVAL AT BURNIE - Bands representative of North-West Coast centres and Launceston gathered at Burnie yesterday for the final band festival of the season. The Launceston Railway Silver Band led the march to the ground, followed by Devonport Municipal, Latrobe Federal, Ulverstone Municipal, Burnie Municipal, and Burnie Marine Bd. brass bands, with the combined Launceston Caledonian and Burnie St. Andrew's pipe bands bringing up the rear. The bands entered the ground at three-minute intervals and marched round the arena to form up opposite the main grandstand. "Sun of my Soul" was rendered by the massed brass bands under the baton of O.H. Hinds [sic], of the Burnie Municipal Band. Mr. A. Seymour, president of the Tasmanian Bands League, who was in charge of the programme, congratulated the organisers and stressed the value of bands in municipal life. The bands were to be congratuated on the improvement shown over the past 12 months. Exhibition marching and manoeuvring by the bands was good, revealing solid training. Receipts for the day were £90/6/9, which will be divided by the three Burnie bands after expenses have been paid.
Monday, 21st April 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 5):BAND FESTIVAL AT BURNIE - Bands representative of North-West Coast centres and Launceston gathered at Burnie yesterday for the final festival of the season, Although the weather was unfavorable in the morning, it remained fine during the afternoon. A largo crowd gathered along the route from the assembly point in Cattley street to West Park Oval. The Launceston Railway Silver Band led the march to the ground, followed by Devonport Municipal, Latrobe Federal, Ulverstone Municipal, Burnie Municipal and Burnie Marine Board bands, with the combined Launceston Caledonian and Burnie St. Andrew's pipe bands bringing up the rear. The bands entered the ground at three-minute intervals, and marched the arena to form up opposite the main grandstand. "Sun of My Soul" was rendered by the six bands, under the baton of Mr. O.H. Hind, of the Burnie Municipal Band. The president of the local band committee (Mr. L.Y. Watson) thanked members of the visiting bands for their wholehearted support. He introduced the Warden (Cr. M.A. Whitford), who congratulated those concerned on the arrangements, and said such fixtures deserved the full support of the public. Mr. A. Seymour, president of the Tasmanian Bands' League, who was in charge of the programme, was welcomed by Mr, Watson. He congratulated the organisers and stressed the value of bands in municipal life. It was only through support that the bands could continue to function, as members contributed a great deal of their time to practice. The bands wore to be congratulated on the improvement shown during the past 12 months. Exhibition marching and manoeuvring by the various bands revealed many hours of solid training. The programme included a selection and quickstep by each band, as well as "Sun of My Soul" and '"Sons of the Brave" by the massed bands. Items by the combined Caledonian and Burnie St. Andrews pipe bands provided a pleasing contrast. For the finale, the brass bands marched in mass formation across the ground, in charge of Drum Major W. Welling, of Devonport. Drum-Major Welling has boon associated with bands for many years and was drum-major for the victory march in London in 1918. At the conclusion of the National Anthem by the massed bands, under the conductorship of Mr. A. Clark, the bands marched from the ground and through the streets back to the assembly point. Gate takings amounted to £61. The women's committee which conducted the afternoon tea booth raised £20/13/9. A soft drinks stall realised £8/13/. Total receipts for the day were £90/6/9, which will be divided by the three Burnie bands after expenses are paid.
Wednesday, 14th May 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BANDS LEAGUE - Included in the correspondence received at Monday's [Devonport] council meeting was a letter from the Tasmanian Bands League asking for financial support. The council clerk (Mr. A.D. Soutar) said he had written to several councils, and the great majority appeared to be against making a donation. Cr. Webster said he had heard the bands might be coming to Devonport for a competition He moved that the request be not acceded to on the ground that there was no fund from which a donation could be made. Cr. Batten, seconding the motion, said he did so with regret, but the council had its own band to support. The motion was carried.
Tuesday, 5th August 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 16):EIGHTEEN BANDS IN TASMANIA - Since the re-formation of the Tasmanian Bands League 16 months ago, four bands have been revived in Tasmania, making the total 18. The chairman of the league (Mr. L.O. Round) said this at Launceston yesterday. A Tasmanian band contest would be held in Launceston at the end of this year for the first time for nearly 40 years, said Mr. Round, and it was hoped that visiting bands would tour Tasmania after competing. One of the objects of the league was to obtain a band room in Launceston for use by all bands, and to provide instructors. The secretary of the Victorian Highland Pipe Bands Association (Mr. A.J. Shaw), who is visiting Launceston, told the Launceston 50,000 League yesterday that he was surprised there was no band room in Launceston. He promised to do his best to get brass and pipe bands to visit Tasmania from Melbourne to take part in the forthcoming contests. He urged the encouragement of boys' bands.
Tuesday, 5th August 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 5):VIC TEAMS FOR BANDS CONTEST - A good many Victorian bands would probably visit Launceston at Christmas for the Tasmanian Bands League contest, Mr. A.J. Shaw, secretary of the Victorian Pipe Band Association, said in an address to the 50,000 League at Launceston yesterday. Mr. Shaw, who has been actively connected with band work for nearly 30 years, stressed the value of bands to any community and spoke of the importance of fostering boys' bands not only in youth welfare work, but as a basis for bands in the future. The chairman (Ald. Round), who is organiser of the Tasmanian Bands' League, said the contests at the end of the year would be the first for nearly 40 years. The object of the league was to establish a band room for use by all city bands.
Tuesday, 5th August 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):BANDS LEAGUE CONTESTS - Launceston, Monday. - A good many Victorian bands would probably visit Launceston at Christmas time for the Tasmanian Bands League contests, Mr. A.J. Shaw, secretary of the Victorian Pipe Band Association, said in an address to the 50,000 League today. He urged the fostering of boys' bands, not only in youth welfare work but as a basis for bands in the future. The chairman (Ald. Round) said the contests at the end of the year would be the first for nearly 40 years.
Tuesday, 9th September 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 7):NEW ZEALAND BAND MAY VISIT NORTH - The State organiser of the Tasmanian Bands League (Ald. L.O. Round) said at Launceston yesterday the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Junior Band which is touring Australia may visit Launceston. He thought the guarantee and accommodation could be arranged. If the band visited Launceston at the weekend he would endeavour to organise a massed bands carnival at York Park.
Tuesday, 9th September 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):JUNIOR BAND VISIT - The state organiser of the Tasmanian Bands League (Ald. L.O. Round) is endeavouring to arrange a visit to Launceston by the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Junior Band, which is touring Australia. He told members of the Fifty Thousand League yesterday that he hoped to make suitable arrangements to bring the band here for a weekend, when a festival would probably be staged at York Park.
Tuesday, 9th September 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 5):NEW ZEALAND WATERSIDE WORKERS' JUNIOR BAND - Launceston, Monday. - The State organiser of the Tasmanian Bands League (Ald. L.O. Round) is endeavouring to arrange a visit to Launceston by the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Junior Band, which is touring Australia.
Friday, 12th September 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):BAND VISIT OFF - The proposed visit to Launceston of the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Band has been cancelled. Advice to this effect was received yesterday by the state organiser of the Tasmanian Bands League (Ald. L.O. Round). No reason was given for the cancellation of the visit.
Friday, 12th September 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 7):BAND VISIT CANCELLED - Launceston, Thursday. - The proposed visit to Launceston by the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Band has been cancelled. Advice to this effect was received today by the State organiser of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. L.O. Round). No reason was given.
Wednesday, 29th October 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 7):TASMANIAN BANDS' LEAGUE SECOND ANNUAL MEETING - Hobart Town Hall, Saturday next, November 1. His Worship the Lord Mayor, presiding. All bandsmen and supporters are cordially welcome. A.E. Brain, Secretary.
Wednesday, 29th October 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 9):TASMANIAN BANDS LEAGUE, 2ND ANNUAL MEETING - Hobart Town Hall, Saturday next (nov. 1). His Worship the Lord Mayor presiding. All Bandsmen and Supporters are cordially welcome. A.E. Brain, Secretary.
Monday, 3rd November 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 7):USE LEISURE TO DEVELOP CULTURE - Increased leisure should be used to develop the cultural arts, said the Lord Mayor of Hobart (Mr. Osborne) to the annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League at the Hobart Town Hall on Saturday. The annual report said that preparations were being made for a contest for brass and pipe bands at Launceston in December. The president of the league (Mr. A.J. Seymour) said 17 bands were affiliated with the league, which was again on a firm footing. Attempts to gain relief from "the iniquitous amusement tax" on band functions had been unsuccessful. During the year the league had lost the services of Prof. B.W. Caten, who had gone to Sydney, said Mr. Seymour. Bandmaster Gooding had succeeded Prof. Caten in his office with the Launceston Boys' Band. All officers were re-elected.
Monday, 3rd November 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 1):ADVOCATES BRASS BANDS FOR SCHOOLS - Hobart, Sunday. - Instead of contributing £5000 towards the establishment of a Tasmanian orchestra in connection with the A.B.C., the State Government could better employ the money in forming brass bands in a number of schools, said Mr. V. McMahon (Launceston), at the annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League on Saturday. The league, which was re-formed 18 months ago, represents the leading brass bands in the State. The meeting was attended by delegates from eight bands - four from Launceston, two from Burnie and two from Hobart. Mr. McMahon said the money which the State Government proposed to contribute towards the upkeep of the orchestra would support at least five boys' bands. If the musical education of the youth of Tasmania was to be sustained it was essential that such bands be formed. It was the league's aim to give to the young people of this State a musical education which would benefit them when they grew up. Mr. H. Purton (Hobart) said it had been stated by leading overseas medical authorities that the use of brass instruments had; proved a preventive to tuberculosis as a lung developer. The league could not do better than press for the formation of school bands. Mr. A. Bryant (Hobart) said many schools had fife and drum bands, and if the league could increase the number, it would do much towards making youth musically minded. The Lord Mayor of Hobart (Ald. Osborne), who presided, said they were living in a topsy-turvy world, and music would make a big contribution to putting the world on its feet again. The annual report, submitted by the president (Mr. A.J. Seymour), stated that the decision to hold band contests for brass and pipe bands at Launceston next month had been received by the public with enthusiasm. Plans were now well in hand. The league's endeavour to achieve relief from the iniquitous amusement tax on functions of all bands had not been very successful, but the league would continue to press for relief. It was stated that contributions to the band contests to be held in Launceston between December 25 and 28 were coming in freely. It was hoped to raise between £500 and £700. Mr. A.J. Seymour (Launceston) was unanimously re-elected president, and Mr. A.E. Brain (Launceston) secretary.
Monday, 10th November 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 14):SHOW PAVILION FOR BANDSMEN - Bandsmen visiting Launceston for the Tasmanian Bands' League competition at Launceston at Christmas are to be accommodated in the main pavilion at the Elphin showground. Sufficient accommodation cannot be obtained at hotels in or near Launceston for the 600 bandsmen who will be taking part. The contests will be held at York Park on December 25, 26, 27, and 28, and will be the first held in Launceston for more than 40 years. Seven Victorian brass bands, three Victorian pipe bands, and pipe bands from Burnie, Hobart, and Launceston will compete.
Monday, 10th November 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):BANDSMEN MAY "CAMP" AT ELPHIN - Because sufficient accommodation cannot be obtained at hotels in or near Launceston, arrangements are being made to accommodate visiting bandsmen at Christmas time in the main Elphin Show Ground pavilion. About 600 bandsmen will be taking part in the Tasmanian Bands League contests at York Park on December 25, 26, 27 and 28. Entries have been received from seven Victorian bands, and transport arrangements are now being completed. The contests will be the first for more than 40 years in Launceston. A feature will be the greatest number of pipe bands seen in Launceston. Three Victorian pipe bands and Burnie, Hobart, and Launceston will compete. A panel of judges for various competitions has been appointed.
Saturday, 22nd November 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):FIFTEEN BANDS IN LAUNCESTON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - Fifteen bands will compete in the Tasmanian Bands League festival in Launceston at Christmas time. Four are from Victoria. Five of the competitors are pipe bands. The first festival in Launceston for more than 40 years promises to be a great success. There are sections for waltzes, quicksteps and band selections, with massed pipe and brass band items. The festival will commence at York Park on Christmas Day and will continue until December 28. Transport difficulties prevented three other Victorian bands from making the trip. The state organiser of the league (Mr. L.O. Round) said today that the executive was disappointed that the Launceston St. Joseph's Boys' Band would not be competing, although the band had entered earlier. "This band has proved so popular," Mr. Round said, "that I hope the committee will change its mind." Mr. Round said that although there were difficulties facing Devonport and Ulverstone bands, it was hoped they would compete, If they did the field would be 17. One of the mainland bands had chartered a Skymaster for the trip and the others would fly to Launceston. Bands competing are: Victoria: Footscray Caledonian Pipe, Hawthorn City Pipe, Coburg Central, Royal Melbourne Caledonian. Tasmania: Launceston Railway Silver, Launceston St. Andrew's Caledonian, Launceston City, Launceston Railway Silver Junior, Invermay Silver, Campbell Town, Burnie Municipal, Queenstown Silver, Hobart Junior Memorial, Latrobe Federal, Burnie St. Andrew's Pipe. Two of the four judges for the festival were announced yesterday. They are: Musical - Mr. W. May, who is well known as the conductor of the Preston (Vic.) Silver Band. Drill - Mr. J.A. Stanbrough, Launceston, who until his recent arrival was drill instructor of several Victorian bands. He has had 30 years' experience and has coached several mainland bands to win Australian championships. Judges for the pipe band section have yet to be appointed. [Article includes a photo of Mr. J.A. Stanbrough].
Saturday, 22nd November 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 11): 
Saturday, 22nd November 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 7):15 BANDS TO COMPETE IN FESTIVAL - Launceston, Friday. Fifteen bands will compete in the Tasmanian Bands League festival In Launceston at Christmas time. Four are from Victoria. Five of the competitors are pipe bands. The first festival in Launceston for more than 40 years promises to be a great success. There are sections for waltzes, quicksteps, and band selections, with massed pipe and brass band Items. The festival will commence at York Park on Christmas Day, and will continue daily until December 28. The State organiser of the league (Mr. L.C. [sic] Round) said that although there were difficulties facing Devonport and Ulverstone Bands, it was hoped they would compete. If they did, the field would be 17. One of the mainland bands had chartered a Skymaster for the trip, and the others would fly to Launceston. Bands which will compete are: - Victoria: Footscray Caledonian Pipe, Hawthorn City Pipe, Coburg Central, Royal Melbourne Caledonian. Tasmania: Launceston Railway Silver, Launceston St. Andrew's Caledonian, Launceston City, Launceston Railway Silver Junior, Invermay Silver, Campbell Town, Burnie Municipal, Queenstown Silver, Hobart Junior Memorial, Latrobe Federal, Burnie St. Andrew's Pipe. Two of the four judges for the festival were announced today. They are: - Musical, Mr. W. May who is well known as the conductor of the Preston (Vic.) Silver Band; drill. Mr. J.A. Stanbrough, Launceston, who until his recent arrival, was drill instructor of several Victorian bands. He has had 30 years' experience, and has coached several mainland bands to win Australian championships. Judges for the pipe band section have yet to be appointed.
Thursday, 27th November 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 9): 
Saturday, 29th November 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 12):WANTED - Experienced caterer for about 400 bandsmen at Elphin Show Grounds for 4 days from December 25-28, 1947. Caterer for afternoon tea booth at York Park from December 25-28, 1947. Tenders for ice cream and cordial booth at York Park from December 25-28. 1947. Applications for any of these 3 requirements, apply the Chairman of the Accommodation Committee, S.G. Keep, 200 York Street, Launceston, or phone 1278 on behalf of the Tasmanian Band League.
Thursday, 4th December 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 7): 
Tuesday, 9th December 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 3):FURNITURE RAFFLE WINNER - Notice. Tasmanian Bands' League wish to notify the public of Tasmania that the winner of bedroom suite was Ticket No. 869. L.E. Wall, c/o A.M.P. Society, Hobart. L.O. Round, Organiser.
Tuesday, 23rd December 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 8):LAUNCESTON BANDS COMPETITION OPENS ON THURSDAY - The first band contest to be held in Launceston by the Tasmanian Bands League since 1905 will open at York Park on Thursday. Good support is expected. The Coburg Central Band arrived in Launceston by Skymaster yesterday, and the Hawthorn City Pipe Band, is expected to arrive in two planes on Wednesday. Other bands competing will be the Queenstown City Band, Burnie Municipal and Pipe Bands, Latrobe Federal Band, Hobart City Band, Invermay Silver Band, Railway Senior and Junior Bands, and the Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band. The newly-formed Hobart Pipe Band will not compete, but will participate in a massed display on Sunday. The contest will be opened by the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Madden), supported by the Mayor (Mr. Henty). On Thursday the afternoon programme will consist of the "D" grade brass bands contest, and at night the "D" grade massed selection. Mr. A.J. Stanbrough will adjudicate in the afternoon, and Mr. W. May, musical director of the Preston Silver Band, will officiate at night. On Friday the "C" grade pipe band quickstep contest will be held, and at night the "C" grade selection with massed items. The distribution of prizes on Sunday will be followed by a massed display by all bands. On Sunday night the Coburg and Launceston bands will combine to present a concert in City Park.
Tuesday, 23rd December 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 3):MELBOURNE BAND ARRIVES FOR FESTIVAL - Members of the Coburg Central Band, first of the visiting bandsmen to reach Launceston for the Christmas bands festival, arrived by plane from Melbourne yesterday. On arrival in the city they were welcomed by Messrs. A.E. Brain, secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League, and L.O. Round, organiser of the festival. The visitors, who numbered 40 will return to Melbourne on December 31. Mr. W. Wright, band secretary, said it was the first time the band had been out of Victoria. For many it was the first trip to Tasmania. Forty eight members of the band were in the forces during the war he said, and now they are beginning to reach pre-war strength, having had to build the band up again. Mr. E.J. Lloyd is bandmaster and Mr. H. Casson drum-major. Youngest member of the band is 12-year-old Ray Fletcher, who has been with it two years. Only other Victorian band to compete at the festival will be the Hawthorn City Pipe Band, the members of which will arrive in batches on Christmas Day. Fourteen bands - seven C grade, four D grade and three pipe will participate at the carnival, which will open at 3pm Christmas Day. It will conclude on Sunday, December 28. Only contesting days will be Christmas Day and Boxing Day. All visiting bandsmen, except members of the Hawthorn band, will be accommodated at Elphin Showground. [Article includes a photo of the Coburg Central Band].
Friday, 26th December 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 6):BRASS BAND CONTESTS IN LAUNCESTON - Seven of the nine brass bands competing in the first contest held by the Tasmanian Bands League since 1905 were judged by the drill adjudicator (Mr. J.A. Stanbrough) at York Park, Launceston, yesterday afternoon. Threatening weather early yesterday probably affected the attendance, but about 1,500 heard five bands participating in the "D" grade quickstep contest. The Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Madden) opened the contests. A welcome to visiting bandsmen was extended by the Mayor (Mr. N.H.D. Henty). He said Launceston was proud of the record of its bands, and expressed the hope that the Australian band championships would be held in Tasmania. Heavy rain about 4.30pm sent the crowd scampering for the grandstands, but the bands continued. Last night there was a good attendance when the "D" grade brass band waltz and selection contests were held. Bands competing in the "D" grade section are Launceston City, Invermay Silver, Coburg Central, Launceston Railway Silver Junior, and Hobart City. Results will be announced at the conclusion of the "C" grade contest tonight. Mr. W. May, musical director of the Preston Silver Band, is adjudicator of the brass musical sections, Mr. P.D. Stuart (Victoria) of the pipe music section, and Mr. R. Nicholson (Victoria) of the pipe drill section. The Burnie Municipal and Latrobe Central Bands are expected today, and will be judged for the brass drill competitions. The "C" grade and pipe bands quickstep and selection contests will be held this afternoon and tonight respectively. Bands competing today will be the Hawthorn City Pipe, Coburg Central, Burnie Municipal and Pipe, Latrobe Federal, Queenstown Silver, Caledonian Pipe, Launceston Railway Silver Senior, and Launceston City Bands.
Friday, 26th December 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 3):FEAST OF MUSIC AT BAND CONTESTS - Lovers of band music were given a musical treat at York Park yesterday at the opening session of the first brass and pipe band contest at Launceston for 42 years. All awards will be made tonight. The contest, which is being conducted by the Tasmanian Band League, under the auspices of the Australian Band Council and the Victorian Highland Pipe Bands' Association, began in the afternoon with an inspection of bands and a D grade brass band quickstep. The following bands competed: Launceston City, Queenstown, Invermay Silver Railway Junior, Railway Silver, Hobart City and Coburg Central. The attendance was about 1500. Opening the contest the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Madden) welcomed visiting bandsmen on behalf of the Government and congratulated the league on having revived the contest. In spite of the difficult times, bands had survived, said Mr. Madden. They were one of the greatest assets a city had. Bandsmen were the pathmakers in making the highest ideals of citizenship. Bands should be given more encouragement, he added. A welcome on behalf of the city was extended to visiting bandsmen by the Mayor (Ald. Henty). Launceston was proud of the records of its bands, said Mr. Henty. He expressed the hope that the contest would be the forerunner of more. Bands had given the city valuable assistance, he said. The drill adjudicator (Mr. J.A. Stanborough [sic]) said that in spite of the shortages of materials for uniforms and the scarcity of new instruments the general turn-out and appearance of the bands was very good. The session last right was a real musical feast. In addition to waltz and selection contest pieces each band played two other numbers. In spite of threatening weather there was a crowd of several hundreds. Competing bands in D grade were Hobart City, Railway Junior, Coburg Central, Queenstown and Invermay Silver. The contest will be continued today and tonight. The afternoon session will comprise inspection of pipe bands and open pipe band quickstep, C grade brass band waltz and quickstep. At night the programme will consist of open pipe band selection and C grade brass band selection. Music adjudicator for the brass bands is Mr. W.S. May, musical director of the Preston Band, Victoria. The Hawthorn Pipe Band arrived yesterday. [Article includes a photo of the Queenstown Silver Band being inspected by the drill adjudicator, Mr. J. Stanbrough with the band major, Mr. H. Atkins and a photo of the officials including the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Madden), the Mayor (Ald. Henty), Mr. A.J. Seymour and Mr. L.O. Round].
Friday, 26th December 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):BAND CONTESTS BEGUN IN NORTH - Launceston, Thursday. - Lovers of band music were given a musical treat at York Park today at the opening session of the first brass and pipe band contests at Launceston for 42 years. The contests, which are being conducted by the Tasmanian Bands League, under the auspices of the Australian Band Council and the Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association, began this afternoon with an Inspection of bands and a "D" grade brass band quickstep contest. The following bands competed: Launceston City, Queenstown, Invermay Silver, Railway Juniors, Railway Silver, Hobart City, and Coburg Central. Opening the contests, the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Madden) welcomed visiting bandsmen on behalf of the Government, and congratulated the league on having revived the contests. He said that in spite of difficult times, bands had survived. They were one of the greatest assets a city had. A welcome on behalf of the city was extended to visiting bandsmen by the Mayor (Mr. Henty). Launceston was proud of the record of its bands, he said. He expressed the hope that the contests would be the forerunner of more. Bands had given the city valuable assistance. The drill adjudicator (Mr. J.A. Stanborough [sic]) said that in spite of the shortages of material for uniforms, and the scarcity of new instruments, the general turnout and appearance of the bands were very good. The session tonight was a feast of music. In addition to waltz and selection contest pieces, each band played two other numbers. In spite of threatening weather, there was a crowd of several hundred. Competing "D" grade bands were Hobart City, Railway Junior, Coburg Central, Queenstown, Invermay Silver. The contests will be continued tomorrow and on Saturday, with an inspection of pipe bands and open pipe band quickstep, own selection, "C" grade brass band waltz, quickstep and selection. The Hawthorn Pipe Band arrived yesterday, and will compete tomorrow.
Friday, 26th December 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BANDS FOR LAUNCESTON - St. Andrew's Pipe band and the Burnie Municipal Band will leave this morning for Launceston to take part in the band competitions. They will compete with the leading Tasmanian bands and some from the mainland. The Burnie bandsmen will be billeted by the Tasmanian Bands League. They will return to Burnie on Sunday evening.
Saturday, 27th December 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 5):BANDS CONTEST TO RAILWAY SENIOR - The Launceston Railway Silver Senior Band has been awarded the State championship certificate in the "C" grade section of the Tasmanian Bands League contest. Results of the contest were announced last night. In the "D" grade section, the championship certificate was awarded to the Queenstown Silver Band, which defeated Coburg by 2 points. In the pipe band section, Hawthorn City Pipe Band won the quick-step and selection contests from the Launceston Caledonian and the Burnie St. Andrew's Pipe bands. Points awarded: "C" grade selection: Launceston Railway Silver Senior, 173 points; Queenstown Silver, 167; Coburg Central, 165. Quickstep; Coburg Central, 183; Railway Silver Senior, 182; Queenstown Silver, 172. "D" grade waltz championship: Queenstown Silver, 167; Coburg Central, 165; Launceston Railway Silver Junior, 161. Quickstep: Launceston Railway Silver Junior, 187; Invermay Silver, 174; Coburg Central and Queenstown Silver, 171. Pipe contest quickstep: Hawthorn City Pipe, 142; Launceston Caledonian, 130; Burnie, 112. Selection: Hawthorn City, 157; Launceston Caledonian, 148; Burnie, 115. The musical adjudicator of the brass bands (Mr. W.S. May) said he would like to see all the bands which participated go to the Ballarat contests. The standard in the "D" grade was much better than that of bands participating in a contest he adjudicated in South Australia, and at which some Victorian bands were present. Bad tuning was the worst mistake, and some bands played staccato in melody music. The Railway Silver Senior Band was outstanding. Mr. P.D. Stuart, of Victoria, who judged the pipe music, said the Hawthorn Pipe Band was one of the best in Australia. The two Tasmanian bands were not disgraced in defeat. The Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band was capable of playing a higher grade of music. There were 35 pipe bands in Victoria, but only three of these, of which Hawthorn was one, could be classed as better than the Launceston Pipe Band. The programme will conclude tomorrow with a massed bands display.
Saturday, 27th December 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):RAILWAY BAND CHAMPIONS AT LAUNCESTON CONTEST - The Launceston Railway Silver Senior Band won the C grade Tasmanian championship certificate at the band contests conducted at Launceston by the Tasmanian Band League. In the D grade the certificate was won by the Queenstown Silver Band. The Hawthorn City Pipe Band was the winner in the quickstep and selection classes for pipe bands. In each case the Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band was second. The standard of playing by the brass bands in D grade was exceptional, said the adjudicator (Mr. W.S. May). "It was better than I heard at competitions in South Australia recently," he added. Mr. May said he was greatly impressed by all the bands competing in C grade. The thing that marred the grade was bad tuning and he suggested more rehearsals. If the winning bands were to compete at Ballarat they would not disgrace themselves," he concluded. Results for brass bands were: C Grade - Waltz and selection - Railway Silver Senior Band, 173 points, 1; Queenstown Silver, 167, 2; Coburg Central, 165, 3. Quickstep - Coburg Central Band, 183 points, 1; Railway Silver Senior, 182, 2; Queenstown Silver, 172, 3. D Grade - Waltz and selection - Queenstown Silver, 167 points, 1; Coburg Central, 165, 2; Railway Silver Junior, 161, 3. Quickstep - Railway Silver Junior, 187 points, 1; Invermay Silver, 174, 2; Coburg Central and Queenstown Silver, 171, equal 3. "The Hawthorn City Pipe Band is one of the leading pipe bands in Australia, and it is unfair to compare the Tasmanian bands with it." said the pipe band adjudicator (Mr. P.D. Stuart). He complimented the Tasmanian bands on their performances and said the Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band was capable of playing higher class music than it had done in the competitions. "Apart from three pipe bands in Victoria, the Launceston band is equal to any of the other 82 Victorian pipe bands," he said. "I would suggest that the Launceston band compete at some of the band competitions on the mainland in either the B or country grades." Mr. Stuart said that he was sure the two Tasmanian pipe bands in the competition would gain valuable experience through competing. The Burnie pipe band was a new band lacking in experience, but should develop into a fine combination, he said. Pipe band awards were: Quickstep - Hawthorn City Pipe Band, 142 points, 1; Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band, 130, 2; Burnie Pipe Band, 112, 3. Selection - Hawthorn City Pipe Band, 157 points, 1; Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band, 148, 2; Burnie Pipe Band, 115, 3. The contest, the first at Launceston for 42 years, will conclude tomorrow with a display by the massed bands.
Saturday, 27th December 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):SUCCESSFUL IN BAND CONTESTS - Launceston, Friday. - The Launceston Railways Silver Senior Band won the "C" grade Tasmanian championship certificate at the band contests conducted today by the Tasmanian Band League. In "D" grade the certificate was won by the Queenstown Silver Band. The Hawthorn City Pipe Band won the quickstep and selection classes for pipe bands. In each case the Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band was second. Standard of the brass bands in the "D" grade contests was exceptionally good, said the adjudicator (Mr. W.S. May). The playing was better than he heard at competitions in S.A. recently, he added. Mr. May said he was greatly impressed by the bands competing in "C" grade. What marred the grade was bad tuning, and he suggested more rehearsal. "If the winning bands were to compete at Ballarat they would not disgrace themselves," he concluded. Results of brass band contests were: - "C" grade: Waltz and selection, Railways Silver Senior Band, 173 pts., 1; Queenstown Silver Band, 167, 2; Coburg Central Band, 165, 3. Quickstep: Coburg Central Band, 183, 1; Railway Silver Senior Band, 182, 2; Queenstown Silver Band, 172, 3. "D" grade: Waltz and selection, Queenstown Silver Band, 167, 1; Coburg Central Band, 165, 2; Railway Silver Junior Band, 161, 3.; Quickstep: Railway Silver Junior Band, 187, 1; Invermay Silver Band, 174, 2; Coburg Central Band and Queenstown Silver Band, 171, equal, 3. "The Hawthorn City Pipe Band is one of the leading pipe bands in Australia, and it is unfair to compare Tasmanian bands with it" said the pipe band adjudicator (Mr. P.D. Stuart). He complimented the Tasmanian bands on their performances, and said the Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band was capable of playing higher class music than it had done in the competitions. "Apart from three pipe bands in Victoria, the Launceston band is equal to any of the other 32 Victorian pipe bands," he said. "I would suggest that the Launceston band compete at some of the band competitions on the mainland in either the "B" or country grades." Mr. Stuart added that he was sure the two Tasmanian pipe bands in the competition would gain valuable experience through competing. The Burnie Pipe Band was a new band and lacked experience, but should develop into a fine combination. Pipe band awards were: - Quickstep, Hawthorn City Pipe Band, 142, 1; Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band, 130, 2; Burnie Pipe Band, 112, 3. Selection, Hawthorn City Pipe Band, 157, 1; Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band, 148, 2; Burnie Pipe Band, 115, 3. The contests, the first in Launceston for 42 years; will conclude tomorrow with a display by massed bands.
Monday, 29th December 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 6):OVAL FOR CITY BAND PRACTICE. ALLEGED COUNCIL REFUSAL - Surprise at the attitude of the Hobart City Council in refusing to make an oval available to the Hobart City Band for practice was expressed yesterday by Ald. L.O. Round, of Launceston. Mr. Round, who was organiser of the brass and pipe band contest conducted by the Tasmanian Band League, was addressing about 7,000 people at the conclusion of the contest at York Park, Launceston. He said the Hobart band participated in the contest under difficulties, and this resulted in the band having only two practices before the contest. A Hobart church permitted the band the use of its grounds. Mr. Round said the secretary of the Hobart City Band showed him a letter received from the Hobart Council in which it was stated the council regretted that the band practising on the oval would be a nuisance to neighbours. "This is absurd and ridiculous, and it cost the Hobart band points, as lack of marching practice was a severe handicap. The band performed, well in the quickstep." said Mr. Round. He will move at the next meeting of the Launceston City Council that a letter be written to the Hobart Council advising that its action and lack of co-operation in this matter was deplored. In presenting cheques amounting to £550, Mr. Round said expenses of the contest were £1,100. Mr. Round said it was hoped that the Australian Band championships would be held at Launceston in 1949. The secretary of the visiting Coburg Central Band (Mr. W.E. Wright) said yesterday his band would visit Launceston for the next contest. The Coburg Band will visit Hobart today, and will leave for the Mainland on Wednesday. Some members of the Hawthorn Pipe Band will return today, while others will remain in Tasmania for a week's holiday. Yesterday afternoon the crowd was entertained by selections from the winning brass and pipe bands, and the successful programme concluded with a mass march past. The adjudicator of the drill section of the brass bands (Mr. J.A. Stanbrough) led the parade of massed bands.
Monday, 29th December 1947 ("The Examiner", Page 2):INSPIRING MUSIC ENDS BAND CONTEST - Inspiring music by massed brass and pipe bands at York Park yesterday concluded a highly successful band contest conducted by the Tasmanian Bands' League. The contest, which began on Christmas Day, was the first at Launceston for 42 years. The crowd of about 2000 gave rounds of applause as the bands swung past in individual demonstrations. The massed parade by the three pipe bands consisting of about 60 pipers and drummers was particularly impressive. The following brass bands took part:- Hobart City, Queenstown, Coburg Central, Invermay Silver, Railway Silver, Railway Junior, Launceston City and Burnie Municipal. The pipe bands were Hawthorn City, Launceston Caledonian, and Burnie. The massed brass bands under the baton of the musical adjudicator (Mr. W.S. May) played as selections the march "Invercargill" and the hymns "Lead Kindly Light" and "Nearer My God to Thee." The massed pipe bands also played selections. Numbers were given by the winning brass and pipe bands in each section. Presenting the prizes, the organiser of the contest, Ald. L.O. Round, said it had cost the Tasmanian Bands League about £1100. It was conducted, he said, to enable Launceston bands to reach a high standard. It was hoped to have the Australian bands championships at Launceston in 1949. If by any chance through lack of public support Launceston lost the venue for the championship it would have to wait for it for another seven years, he said. Congratulating the Hobart City Band on its performance, Mr. Round said the Hobart City Council had refused it a ground on which to practise its quickstep. "Thank goodness the Launceston City Council did not act likewise," said Mr. Round. The amounts of winning prizes ranged from £40 to £110, Mr. May thanked Launceston bandsmen and the people for their hospitality, and commended the league on its effort to bring the standard of bands back to the "good old days." The president of the league (Mr. A.J. Seymour) thanked the bands and public for their patronage and said it augured well for the future to see so many young bandsmen. The Visiting mainland and Tasmanian bandsmen were taken to Deloraine in buses on Saturday afternoon and were met and entertained by members of the Deloraine Band.
Monday, 29th December 1947 ("The Advocate", Page 2):INSPIRING MUSIC BY MASSED BANDS - Launceston, Sunday. - Inspiring music by eight brass bands and three pipe bands at York Park today concluded the highly successful band contests conducted by the Tasmanian Bands League. The contests, which began on Christmas Day, were the first held at Launceston for 42 years. Among the bands which took part today were the Burnie Pipe Band and the Burnie Municipal Band. The attendance was about 2000. Visiting mainland and Tasmanian bandsmen were taken to Deloraine in buses yesterday afternoon. They were met and entertained by members of the Deloraine Band.
Tuesday, 30th December 1947 ("The Mercury", Page 4):BAND LEAGUE TO DISCUSS COUNCIL ACTION. USE OF GROUND REFUSED - The Tasmanian Bands' League will discuss a motion at its next meeting dealing with the alleged action and lack of co-operation by the Hobart City Council in refusing to make available an oval to the Hobart City Band for practice. This was stated at Launceston yesterday by Ald. L.O. Round, organiser of the Bands contests conducted over the Christmas period by the Tasmanian Bands' League. Ald. Round said he would bring the motion before the Tasmanian Bands' League at its next meeting. He denied having stated he proposed bringing forward a motion on the matter at the next meeting of the Launceston City Council. Although expenses for the carnival amounted to £1,100, Ald. Round said he expected the league would show a profit. He expressed disappointment at the poor response financially from the 7,000 persons who witnessed the final day of the carnival at York Park on Sunday. It was a fact that the Hobart City Band was refused the use of the North Hobart oval for practice on Sunday mornings, the Lord Mayor (Mr. Osborne) said yesterday. He was referring to comments made at Launceston on Sunday by Ald. Round who expressed surprise at the Hobart City Council's attitude. "The North Hobart oval is in a residential area," he said, "and we took the view that band practice might disturb people on a Sunday morning. There are many people with religious convictions and they have every right to be considered. "There was no desire on the part of the council to impede the progress of music. The council, within the limits of its purse, fosters music as much as it can, and bands are included in allocations." The Lord Mayor added that had the band applied for another council ground in an area not so closely populated, he had no doubt that the council would have given the application "careful and favourable consideration."
Friday, 9th January 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 3):MUNICIPAL BAND - As an outcome of the successful brass and pipe band contest at York Park recently it is probable a move will be made to form a municipal band in Launceston, it was stated by an official of the Tasmanian Bands' League yesterday. While Launceston bands were of very high standard, he said, it was thought a band belonging to the city possibly might get more public support. The band could be the nucleus of a band representative of the state in contests in Tasmania and on the mainland, he added.
Wednesday, 21st April 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 3):NEW UNIFORMS FOR PIPERS - New uniforms for the St. Andrews' Caledonian Pipe Band should be available in a year, the president (Mr. S. Tulloch Scott) stated at the annual meeting of the band last night. He said the committee was making every endeavour to secure the uniforms and equipment needed. Acceptance was awaited of orders placed with a clothing house in Scotland. Mr. L.O. Round, organiser of the Tasmanian Bands' League, said it was not known if another bands' contest would be held in December, but it was hoped to hold the Australian bands' championship in Launceston next year. Reference was made by the president to the deaths of two vice-presidents. Messrs. W.R. Rolph and J. Caparatus. Election of officers: - Patron, Dr. G.H. Hogg; president, Mr. S.T. Scott; chairman, Mr. T. McClymont; treasurer-secretary, Mr. J.W. Raddings; committee, re-elected with addition of Mr. R. Mackrill; auditor, Mr. A. Anderson; custodian, Mr. F. Heath; pipe major, Mr. R. McKenzie; drum major, Mr. A. Mackrill: deputy drum major, Mr. R. Mackrill; pipe sergeant, Mr. M. Murray; pipe corporal, Mr. D. Ross; senior piper, Mr. J. Raddings; drum sergeant. Mr. T. Swann; drum corporal, Mr. E. Hibbs; senior drummer, Mr. A. Ellis.
Thursday, 22nd April 1948 ("The Advocate", Page 4):[BURNIE] MUNICIPAL BAND - Mr. L.Y. Watson expressed disappointment that the Band Festivals Committee had not gone ahead this year. Last year the band festivals were very successful and he considered they would have been more popular this year. Some Launceston bands were anxious to take part, and this would be an added attraction. The secretary reported that he had attended a special meeting of the Tasmanian Band League at Launceston, where alterations to the constitution were made. Main alterations were that only one delegate should represent each band and that the president should not be a delegate, nor have more than a casting vote.
Friday, 28th May 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BANDS TO HELP JUNIORS - The Tasmanian Bands' League is to be asked to include individual competitions for junior bandsmen at its massed bands contest. This decision was made last night at the annual meeting of the Launceston City Band. The annual report disclosed a year of reconstruction and attainment. Membership had increased to 40 playing members, new instruments had been purchased and renovations had been made to the band premises. A credit balance of £148/16/7 - a decrease of £77 on the previous year - was disclosed. Mr. C. Richardson was presented with a life membership medal, and practice attendance prizes were presented to Messrs. R. Richardson, K. Herron and F. Smith. Officers elected were:- President, Mr. R.S. Gee; bandmaster, Mr. C. Edwards; deputy, Mr. F. Smith; band sergeant, Mr. T. Clark, sen.; Librarian, Mr. T. Miller; drum-major, Mr. C. Richardson; deputy, Mr. R. Thompson; secretary Mr. H. Herron; treasurer, Mr. W. Pegg; auditors, Messrs. D.M. Annear, J. Robinson.
Friday, 30th July 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 4):TASMANIAN BANDS NEED FUNDS FOR CARNIVAL - To ensure the success of the Australian A Grade band championships, to be held in Launceston in November, 1949, the Tasmanian Bands' League will have to raise £2000. This was stated yesterday by the acting president of the League (Mr. L.O. Round) speaking at a fair held by St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band. Mr. Round said that this would be the first time the championships have been held in Tasmania, and it was anticipated that about 30 bands will compete. He stressed the need for the formation of a women's committee to raise the required sum. During the past 50 years Mr. Round said, the standard of Tasmanian bands had been declining steadily through lack of organisation and musical education among the young. In order to renew interest the League planned to hold competitions about four times a year to give junior bandsmen an opportunity to display their skill before both Tasmanian and mainland adjudicators. It was also proposed to hold a musical fete in November to coincide with the third annual meeting of the League.
Wednesday, 13th October 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 14): 
Monday, 18th October 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 3):TRIBUTE TO RAILWAY SILVER BAND - Eight bands from various parts of Northern Tasmania marched through the streets of Launceston yesterday afternoon prior to a band concert at the City Park to mark the departure next Friday of the Railway Silver Band for Ballarat. The Railway Silver Band will be the first Tasmanian band to leave the state for many years to compete in the South Street (Ballarat) Competitions. The festival at the City Park was arranged by the Tasmanian Band League. The chairman (Ald. L.O. Round) expressed the wishes of fellow bandsmen for the band's success in the competitions. In the absence of the Mayor (Ald. Henty) a civil farewell was extended by Ald. Hollingsworth, who said that if the standard of band music in Tasmania was to be improved it was essential that Tasmanian bands should go to the mainland to gain experience by competing against the best bands in the Commonwealth. More than 500 people attended the festival, and warmly applauded the Railway Silver Band for the items it will play in the competitions. The bands that took part in the parade and played items were the Caledonian Pipe Band, Latrobe Federal Band, Launceston Boys' Band, Evandale Brass Band, Railway Junior Silver Band, Launceston City Band, Invermay Silver Band, and Railway Silver Band. Numbers played by the massed bands were conducted by Mr. Stewart Wadd.
Thursday, 18th November 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 10):TASMANIAN BANDS LEAGUE THIRD ANNUAL MEETING - The third Annual Meeting of the League will be held at the Mechanics' Library, Saturday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, Hon. J.L. Madden, M.H.A., presiding. Business: 1. Minutes of last annual meeting, 2. Adoption of annual report and balance sheet, 3. Election of office bearers, 4. General business. Friday night. City Band Hall. Junior Bandsmen's Night. Films, items, buffet supper. Saturday night. City Band Hall. Senior Smoke Social. Items, refreshment and buffet supper. Hon. J.L. Madden presiding. A.E. Brain, Sec.
Saturday, 20th November 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 4):SOCIAL FOR BANDSMEN - The first social function for junior bandsmen in Launceston, arranged by the Tasmanian Band League, was held at the City Band Hall last night. The president of the Tasmanian Band League (Ald. L.O. Round) expressed disappointment that only 40 attended the function when there were more than 100 junior bandsmen in the city. Ald. W. Gellie showed a colour movie film on his trip through Central Australia. He outlined conditions experienced throughout the trip. Community singing and novelty items were conducted by Mr. J. Joscelyne, and supper was served by Mrs. A. McIntee and helpers. Ald. Round said he hoped that further social functions would be arranged to bring junior members together to stimulate interest in band activities throughout the state.
Monday, 22nd November 1948 ("The Mercury", Page 4):CLAIMS HOBART BANDS NOT ENCOURAGED - Responsible authorities gave no encouragement to bands in Hobart, said the secretary of the Hobart Silver Band (Mr. M.H. Lynch) at the annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League in Launceston on Saturday. Mr. Lynch was answering criticism by the president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. L.O. Round), who said it was a disgrace that Hobart, with a population of 78,000 had only two brass bands. Band Day in Tasmania this year had been allotted to Hobart, Mr. Round had stated, but no reply had been received from Hobart to a letter sent by the league last May asking Hobart on what date it proposed to conduct Band Day. Mr. Lynch said that, whereas the Launceston City Council had donated £100 to the Tasmanian Bands League, the Hobart City Council had donated only £20 to each of the two Hobart bands. The Hobart band which competed in the contests in Launceston last year could not practise a march before the competition because it could not get permission to practise on an oval for two Sunday mornings before the contests. Even when the band sought permission from the police to turn out on VP Day, it had been restricted to playing outside the Tourist Bureau and other nearby areas, and warned not to obstruct traffic in the streets. "That is the encouragement we get in Southern Tasmania," he said.
Monday, 22nd November 1948 ("The Mercury", Page 5):AUSTRALIAN BAND TITLES IN TASMANIA NEXT YEAR - The Australian band championships will be held in Launceston at Christmas, 1949. It is the first time that the national band titles have been allotted to Tasmania. This was announced at the annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League in Launceston on Saturday. The report recommended that future Australian contests in Tasmania should alternate between Hobart and the North-West Coast. Band contests were held in Tasmania last year for the first time for 42 years, and 11 bands, including two from the Mainland, competed at York Park, Launceston, in December, 1947. Six other Mainland bands were unable to compete because of transport difficulties. The State Treasurer (Mr. Madden) who presided, said the general public did not fully appreciate the meaning of a band. A nation which did not have a good appreciation of music and art soon declined, he said. Mr. W.J. Holmes, of Launceston, said Tasmania could become the Mecca of interstate bands. Mr. Holmes is a former president of the Victorian Bands League. He recommended that the Australian championships should be held at Christmas, 1949, instead of November 14, the date originally suggested. The financial statement showed a credit balance of £379. Officers appointed were: Patron, the Governor (Sir Hugh Binney); president, Mr. L.O. Round; vice presidents, Messrs. W.J. Holmes (Launceston), J. Andrews (Devonport), H. Dunn (Hobart), and H. D'Alton (Queenstown); treasurer, Mr. A.A. Newton; secretary, Mr. A.E. Brain. It was decided to recommend to the incoming committee that the league foster solo, duet, and quartette competitions for junior bandsmen.
Monday, 22nd November 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BANDS NEED MORE JUNIOR PLAYERS - An appeal to foster instrumental competitions for junior bandsmen was urged by delegates to the Tasmanian Band League conference held in the Library Hall on Saturday. The president (Mr. L.O. Round) said bands throughout the state should try to interest boys leaving school in band music, with the object of recruiting young players. He said it was unfortunate that the Education Department had not taken steps to form state school bands. "If the league is to prosper it is vital that young players join our ranks. Present players cannot continue forever, and as some of the older bandsmen drop out it is necessary that juniors take their place," said Mr. Round. The State Treasurer (Mr. Madden), who presided, stressed the need to encourage juniors. He said the A.B.C. championships would be conducted in Tasmania next year, and urged the league to do all in its power to make a success of the championships. A motion to hold the championships during Christmas 1949, instead of November was agreed to. Mr. W.J. Holmes said that by hard work the league could place band music in Tasmania on a standard with that of the mainland states. It was suggested by Mr. J.A. Stansborough [sic] that the league give consideration to the establishment of a memorial in honour of the late Mr. Alex. Lithgow, composer of some of the leading band music. Replying to criticism by Mr. Round that it was a disgrace that a city the size of Hobart could foster only two brass bands, Mr. M.H. Lynch said the Hobart City Council donated only £20 a year to the expenses of the bands whereas in Launceston the City Council made a grant of £100. He said that bands even had difficulty in obtaining permission to march through the streets. The annual financial report disclosed a credit of £379, an increase of £72 on the previous year. Election of officers:- Patron, Sir Hugh Binney; president, Mr. L.O. Round; vice-presidents, Messrs. W.J. Holmes (Launceston), J. Andrews (Devonport), H. Dunn (Hobart), H. Dalton [sic] (Queenstown); secretary Mr. A.E. Brain; auditors, Messrs. Record, Newton and Tregaskis. A smoke social was held in the City Band Hall. [Article includes a photo of the smoke social on page 6].
Tuesday, 23rd November 1948 ("The Advocate", Page 7):SHOULD FOSTER JUNIOR BANDSMEN - An appeal to foster instrumental competitions for junior bandsmen was made by delegates to the Tasmanian Band League conference at Launceston at the weekend. The president (Mr. L.O. Round) said bands throughout the State should try to interest boys leaving school in band music, with the object of recruiting young players. It was unfortunate that the Education Department had not taken steps to form State school bands. "If the league is to prosper it is vital that young players join our ranks. Present players cannot continue forever, and as some of the older bandsmen drop out juniors must take their place," said Mr. Round. The State Treasurer (Mr. Madden), who presided, stressed the need to encourage juniors. He said the A.B.C. championships would be conducted in Tasmania next year, and urged the league to do all in its power to make a success of the championships. A motion to hold the championships during Christmas, 1949, instead of November, was agreed to. Mr. W.J. Holmes said that by hard work the league could place band music in Tasmania on a standard with that of the mainland States. Mr. J.A. Stansborough [sic] suggested the league give consideration to the establishment of a memorial to the late Mr. Alex. Lithgow, composer of some of the leading band music. Replying to criticism by Mr. Round that it was a disgrace that a city the size of Hobart could foster only two brass bands, Mr. M.H. Lynch said the Hobart City Council donated only £20 a year to the expenses of the bands, whereas in Launceston the City Council made a grant of £100. Bands even had difficulty in obtaining permission to march through the streets. The financial report disclosed a credit of £379, an increase of £72. Election of officers: - Patron, Sir Hugh Binney; president, Mr. L.O. Round; vice-presidents, Messrs. W.J. Holmes (Launceston), J. Andrews (Devonport), H. Dunn (Hobart), H. Dalton [sic] (Queenstown); secretary, Mr. A.E. Brain; auditors, Messrs. Record, Newton and Tregaskis.
Thursday, 25th November 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 2):BAND MUSIC - There cannot be any doubt about the worth of good bands to a community. Launceston has had its experience of wealth and dearth in this regard, and at the moment there is a strong effort to ensure reinforcements for senior bands by the encouragement of juniors. At the conference of the Tasmanian Band League in Launceston on Saturday the president said that bands throughout the state should try to interest boys leaving school in band music. It is to be hoped that the wisdom of this will be seen and put into practice. Boys and youths interested in music can serve themselves and the community by active band membership, and the existing bands should not be slow to recognise the value to their organisations.
Monday, 13th December 1948 ("The Mercury", Page 8):AUSTRALIAN BAND CONTESTS FOR LAUNCESTON - The first all-Australian brass band championships to be held in Tasmania will be conducted by the Tasmanian Bands League at Launceston at Christmas, 1949. Run in conjunction with this will be the State pipe band championship. This was disclosed on Saturday by the chairman of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. L.O. Round). Competition in the brass band section, he said, would come from all parts of the Commonwealth. The Tasmanian pipe band championship would be contested by several Mainland bands, besides the Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie bands.
Monday, 13th December 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BAND CARNIVAL - The first all-Australian brass band championships to be held in Tasmania will be conducted by the Tasmanian Bands League at Launceston at Christmas, 1949. Run in conjunction with this will be the state pipe band championships. This was disclosed on Saturday by the chairman of the Tasmanian Band, League (Mr. L.O. Round) at the silver jubilee social and celebrations of the Burnie Marine Board Band at the South Burnie Hall.
Monday, 13th December 1948 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BANDS' 25TH YEAR - The Burnie Marine Board Band's contribution to community life was praised on Saturday evening at its silver jubilee celebrations. A social arranged by the band was attended by the Warden (Cr. M.A. Whitford) and Mrs. Whitford, the Minister for Housing (Mr. Aylett), the president, secretary and treasurer of the Tasmanian Bands' League, representatives of Launceston Silver Band, Devonport, Ulverstone and Burnie Municipal Bands and St. Andrew's Pipe Band (Burnie), and other organisations. Proposing "The Band," the Minister for Housing (Mr. Aylett) praised the work of Mr. R.M. Goninon and Captain Morrison in forming the band in 1923. He said it was an asset of which the town could be justly proud. In reply, the chairman (Mr. S. Winwood) briefly outlined the history of the band, and said that since 1923 it had won several quickstep competitions, and during the war travelled more than 500 miles on patriotic work at its own expense. The band now had approximately 50 members. For their outstanding services, Mr. R. Goninon and Mr. and Mrs. H. Morley received presentations from the band. Trophies for junior members were presented to Neil Ivory (most advanced), and Allan Morley (best attendance). The latter was congratulated on his record of missing only one night's practice in four years. A strong committee of women arranged the catering. A two tiered cake was cut by Mrs. Whitford. The toast list was: - "The King," the Warden; "Marine Board Band," proposed by the Minister for Housing; response by the chairman (Mr. S. Winwood); "Old Members," Mr. W. Webster, chairman of Band League (Mr. L.O. Round) ; "Kindred Bands," Mr. R. Viney, representatives of kindred bands; "The Ladies," Mr. E. Murfett.
Monday, 13th December 1948 ("The Advocate", Page 7):TO GET BIG BAND CONTESTS - It was announced at Burnie on Saturday evening that the first All-Australian brass band championships to be held in Tasmania would be decided in Launceston at Christmas, 1949. Run in conjunction would be the State pipe band championships. This decision was reported by the chairman of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. L.O. Round), who attended the silver jubilee social and celebrations of the Burnie Marine Board Band in the South Burnie hall. Competition in the brass band section would come from all parts of the Commonwealth, he said. The Tasmanian Pipe Band championships would be contested by several mainland bands besides the Hobart, Launceston and Burnie bands. This was only one of the progressive steps taken by the Bands League since its inception.
Friday, 24th December 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 10): 
Friday, 31st December 1948 ("The Examiner", Page 7):TASMANIAN BANDS LEAGUE. WINNERS OF RAFFLE DRAWN DEC. 27, ALBERT HALL - 1st prize, Mrs. Bradbury, Cornwall; 2nd prize, C.L. Trenham, L'ton; 3rd prize, K. Snooks, c/- E.B.R., Burnie; 4th prize, J. McCulloch, Stowport.
Friday, 21st January 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 18):TASMANIAN BANDS LEAGUE - Applications are invited for the position of Secretary-Organiser for the Tasmanian Bands League. Applications to be lodged with the President, L.O. Round, 120 Brisbane Street, Launceston. Applications close January 30, at 4pm.
Friday, 11th February 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 10):BAND REVIVAL - After being almost out of existence for nearly nine months through lack of interest, the Devonport Band has made a good recovery. It has a membership of approximately 25, including 20 keen juniors. A street march will be held on Tuesday, and the band will play at the Bluff on Saturday week. The following day it will give a concert there. Last Saturday the vice-president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. W.R. Andrews) and the band-master (Mr. F.R. Sturgess) attended a meeting of the League in Launceston. Mr. Sturgess has devoted three nights weekly to tuition of the juniors.
Thursday, 17th February 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 8):NEW SECRETARY FOR BANDS LEAGUE - Mr. T. French, who has had a long association with bands throughout Australia, has been appointed secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League in succession to Mr. A.E. Brain, who has resigned. Mr. French, who was born at Orange (N.S.W.), came to Tasmania 43 years ago. He has played with bands in Orange, Bourke, Sydney, Hobart, Launceston, Westbury, Ulverstone, and Deloraine. He won a solo championship in Hobart in 1905. Mr. French was associated with the late Mr. A. Lithgow in the Launceston Symphony Orchestra, and also with the late Mr. T. Hopkins in the famous Old Derwent Infantry Band.
Thursday, 17th February 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 5):FINE BAND RECORD - Mr. T. French, who has had a long association with Tasmanian bands, has been appointed secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League, He succeeds Mr. A.E. Bain, who has resigned. Mr. French was born at Orange and came to Tasmania 43 years ago. He has been associated with bands at Orange, Bourke and Sydney (N.S.W.) and Derwent Infantry (Hobart), Railway and St. Joseph's (Launceston) and Westbury, Ulverstone and Deloraine. He was bandmaster and solo trombone at the latter centre and also won a championship solo in Hobart. Mr. French was associated with the late Mr. Alex. Lithgow in the Launceston Symphony Orchestra. He is optimistic that the championships to be held in Launceston in December will revive band work in Tasmania.
Tuesday, 15th March 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 5):WOULD FORM FREE LIBRARY AT DEVONPORT - Cr. Andrews sought permission for the Tasmanian Bands League to conduct a massed bands meeting on Sunday, April 3. - Granted.
Saturday, 19th March 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 2):PERSONAL - The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) will meet the Tasmanian Bands League in Launceston this afternoon.
Saturday, 19th March 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 4):PERSONAL - The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) will meet the Tasmanian Bands League in Launceston this afternoon.
Monday, 21st March 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 13):AID SOUGHT FOR BAND CARNIVAL - Government assistance in financing the Australian bands championships at Launceston in December was sought by a deputation from the Tasmanian Bands League which waited on the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) at Launceston on Saturday. The president of the league (Mr. L.O. Round) said his executive had decided to offer £1,000 appearance money and £1,000 prize money at the championships. They had written to 110 bands on the Mainland asking them to participate. The league's objects were to train youths in music and promote band music, and it would like to see this included in school curriculums. The Premier said the Government appreciated the importance of bands in the cultural life of the community. He would submit to Cabinet on Tuesday a proposal that a grant up to £1,500 be made on a £ for £ basis.
Monday, 21st March 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 13):GOVT. MAY ASSIST BANDS' LEAGUE - State Cabinet will consider giving financial aid to the Tasmanian Bands' League to assist in holding the Australian band championships at Launceston next December. The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) told a deputation from, the league in Launceston on Saturday that he would recommend to Cabinet tomorrow that assistance on the £ for £ basis up to £1500 should be granted. Mr. Cosgrove said that he and the Government fully appreciated the value of band music in community life and regarded it as essential to the cultural life of the state. He realised the difficulties confronting the league in staging the championships, and he was of the definite opinion that any contests should be really worthwhile. The deputation was introduced by the Treasurer (Mr. Madden). The president of the league (Mr. L.O. Round) said the leagues aim was to encourage band music in Tasmania and to help train youth in music. The league hoped to obtain an instructor eventually to train boys before they left school. Finance was the biggest problem confronting the league in arranging the Australian championships next December. It had circularised 110 mainland bands concerning the contest, and eight replies had been received already. The league hoped to be able to offer £1000 in prize money and £1000 as appearance money. The vice-president of the league (Mr. W. Holmes) said that any contests held in Tasmania should be of a standard to attract leading bands from Victoria. "Unless we can put on a really good contest, we might as well leave it alone," Mr. Holmes said, and added that it would cost at least £3000 to conduct the championships. Mr. R. McKenzie, of St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band, said that when in Maryborough recently he had received many enquiries from Victorian bands about the possibilities of contests in Tasmania.
Monday, 21st March 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 5):AID PROPOSED FOR BAND COMPETITION - Launceston, Sunday. - A proposal that the Government give £1500 on the £ for £ basis to the Tasmanian Bands' League for the Australian band championships here in December will be submitted to Cabinet on Tuesday. Promising this to a deputation from the Tasmanian Bands' League, the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) said that he and the Government fully appreciated the value of band music in community life and regarded it as essential to the cultural life of the State. He realised the difficulties confronting the league in staging the championships, and considered any contests should be really worthwhile. The president of the league (Mr. L.O. Round) said the league's aim was to encourage band music in Tasmania and to help train youth in music. The league hoped to obtain an instructor eventually to train boys before they left school. Finance was the biggest problem confronting the league in arranging the Australian championships next December. It had circulated 110 mainland bands concerning the contest, and eight replies had been received already. The league hoped to be able to offer £1000 in prizemoney and £1000 as appearance money. The vice-president of the league (Mr. W. Holmes) said any contests held in Tasmania should be of a standard to attract leading bands from Victoria. "Unless we can put on a really good contest, we might as well leave it alone," Mr. Holmes said. He added that it would cost at least £3000 to conduct the championships. Mr. R. McKenzie of St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band, said that when in Maryborough recently he had received many inquiries front Victorian bands about the possibilities of contests in Tasmania.
Tuesday, 22nd March 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 2):BAND MUSIC - Today the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) is to submit to Cabinet a proposal that £ for £ assistance up to £1500 be granted to the Tasmanian Bands' League for the holding of Australian band championships at Launceston next December. It is to be hoped that the Premier will be able to convince his colleagues that this help is for the good of the state and the future of band music here. The great popularity of band contests is well known and Launceston has a good band history. Success on a high scale at competitions in the city at the end of the year will do much to encourage continuance and improvement of this class of music.
Wednesday, 23rd March 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 4):STATE GRANT FOR BAND CARNIVAL - Cabinet has approved of £1,500 being placed on the Estimates this year to assist the Tasmanian Band League to conduct an interstate bands carnival in Tasmania. The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) who said this yesterday, added that a deputation from the Tasmanian Bands League had waited on him recently and pointed out that assistance was needed to conduct an interstate bands carnival in Tasmania. He had been informed that it would be necessary for the league to raise £3,000 to conduct the carnival. Cabinet had considered the request and agreed to place £1,500 on the Estimates.
Tuesday, 29th March 1949 ("The Examiner", Suppliment Page 3): 
Wednesday, 30th March 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 18):
Saturday, 2nd April 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 12):MASSED BANDS RECITAL - Six bands will take part in the massed bands recital to be conducted at the Bluff at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon under the direction of the Tasmanian Band League. A special train from Launceston will bring the Launceston Pipe Band, the Launceston Boys' Band, and the Latrobe Federal Band. Buses from Burnie will convey the Burnie Municipal Band and Burnie Marine Board Band. Besides a massed recital, a number of individual items will be presented. It is the intention of the Band League to present a series of recitals at different Tasmanian centres.
Monday, 4th April 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 3):MASSED BAND CONCERT - Nearly 140 players took part in a massed bands concert at Devonport yesterday, organised by the Tasmanian Bands League to raise funds for the Australian bands' championship in Launceston at the end of the year. More than £30 was realised. The St. Andrew's Pipe Band attended, and the N.W. Coast was represented by the Burnie Municipal, Burnie Marine Board, Devonport, Latrobe, and Ulverstone Bands. Ald. L.O. Round, Launceston, said £3000 would be needed for the championship. More than £2000 would be paid in prizes. The Government would contribute £1500.
Monday, 4th April 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 9):BANDS' ORGANISATION FOR N.W. COAST - The Tasmanian Bands League Council will visit Ulverstone next month to form a north-western section. Ulverstone probably will be chosen as section headquarters, because of its central location. Organisation of a north-western section of the league was decided on at a meeting of the Tasmanian council at Devonport on Saturday evening. The meeting was attended by Mr. L.O. Round (chairman), Messrs. Holmes and Andrews (vice-presidents), Mr. G. Keep (treasurer) and Mr. T. French (secretary). Six bands and nearly 140 players took part in the massed bands concert at the Bluff, Devonport, yesterday afternoon. The concert was organised by the league to obtain money for the Australian bands championship in Launceston at the end of the year. More than £60 was raised. The St. Andrew's Pipe Band travelled from Launceston, which sent about 350 supporters by special train. Coastal bands were the Burnie Municipal (bandmaster A. Clarke), Burnie Marine Board (Mr. W. Heron), Devonport (Mr. F.R. Sturges), Ulverstone (A. Quantrill [sic]) and Latrobe (Mr. L. Coventry). Mr. Round expressed pleasure at the large crowd. He said about £3000 would be needed for the championships, as more than £2000 would be paid in prizes. The Government would contribute £1500. The Devonport concert was the first of a series. One of the league vice-presidents, Mr. W.J. Holmes, said the championship and work of the league would stimulate interest in municipal bands, which did a great service. Bands played individual items in addition to massed playing during the afternoon.
Tuesday, 5th April 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 6):BAND ACTIVITY - The Devonport Band is continuing its activity, and tomorrow evening open air recitals will be given in the main shopping centres. The band has been encouraged by the support it has received in the past weeks. The massed bands concert at the weekend enthused band members, and the large attendance and liberal support accorded the aims of the Band League proved that the value of bands is appreciated. Noticeable among the local players was the number of boys. One of them is 11 and two others 12 and 13.
Wednesday, 20th April 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 4):PROGRESS OF INVERMAY BAND - A credit balance of £166/12/3 was revealed at the annual meeting of the Invermay Silver Band, held at the Invermay School last night. Mr. J.H. Huston remarked that the boys had appeared before the public on 46 occasions during the last 12 months, and had visited Hobart, New Norfolk, Scottsdale and Derby. The trips, with the exception of that to Hobart, which was marred by wet weather, had proved financially successful. Mr. Huston revealed that assets of the band were in the vicinity of £622. He also welcomed to the meeting the president and vice-president of the Tasmanian Bands League, Messrs. L.O. Round and W.J. Holmes. Mr. Round spoke of the proposed all-Australian bands contest to be held at Hobart towards the end of the year. He stated that the cost of the carnival was estimated at £3000. A deputation from the Tasmanian Bands League, said Mr. Round, had waited on the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) during his recent visit to the North, and asked for Government aid in financing such a scheme. Mr. Cosgrove had advised him that the Government had provided a grant of £1500 on a £ for £ basis. He also made a recommendation that the band should build its own band hall, and offered every assistance. A trophy, donated by the band master (Mr. Neil Graham) for the most improved player in the band, was presented to John Murray by Mr. Round. Election of officers:- President, Mr. J.H. Huston; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. Neville, H. Blackburn; treasurer, Mr. J. Denman; acting secretary Mr. W.E. Lowe; committee, Messrs. E. Parker, C. Panton, E. Evans, L. Wilson, E. Hills.
Wednesday, 11th May 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 7):SEEK MUNICIPAL RATE TO FINANCE BANDS - The Tasmanian Bands' League has written to the Municipal Association of Tasmania requesting that it give consideration to the position of bands in the state. "The League is of the opinion," said the secretary (Mr. T. French) yesterday, "that much good could be done for bands and the training of youth if the municipal councils were more helpful. Some councils pay as low as £5 a year, and then expect a band to turn out when requested. "No band should have to go cap in hand or with a tin box to maintain itself, and the League says that it is the duty of the public to contribute in some small way. "The Municipal Association is being requested to consider the possibility of imposing a ½d or 1d rate in municipalities where they could be maintained with the assistance of the Tasmanian Bands' League."
Wednesday, 11th May 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 8):ASSISTING BAND - At this week's [Devonport] council meeting. Cr. Andrews said the Tasmanian Band League in Launceston on Saturday decided to ask the Municipal Association to devise means of financing the bands. A band was an asset to a town, and the days of playing in parks and soliciting small donations had passed. The Devonport municipality had given the local band great assistance. It was decided that the matter be placed on the supplementary agenda for the municipal conference. Cr. Andrews said that if a solution were found, the band would provide free concerts.
Thursday, 12th May 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 7):WANTS RATES LEVIED FOR BANDS - Launceston, Wednesday. - A proposal that municipal councils should levy rates to support bands has been submitted to the Municipal Association by the Tasmanian Bands League. The League considers that municipal councils should take more interest in bands, and that no band should have to hand round collection boxes to maintain itself. A League member said today some councils contributed as little as £5 towards bands, but expected the district band to "turn out" whenever requested. It is suggested that a rate of ½d. or 1d. should be levied in municipalities where there are bands or in which bands could be maintained with the League's assistance.
Wednesday, 25th May 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 3):CONFERENCE ON RABBIT CONTROL - Hobart, Tuesday. - At a meeting of the executive of the Municipal Association at Hobart today […] The Tasmanian Bands League wrote suggesting that councils levy a bands rate of 1d or ½d. It was agreed that copies of the letter should be sent to all councils.
Thursday, 26th May 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 5):BAND CONTEST TO HELP STATE - Allocation of the Australian bands championships to Launceston this year will give bands in Tasmania a big fillip and will prove another medium of advertising the state. The Tasmanian Bands' League, formed in 1946 to foster bands, has the responsibility of conducting the championship carnival, which will be the first held in this state. It is anticipated that up to 25 bands, including about 15 from the mainland, will visit the city for the championships beginning on December 24 at York Park and continuing till December 28. A panel of six judges is likely to be appointed. Included will be some of the foremost experts in Australia on band-music and drill. They will be called upon to make awards in the four sections, A, B, C and D grades. Prizes totalling about £1250 will be paid to the bands, which will also receive about £1000 in appearance money to offset expenses. The prize money offered is the highest ever for the championships. It has to be good to attract mainland combinations which are in great demand at this particular time of the year. As a result the league anticipates that £3000 will be needed to stage the carnival, and the Government has already offered to give £1500 on a £ for £ basis towards expenses. To raise the rest of the money the league is appealing to organisations and citizens throughout the state. The Mayor (Ald. Henty) is to be asked to open a fund to which it is hoped the public will subscribe liberally. The Governor (Sir Hugh Binney) and Lady Binney have agreed to attend the league's inaugural ball next month. This function is expected to provide some of the finance needed. Busy already on organisation of the championships is the league secretary (Mr. T.N. French), who has been interested in bands for many years, first in New South Wales and then Tasmania. The purchase of a number of second hand instruments and the reconditioning of many others was reported by the secretary of the Launceston City Band (Mr. H.T. Herron) at the annual meeting last night. He said that most of the instruments belonging to the band were now in good order. The annual report disclosed that the band contained approximately 40 playing members and that a learners' class had been in operation throughout the year under the guidance of Mr. C. Reece. Mr. Herron said that towards the end of last year it had been decided to form a boys' club. Arrangements were now in hand for the inauguration of the club, which would be known as the Launceston City Band Junior Social Club. The financial statement showed a credit of more than £51. Mr. Herron said more players were needed and that an appeal would be made to bandsmen not attached to any band to join the City Band. Election of officers:- President, Mr. R. Gee; conductor, Mr. C. Edwards; deputy conductor, Mr. F. Smith; sergeant, Mr. T. Clark; corporal, Mr. T. Clark, jun.; drum-major, Mr. R. Thompson. Mr. C. Richardson, who has been associated with the band for more than 30 years, was elected a life-member.
Thursday, 26th May 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 5):AUSTRALIAN BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR LAUNCESTON - Launceston, Wednesday. - Allocation of the Australian bands championships to Launceston this year will give bands in Tasmania a big fillip, and will prove another medium of advertising the State. It will be the first championship carnival held in the State, and will be conducted by the Tasmanian Bands' League, which was formed in 1946 to foster bands. It is anticipated that up to 25 bands, including about 15 from the mainland, will take part in the carnival which begins at York Park on December 24 and will continue till December 28. A panel of six judges is likely to be appointed to make awards in the four sections, A, B, C and D. Prizes totalling about £1250 will be paid. In addition bands will receive about £1000 in appearance money to offset expenses. It is the most prizemoney offered at any championship carnival. The League anticipates that £3000 will be needed to stage the carnival, and the Government has already offered to give £1500 on the £ for £ basis towards expenses.
Saturday, 28th May 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 23): 
Thursday, 2nd June 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BAND LEAGUE FUND OPENED - An appeal for £1500 was launched by the Mayor (Ald. Henty) last night for funds for the Tasmanian Band League. Mr. Henty said the League had been successful in obtaining the Australian band championships for Launceston in December. Approximately £3000 was needed to sponsor and finance the championships, and the State Government had offered to assist the League to the extent of £1500 on the £ for £ basis. The remaining £1500, of which only £150 had so far been obtained, would have to be raised by public donation, said Mr. Henty. He urged the people of Launceston and throughout the state to support the fund liberally to ensure the success of the championships.
Saturday, 4th June 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 4):PERSONAL - The Governor (Sir Hugh Binney) and Lady Binney will travel to Launceston on Friday to attend the Bands League ball.
Saturday, 11th June 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 9):GOVERNOR AT BANDS' LEAGUE BALL - The St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band formed a guard-of-honour for the Governor (Adm. Sir. Hugh Binney) and Lady Binney when they arrived at the Albert Hall last night for the Tasmanian Bands' League ball. The proceeds of the ball, which was the first to be held by the League, will go towards the band festival in Launceston at the end of the year. Rows of primula obconica and cinerarias formed a colourful terrace between the ballroom floor and the stage. Each side of the stage was decorated with fern fronds, holly tree and cotoneaster berries. Behind the official party were tall pedestals of bright berries and chrysanthemums. In the official party were the Governor and Lady Binney, the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald. and Mrs. Henty), the Treasurer (Mr. Madden) and Mrs. Madden, the president of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Ald. L.O. Round) and Mrs. Round, Mr. and Mrs. W. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. H. D'Alton, Mr. and Mrs. R. Andrews, Mrs. B. French, Mr. J.A. Huston and Ald. W. Clark. Hostess was Miss Elvie Quigley, secretary was Mr. T.N. French, and Mr. S. Keep was treasurer. Launceston bands marched from the city to the Albert Hall and the Launceston Boys' Band played the National Anthem on the arrival of the Vice-Regal party. Lady Binney wore a white lambs' wool three-quarter coat over her lovely gown of heavy black lace. The deep V neckline was outlined with a frill of stiffened black tulle and she wore long white kid gloves. A particularly smart frock of geranium red taffeta patterned in a large floral design of grey and white was worn by the Mayoress. The skirt was very full and one shoulder was finished with a large bow. Miss Quigley's smart frock was of lilac water-waved taffeta. The bodice was supported with a fine plaited shoulder strap and a wider strap which was draped to finish with a bow on one hip giving a bustle effect to the full skirt. Her cape was of black tulip ermine. Mrs. Madden wore a hip-length black velvet jacket with her black dinner gown. Orchid green heavy crepe fashioned the dinner gown worn by Mrs. Round. Gold sequins sparkled on the low neckline and sleeves and at one shoulder she pinned a spray of green orchids. Matching cornelli work outlined the net yoke of the gown of old gold heavy satin chosen by Mrs. Bruce French. A neat Peter Pan collar of coffee lace trimmed Mrs. Holmes' soldier red taffeta frock. [Article includes a photo of Miss Elvie Quigley chatting with the Governor, Sir Hugh Binney].
Tuesday, 14th June 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 10):[Photo of Launceston Mayoress (Mrs. Henty) with Mrs. W. Holmes and Mrs. J.L. Madden at the Tasmanian Bands' League ball which was at the Albert Hall on Friday night.]
Tuesday, 14th June 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 7):[WYNYARD] MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS - An application was received from the Tasmanian Bands' League for a small rate to be struck to help bands meet their liabilities. It was pointed out that there was on [sic] band in Wynyard, although one was very desirable. It was decided that Wynyard Ward members investigate the position and report to the next meeting.
Wednesday, 15th June 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 6):£46,457 SEWERAGE SCHEME FOR LATROBE - The Tasmanian Bands League suggested that a rate of ½d or 1d be struck by each council throughout the State for local bands. Cr. W. Cutts [Latrobe Council] said rates would most likely be considerably increased next month, and would be enough without the extra burden of a rate for the band. No action was taken.
Friday, 8th July 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 19):MEETINGS - Tasmanian Bands League is holding its monthly meeting at Rotary Club Rooms, T. & G. Buildings at 8pm on Saturday, 9th July. Particularly request the attendance of all bandsmen, who will be welcomed to this meeting.
Monday, 11th July 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 4):BANDS TOLD OF NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT - Tasmanian bands must improve, and co-operate to build for the future, especially when they entered in competition with the Mainland, the president of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. L.O. Round) said on Saturday night. He was speaking at the league's general meeting in Hobart. Mr. W.J. Holmes, past president of the Victorian Bands League and vice-president of the Tasmanian league, spoke on the importance of forming school bands in Tasmania. He was supported by two other speakers. School bands were said to be good training grounds for players. Mr. John Dodds was elected vice president for the southern branch in place of Mr. H. Dunn, who is leaving Hobart for an extended tour of England. The secretary (Mr. T. French) is staying in Hobart for a week to get in touch with business firms and manufacturers to interest them in finance for the championships at the end of the year. Mainland bands will compete, and it is hoped that Tasmania will be able to enter.
Thursday, 14th July 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 10):AUSTRALIAN BAND TITLE FOR LAUNCESTON - An Australian championship band contest at which prize money totalling £790 will be offered will be conducted in Launceston by the Tasmanian Bands' League from December 24 to December 27. The competitions will include a quickstep championship and a highland pipe band contest. One of the objects of the contest is to build a good financial foundation for the league so it can help bands throughout the State. An appeal has been made to all bandsmen to support the league. The championship will be conducted in four grades, each covering a music test and a quickstep test. The first prize for the winning band in the "A" grade division is £100. First prizes in the other divisions are: "B" grade, £75; "C" grade, £60; "D" grade, £60. In the highland pipe bands contest the first prize is also £100. The league has adopted the same test music as at the Ballarat competitions. Interstate bands at the competition will receive £50 appearance money. Intrastate bands will be paid appearance money on a mileage basis. Entries close with the secretary (Mr. T. French), Launceston, on November 1.
Tuesday, 19th July 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 18):MAINLAND BANDS FOR TASMANIA - About 25 brass bands and eight pipe bands were expected to take part in the Australian bands' championship at Launceston from December 24 to 28, said the organising secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. T.M. French) at Launceston yesterday. At least 15 brass bands from the Mainland would participate. Whyalla and Tanunda bands from South Australia would compete, and he had had inquiries from the Dunedin Municipal Band (N.Z.). Many bandsmen would be billeted, said Mr. French. The Army was prepared to lend 800 mattresses and 1,000 pairs of blankets for bandsmen to be housed at Elphin Showground.
Tuesday, 19th July 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 16):BAND FESTIVAL POPULAR - The Dunedin (N.Z.) Municipal Band is keenly interested in visiting Launceston at the end of the year for the Australian band championships, and the organising secretary (Mr. T.M. French) said yesterday he expected they would make the trip. Mr. French said it appeared now that there would be 15 brass bands from the mainland, including bands from Whyalla and Tanunda (S.A.), and Toowoomba (Qld.). There would also be four or five Highland bands from the mainland. Eight Tasmanian brass bands and two or three pipe bands would also attend. The Tasmanian Bands' League has arranged to hire from the Army Department 1000 pairs of blankets and 200 mattresses and those visiting bandsmen who cannot be accommodated in hotels and privately will camp at Elphin showground. The four day festival begins on December 24. Launceston City Council last night approved of a grant of £200 to the Tasmanian Bands League for the festival, conditional upon the league raising £1300. Ald. Round moved an amendment that the grant be made without any conditions. He urged the City Council to set an example to other municipalities by supporting the championships. His amendment was defeated and he joined other aldermen in voting for the motion.
Saturday, 6th August 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 19):MEETINGS - Bandsmen. Calling all Coastal Bands to meeting. Sunday (tomorrow) 3 p.m. Ulverstone Bandroom. Business important. T. French. Secty. Tas. Bands' League.
Monday, 8th August 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 6):N.W. BAND GROUP FORMED - It was decided at a conference at Ulverstone yesterday afternoon to form a N.W. group of the Tasmanian Bands League. Representatives from Burnie, Devonport and Ulverstone and Messrs. L.O. Round (president), W.R. Andrews, W. Holmes (vice presidents) and T. French (secretary) of the Tasmanian Bands League were at the meeting. Mr. Round congratulated group members on the Coast on forming a coastal body. He said it was a big step toward re-forming of bands in Tasmania in general. It was hoped by steps such as this that bands would earn more public support.
Monday, 8th August 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 11):COASTAL BANDS ORGANISE - It was decided at a conference at Ulverstone yesterday afternoon to form a North-West group of the Tasmanian Bands' League. Representatives from Burnie (2), Devonport and Ulverstone, and Messrs. L.O. Round (president), W.R. Andrews, W. Holmes (vice presidents), and T. French (secretary) of the Tasmanian Bands' League attended. Mr. Round congratulated the delegates on forming a Coastal body. He said it was a big step toward re-forming bands in Tasmania. It was hoped by such organisation that bands would receive more public support and make more public appearances. The State Government was behind the league, and it considered that municipal councils should impose small rates to assist bands. It was agreed to hold the first meeting of the group at Ulverstone on Saturday, August 27. Messrs. S.R. Grant (Ulverstone) and B. Billett (Burnie) were elected president and secretary respectively.
Saturday, 13th August 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 7):BANDS LEAGUE APPEAL FOR FESTIVAL - An appeal for funds to stage the Australian Band championships in Launceston at Christmas time was supported yesterday by the Mayor (Ald. Henty). The Mayor paid a tribute to the voluntary work of bandsmen throughout Tasmania, and said it was an honour that Launceston had been selected for the 1949 championship contests. "The fixture will act as a great stimulant to the band music loving people of Tasmania," he said, "and the people as a whole should contribute, "Hundreds of visiting bands men will be in Launceston for a week or more during the festival, and I appeal to business houses to support the Tasmanian Bands' League which is conducting the contests." The festival begins on Christmas Eve and continues until December 27. The State Government has promised a subsidy on the £ for £ basis up to £1500, and Launceston City Council has agreed to give £200 if the League raises £1300. Donations may be sent to the Town Hall, to the president of the Bands' League (Mr. L.O. Round), or the secretary (Mr. T.N. French) at 127 High Street. Donations to date are: City Council, £200; Tattersall's (late Geo. Adams), £50; N.W. Coast bands function at Devonport, £45; president's special appeal, £20; Mr. E. Lee, Elizabeth Town Hotel, £10; Brisbane Hotel and Invermay Silver Band, each £5/5/-; Mr. L. Jones, £5; Patons and Baldwins and Mr. H.C. Barnard, M.H.R., each £3/3/-. Total, £346/16/-.
Saturday, 27th August 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 12):FOSTERING BANDS - The need for councils to take more interest in bands was stressed by Mr. L.O. Round, president of the Tasmanian Bands League, in a letter read at the last meeting of the [Ulverstone] council. Mr. Round said the League was anxious to assist to improve bands. He was concerned about the condition of the Ulverstone Band, and hoped it would again reach the high standard it attained many years ago. There was no reason why it should not do so. Bands generally in the State were in a bad condition, and a "new look" must be given to them. Victorian bands were sponsored and encouraged by councils, but this was not the case in Tasmania. The league was sponsoring the Australian bands championships in Tasmania next December, and a donation from the council towards defraying the expense was sought. The Bands' Council had granted £200 towards the project, and the Government would assist £ for £ up to £1500. The Warden (Cr. G.M. Lakin) said he was happy to say the position of the band had improved in recent weeks. The formation of the North-western Group should give an added impetus to Coastal bands. He felt the Ulverstone Band was now on an excellent footing. The letter was received.
Friday, 16th September 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 10):PIPE BAND AT T.F.L. FINAL - The Hobart Highland Pipe Band will make an appearance at the T.F.L. preliminary final at the North Hobart oval tomorrow. An appeal will be made for public support to enable the band to enter in the Australian Bands' Council competitions to be held in Launceston under the auspices of the Tasmanian Bands' League. The band has been in existence for nearly a year, and will be the first Hobart pipe band that has ever entered in the contests.
Monday, 19th September 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BANDSMEN'S CONTESTS POSTPONED - The Tasmanian Bands' League has decided to postpone until Easter next year the championships scheduled to take place at Launceston during Christmas. It was announced on Saturday that the league felt compelled to take this action because the Ballarat contest was being held at almost the same time as the Australian bands' championship and because of the outbreak of poliomyelitis on the mainland and in this state.
Monday, 19th September 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 8):BAND CONTESTS POSTPONED - Launceston, Sunday. - At a meeting at the weekend the Tasmanian Bands League decided to postpone till Easter, 1950, the championship contests which were to have been held in Launceston next Christmas. Chief factors in bringing about the decision were the poliomyelitis epidemic on the mainland and incidence of the disease in this State, and the proximity of the Ballarat Competitions and Australian Band Championships.
Monday, 10th October 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 6):BAND FESTIVAL - Inclement weather marred the band festival at Hilder Parade yesterday. The three local bands - Municipal, Marine Board, and St. Andrew's Pipe - marched from the Fire Brigade to the beach. The festival was arranged by the Municipal Band to raise funds for the Alma Clarke appeal. The president (Mr. J.R. Hilder) welcomed the bands and Mr. W. Holmes (vice-president of the Tasmanian Bands League). Mr. Holmes said band festivals were deserving of full public support. The appeal will benefit by £7/9/6 from a collection. Other donations: Mr. C. Parrot, Mr. A. Pears, £1/1/- each; Mr. A. McInnes, £1.
Thursday, 3rd November 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 5):1950 BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA - The Australian Bands Council had decided that the 1950 championships should be held in South Australia, the secretary of the council (Mr. T.D. Beston [sic]) said in Launceston last night. Mr. Beatson, who arrived from Queensland yesterday, was speaking at a social given in his honour. The 1949 championships were to have been held in Launceston in December, but because of the poliomyelitis epidemic, the fixture was abandoned, and it was decided to seek the council's permission to hold the competitions at Easter. This has been refused on the ground that it is South Australia's turn to hold the championships in 1950. Disappointment was expressed by members of the Tasmanian Bands League when Mr. Beatson announced the council's decision last night. They said it was most unfortunate, as the State Government had agreed to subsidise the league on a £ for £ basis up to £1,500, and the Launceston City Council would donate £200. The secretary of the league (Mr. T. French) said it was the league's first attempt to hold the competition in Tasmania. He was supported by Messrs. W. Holmes and C.W. Stewart. Mr. Beatson said he would make an effort to have the decision reviewed. Mr. Beatson spoke on the work of the Bands League in Queensland.
Thursday, 3rd November 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 9):MORE BAND TRAINING SUGGESTED - A suggestion that Tasmania should open up new fields for training bandsmen was made by the secretary of the Australian Bands Council (Mr. D.L. Beatson) in Launceston last night. Introducing the speaker, the chairman of the Tasmanian Bands League (Ald. L.O. Round) said he regretted that the Australian band championships may not be held in Launceston next year as South Australia had also applied for the honour. The decision, he said, was unfortunate, because it was Tasmania's first attempt to hold them. Mr. Beatson urged members not to be too disappointed at the decision not to hold the championships this year, and said that on his return to the mainland he would endeavour to have the decision re-considered. Mr. Beatson said Queensland had inaugurated a training scheme whereby band students were given fortnightly lecturettes and after six months were given examinations. Mr. Beatson, who has been secretary of the Australian Bands Council for the past nine years, has been associated with bands throughout Australia for 47 years. A vote of thanks to Mr. Beatson was moved by the vice-president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. W.J. Holmes) and seconded by the conductor of the Launceston City Band (Mr. C. Edwards).
Friday, 18th November 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 10):BAND MEETING - Members of the [Devonport] band were gratified at the announcement at the monthly meeting that public support was increasing. It was decided to conduct a concert at Mersey Bluff on Sunday, and that a further concert be given in Wright, Thomas and Oldaker streets, East Devonport, on December 12. Advice was received from the Tasmanian Bands League that the annual meeting would be held in the Town Hall at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow. It was agreed to co-operate with the Surf Club in a bottle collection.
Monday, 21st November 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 2):BANDSMEN RULE PRESIDENT'S ACTION OUT OF ORDER - There was much bickering and somewhat heated discussion at the fourth annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League at Devonport on Saturday afternoon, when the suspension of the secretary (Mr. T.N. French) by the president (Mr. L.O. Round) was ruled out of order. In dealing with the correspondence, the president explained to the meeting that he had suspended the secretary, and that an executive meeting of the league had approved of his action. Later Mr. French was reinstated, and was now carrying on his position again, Mr. Round said. Following long discussion, a motion was agreed to stating that the president's action in suspending the secretary was out of order, and the "so-called executive meeting" was out of order also. The league had full confidence in Mr. French as secretary. Mr. W.R. Andrews (Devonport) said the matter was not fair and impartial, and should have never been brought up at the annual meeting. Mr. Round said the ruling out of order of the "so-called executive meeting" did not uphold the integrity of the members of the executive. It was an unfair attitude. Several members maintained that under the constitution the president had no authority to suspend the secretary. Others said that if that was the case, then the president was no longer the head man of his organisation. The annual report came under fire. Members wanted an explanation why two reports were circulated at the meeting. Mr. Round said he had not perused the, annual report compiled by the secretary, as was usual. On seeing the secretary's report after it had been circulated to some of the Tasmanian bands, Mr. Round said: "It's not a patch on the report of previous years." He then made out a report for the year to be presented at the annual meeting. A vote was taken as to which report would be accepted, and the meeting was in favour of accepting the secretary's report.
Monday, 21st November 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BANDS' CHAMPIONSHIP VENUE NOT DECIDED. MAY BE IN L'TON - A decision on whether the Australian Bands Championship would be held at Launceston next Easter would be made at the end of this month. Advice to this effect was received at the fourth annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands' League at Devonport on Saturday from the Australian Bands' Council. The contest was scheduled to take place at Launceston in December, but was postponed following the outbreak of poliomyelitis. There was much bickering and somewhat heated discussions during the meeting. In dealing with the correspondence, the president (Mr. L.O. Round, Launceston) explained that he had suspended the secretary (Mr. T.N. French, Launceston), and that an executive meeting of The League had approved of his action. Later Mr. French was reinstated, and was now carrying on in his position, Mr. Round said. Following a lengthy discussion, a motion was passed that the president's action in suspending the secretary was out of order, and the "so-called executive meeting" was out of order also, and that the Tasmanian Bands' League had full confidence in Mr. French. Mr. W.R. Andrews (Devonport) said the matter was neither fair nor impartial, and should not have been brought up at the annual meeting. Mr. Round said that the ruling out of order of the "so called' executive meeting" did not uphold, the integrity of the members of the executive. It was an unfair attitude. Several members maintained that under the constitution the president had no authority to suspend the secretary. Others said that if that was the case then the president was no longer the head man of his organisation and had lost his status. The annual report came under fire. Members wanted an explanation why two reports were circulated to those attending the meeting. Mr. Round stated that he had not perused the annual report compiled by the secretary, as was usual. On seeing the secretary's report after it had been circulated to some of the Tasmanian bands Mr. Round said that it was "not a patch on the report of previous years." Mr. Round said he then made out a report for the year to be presented at the annual meeting. A vote was taken on which report would be accepted, and the meeting was in favour of accepting the secretary's report.
Monday, 21st November 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 3):MANY BANDS REPRESENTED - Delegates representing Burnie Marine Board Band, Municipal and. St. Andrew's, Devonport, Hobart City, Railway, and Pipe, Launceston City and Pipe, and Queenstown bands, attended the meeting. The president (Mr. L.O. Round, L'ton) welcomed the Minister for Housing (Mr. Bramich) before the meeting. Mr. Bramich was chairman for the day. The secretary read a telegram from the Australian Bands' Council wishing the meeting success. Messrs. Round and S.G. Keep (treasurer) were thanked for their services. During the year, the league had done everything possible to live up to its reputation by bringing before the public the necessity of helping all bands that were not in a financial position, stated the annual report. The league's first important meeting was arranged with the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) and the Treasurer (Mr. Madden), when the president and one of the vice presidents addressed the Premier on the functioning of the league and the importance to Tasmania in having the Australian band championships for the first time. The Premier stated that the Government was prepared to assist the league on a £ for £ basis up to £1500. This was most satisfactory. Arrangements were made to launch appeals and in this way £1300 was raised. The league held its first ball at the Albert Hall, Launceston, on June 10. The Governor (Sir Hugh Binney) and Lady Binney attended. The massed bands carnival hell at the Bluff, Devonport, was pronounced a success and collections amounted to over £60. With the view of assisting bands that were unfinancial, the Municipal Association was asked to place on its agenda for the annual conference in Hobart, a recommendation from the league asking that a small levy be introduced, rate to be half one penny from each municipality where a band existed, to help pay their expenses. The treasurer's report revealed that the league was in a strong financial position, having to its credit a sum of £518/15/2. The following officers were elected: Patron, Sir Hugh Binney; president, Mr. A. Seymour; vice-presidents, Queenstown, N.W. Coast, Launceston and Hobart bands to nominate one each; secretary, Mr. T.N. French, Launceston; treasurer, Mr. B. Ellis, Launceston; music advisory board, Messrs. C. Edwards, V. McMahon, Launceston, A. Purton, Hobart; drill advisory board, Messrs. J. Stanborough [sic], Mackrell, Launceston, W.E. Welling, Devonport; auditors, Record, Newton and Tregaskis; representative to A.B.C. council, Mr. A. Seymour, Launceston.
Monday, 21st November 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 1): 
Monday, 21st November 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 4):LEAGUE HAS AIMED TO AID BANDS - During the year the League had done everything possible to live up to its reputation by bringing before the public the need for helping bands which were not financial, stated the fourth annual report of the Tasmanian Bands League, presented to members at Devonport on Saturday afternoon. Delegates representing the Burnie Marine Board, Burnie Municipal, Burnie Pipe, Devonport, Hobart City, Railway, Launceston City, Launceston Pipe, and Queenstown Bands, attended the fourth annual meeting of the League. It was the first time the annual meeting had been held at Devonport. The president (Mr. L.O. Round, Launceston) welcomed the Minister for Housing (Mr. C.A. Bramich, M.H.A.), who was chairman for the day. Mr. Bramich said he recognised the good work of Tasmanian bands. Any man who wore a returned soldier's badge would know the value of a band. It was essential that every centre should have a band, and every assistance should be given to the objects of the League. Delegates stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr. R. Goninon, of Ulverstone, who was well known in band circles on the N.W. Coast. The secretary read a telegram from the Australian Bands Council wishing the meeting every success. The president explained that he had suspended the secretary (Mr. T. N. French), and that an executive meeting had approved of his action. Later Mr. French was reinstated. Following a long discussion a motion was carried stating that the president's action in suspending the secretary was out of order, and that the "so-called executive meeting" was also out of order, and that the League had full confidence in Mr. French as secretary. Mr. W.R. Andrews (Devonport) said the matter should not have been brought up at the annual meeting. Mr. Round said the ruling out of the "so-called executive meeting" did not uphold the integrity of the members of the executive. It was an unfair attitude. Several members maintained that under the constitution the president did not have authority to suspend the secretary. Others said that if that was the case, the president was no longer the head of his organisation and had lost his status. The annual report came under fire. Members asked why two reports were circulated. Mr. Round said he was not given a copy of the annual report compiled by the secretary for perusal, as was usual. On seeing the secretary's report after it had been circulated to some bands, he considered it was "not a patch on reports of previous years." He then prepared a report for the year for the annual meeting. A vote was taken on which report would be accepted, and a majority was in favor of the secretary's report. The chairman said acceptance of the secretary's report, which had not been perused by the president, was an unusual procedure, which was not in line with the procedure of other organisations with which he was associated. The annual report stated that the League's first important meeting was with the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) and the Treasurer (Mr. Madden) when the president and a vice-president outlined the functions of the League and the importance to Tasmania of having the Australian championships allotted to this State for the first time. The Premier said the Government would assist on a £ for £ basis up to £1500, which was most satisfactory. Appeals were then held and £1300 raised. The League held its first ball in the Albert Hall, Launceston, on June 10. The Governor (Sir Hugh Binney) and Lady Binney attended. The massed bands carnival at the Bluff, Devonport, was a pronounced success, and collections exceeded £60. With a view to assisting bands that were unfinancial, the Municipal Association was asked to place on the agenda for its annual conference a recommendation that a band rate of ½d. or 1d. be struck in each municipality where there was a band. During August a visit was paid to Ulverstone to form a Bands League Group on the N.W. Coast, governed by the League in Launceston. Mr. D.T. Beatson, secretary of the Australian Bands Council, visited the State, and was entertained at a social function arranged by the secretary. The report of the treasurer (Mr. S.G. Keep) showed that the League was in a strong financial position, having a credit balance of £518/15/2. Mr. W.J. Holmes (Launceston) moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Bramich for presiding. Thanks were also extended to the president and treasurer for their good work. The following officers were elected: Patron, Sir Hugh Binney; president, Mr. A. Seymour (Launceston); vice-presidents, Queenstown, N.W. Coast, Launceston and Hobart bands to nominate one each; secretary, Mr. T.N. French (Launceston); treasurer, Mr. B. Ellis (Launceston); music advisory board, Messrs. C. Edwards, V. McMahon (Launceston), A. Purton (Hobart); drill advisory board, Messrs. J. Stanborough [sic], R. Mackrell (Launceston), W.E. Welling (Devonport); auditors, Messrs. Record, Newton and Tregaskis; representative to A.B.C. council, Mr. A. Seymour (Launceston). The secretary said he had been advised by the Australian Bands' Council that a decision would be made at the end of this month whether the Australian bands championships would be held at Launceston next Easter. The championships were postponed because of the outbreak of poliomyelitis.
Wednesday, 30th November 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 2):LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: RESIGNATION FROM BANDS' LEAGUE - Sir. - As past president of the Tasmanian Bands' League I would like to contradict the rumour being circulated in the city that I was overwhelmingly ousted at the annual meeting held at Devonport. The disturbing element at the meeting went there with a well-laid plan to break up the Tasmanian Bands' League. Before I attended the meeting I had given notice that I intended to resign as president because I believed that when any person had had the privilege of being president for from 18 months to two years he should give way to someone else. However, the motion of no confidence in the executive forced me to resign completely from the League. The work that has been done by the executive and general committee over the last four years has now been thrown to the winds because certain individuals place their own importance before the building up of bands and the encouraging of youth to take up music. The League, in my opinion, will go the same way as the Old Band Association of years ago. - L.O. Round, Launceston.
Saturday, 17th December 1949 ("The Mercury", Page 30):1949 BAND CONTESTS NEXT EASTER - The 1949 Australian band championships will still be held in Launceston, but they will not be conducted until next Easter, The Tasmanian Bands League had arranged to hold them this Christmas but they were cancelled because of the poliomyelitis outbreak. The secretary of the league (Mr. T. French) said in Launceston last night the Australian Bands Council had decided to let Launceston organise them next year, and put the 1950 championships ahead a few weeks into 1951. He said the delegates from all Tasmanian bands would attend a special meeting in Launceston on January 7 to organise the championships.
Saturday, 17th December 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 5):AUSTN. BAND CONTESTS AT L'TON NEXT YEAR - The Australian band championships will be staged at Launceston next year by the Tasmanian Bands League. The 1949 championships were to have been held at Launceston this month, but were postponed because of the polio outbreak. Yesterday the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. T. French) received a letter from the Australian Band Council, Brisbane, stating that following representations by the Tasmanian League, the state governing bodies had agreed to the 1949 championships being conducted at Launceston next Easter. The contests will be held at York Park, starting on Easter Saturday, April 8. It will be the first time they have been held in Tasmania, and it is expected that approximately 20 bands will take part. At a meeting of the Bands' League committee last night the chairman (Mr. A.J. Seymour) expressed pleasure at the decision to allow the championships to be held in Launceston. The League would do its utmost to make them a success, he said, and was looking to the public for strong support. Representatives of Tasmanian bands will meet at Launceston on January 7 to discuss plans for the championships.
Saturday, 17th December 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 30):BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS IN LAUNCESTON AT EASTER - Launceston, Friday. - The Australian band championships will be held at Launceston next year by the Tasmanian Bands League. The 1949 championships were to have, been held at Launceston this month, but were postponed because of the polio outbreak. Today the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. T. French) received a letter from the Australian Bands Council stating that following representations by the Tasmanian League the State governing bodies had agreed to the 1949 championships being conducted at Launceston next Easter. The contests will be held at York Park, starting on Easter Saturday, April 8. It will be the first time they have been held in Tasmania, and it is expected approximately 20 bands will take part. At a meeting of the Bands League committee tonight the chairman (Mr. A.J. Seymour) expressed pleasure at the decision. The league would do its utmost to make the contest a success, he said, and was looking to the public for strong support. Representatives of Tasmanian bands will meet at Launceston on January 7 to discuss plans for the championships.
Monday, 26th December 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 3):£700 FOR BANDS' CONTESTS - Prize money totalling £700 has been set aside by the Tasmanian Bands' League for the 1950 Australasian championship contests to be held in Launceston. Of this amount, £500 will be for the A grade championship and £200 for the D grade title It is claimed that the £500 for the A grade championship will be the highest ever given for a bands contest in any part of the world. Had it not been for the polio outbreak, the Australasian championships would have been conducted in Launceston this Christmas. After the League decided to cancel them for this year, it sought permission from the Australian Bands Council to conduct the 1950 titles at Easter. The council, after lengthy consideration acceded to the Tasmanian League's request. Mr. T. French, the T.B.L. secretary, said in Launceston yesterday that all states of the Commonwealth and New Zealand would be represented at the championships. Last Australasian championship contest was held in Sydney last year. A grade prize money totalled only £150.
Monday, 26th December 1949 ("The Advocate", Page 4):£700 IN PRIZES FOR BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS - Launceston, Sunday - Prizemoney totalling £700 has been set aside by the Tasmanian Bands League for the 1950 Australasian championship contests to be held in Launceston. Of this amount, £500 will be for the "A" Grade championship and £20 for the "D" Grade title. It is held that the £500 for the "A" Grade championship is the highest ever offered for a bands contest in any part of the world. Prizemoney was decided upon at the last meeting of the committee of the Tasmanian Bands League in Launceston. Had it not been for the polio outbreak the Australasian championship would have been conducted in Launceston this Christmas. After the League decided to cancel them for this year, it sought permission from the Australian Bands Council to conduct the 1950 titles at Easter time. The council, after long consideration, acceded to the Tasmanian League's request. Mr. T. French, the T.B.L. secretary, said in Launceston today, that all States of the Commonwealth and New Zealand would be represented at the championships. The last Australasian championship contest was held in Sydney last year. "A" Grade prizemoney totalled only £150.
Monday, 9th January 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 6):RECORD PRIZES FOR AUSTRALIAN BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS - The Tasmanian Bands League will distribute the largest amount of prize-money ever given at a bands carnival in Australia, when it holds the Australian championship carnival in Launceston at Easter. It will be the first time the championships have been held in Tasmania. The league will give prizes of £500 for the "A" grade championship and £200 for the "D" grade championship. The carnival will begin on Easter Saturday with the "A" grade competition. On Easter, Sunday a massed bands concert will be presented, and on Easter Monday the "A" grade championship will be judged. The league expects entries from the Mainland and from most Tasmanian bands. No pipe band competition will be held. About 10 Tasmanian bands are expected to compete in the "D" grade championship. Entries close on February 28. Mainland judges will be appointed. The "A" grade bands will have to present one selection of their own choice and a quickstep. The "D" grade bands will play one selection of their own choice, a hymn, and a quickstep. The carnival will be held at York Park.
Monday, 9th January 1950 ("The Argus", Page 6):BIG PRIZES FOR BANDS - Launceston (T), Sun: The Tasmanian Bands League will distribute the largest amount of prize money ever given at a bands carnival in Australia at the Australian Championship Carnival in Launceston at Easter - including £500 for the A grade championship and £200 for the D grade. The carnival will begin on Easter Saturday and end on Easter Monday. Entries close on February 28.
Tuesday, 10th January 1950 ("Barrier Miner", Page 2):PRIZES FOR BRASS BANDS - Launceston (Tas.) - The Tasmanian Bands League will distribute the largest amount of prize money ever given at a bands carnival in Australia at the Australian Championship Carnival in Launceston at Easter - including £500 for the A grade championship and £200 for the D grade. The carnival will begin on Easter Monday. Entries close on February 28.
Tuesday, 21st February 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 8):MAINLAND BANDS IN CONTESTS - Bands from Melbourne, Ballarat, Maryborough and possibly other mainland states are expected to take part in the states bands' championships in Launceston at Easter. Besides Mainland bands, 10 Tasmanian combinations will participate in the championships, which are being conducted by the Tasmanian Bands' League. The contests will begin with D grade tests at York Park on April 8, Easter Saturday, and the A grade championships will be conducted on the Monday. On the Sunday a massed bands' carnival featuring all bands, will be held at York Park. On Friday last a slow melody solo competition was held at the Launceston Railway Silver Band room. Thirty-two members faced the conductor (Mr. V.B. Macmahon) who adjudicated. Some very good playing was heard. Results - A grade - R. Bushby (trombone) 1, A.R. Brickhill (cornet) 2, T. Trevena (tenor horn) 3. B grade - M. Gurr (EE flat bass) 1, John Brickhill (cornet), A. Crawford, jun., (cornet) equal 2, E.J. Burley BB flat bass 4. C grade - Terence Morton (tenor horn) 1, A. McTye (baritone) 2, W. Ireland (flugel horn) 3.
Tuesday, 21st February 1950 ("The Advocate", Page 2):MAINLAND BANDS FOR COMPETITIONS - Launceston, Monday. - Bands from Melbourne, Ballarat, Maryborough and possibly other mainland States are expected to take part in the Australian band championships in Launceston at Easter. Ten Tasmanian combinations will participate in the championships, which are being conducted by the Tasmanian Band League. The contests will begin at York Park on April 8, and the "A" Grade championships will be conducted on April 10. A massed bands carnival will be held at York Park on April 9.
Monday, 20th March 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 19):TWO-DAY BAND CONTESTS AT EASTER - The Australian band competitions will be held in Launceston on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. At a meeting of the Tasmanian Band League in Launceston on Saturday, the secretary (Mr. A.J. French) reported that final arrangements had been completed. Bands which already have notified they will be competing include the Ballarat R.S.L. Memorial, the Collingwood Citizens', and Maryborough Citizens' (V.). The Ballarat Band recently won a championship contest at Ballarat. The bands will compete for the A.B.C. Shield, which will be on display in various shops during the next fortnight. On Easter Sunday there will be a massed bands display at York Park. The Launceston Pipe Band will also give items. On the Sunday, a special train will leave Wynyard at 6.10am and return at 6.15pm. Mr. French said donations can be forwarded to him at 127 High Street, Launceston.
Monday, 20th March 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 2):BAND'S CARNIVAL AT EASTER - Arrangements for the 1949 championship band carnival to be held in Launceston on Easter Sunday and Monday at York Park are almost completed. This was stated by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. T. French), in Launceston last night. Although conducted in 1950, the contests will still be known as the 1949 championship. This came about by their postponement during the poliomyelitis outbreak. Adjudicator for the music section will be Mr. H. Shugg Melbourne, and Mr. S. Stanborough, [sic] of Launceston, will judge the drill. Among the bands to compete will be the Returned Soldiers' Memorial Band, Ballarat (Vic.), Maryborough Silver Band (Qld.) and the Collingwood Silver Band (Vic.). Mr. French revealed that the Collingwood band had made arrangements to land at Devonport and give several concerts before travelling to Launceston. Arrangements have also been made for a special excursion rate train to travel from Wynyard on Easter Sunday, leaving Wynyard at 6.10am and returning at 6.15pm.
Saturday, 25th March 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 31): 
Saturday, 1st April 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 16):
Tuesday, 4th April 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 19):
Wednesday, 5th April 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 20):
Saturday, 8th April 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 3):[Photo of Messrs. J. Stanbrough (drill adjudicator), A.J. Seymour (president of the Bands' League, H.R. Shugg (musical adjudicator), the Mayor (Ald. Hollingsworth) and the Bands' League secretary (Mr. T. French) and a photo of Mr. T. Harris, bandmaster of the Maryborough Band, with band members Messrs. A. Stevens, L. Felstead, H. Oliver and W. Bartlett.]
Saturday, 8th April 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 8):MAINLAND BANDS ARRIVE - Two of the three mainland bands competing in the Australian Band Championship at Launceston on Monday arrived in the city yesterday morning. The bands were the Ballarat Returned Soldiers' and the Maryborough Citizens'. They were met by the Mayor (Ald. Hollingsworth), Mr. A.J. Seymour, president of the Tasmanian Bands' League, and the secretary of the League (Mr. T. French). The third mainland band to compete in the championship, the Collingwood Citizen's Band, arrived in the city later in the day from Devonport. The Ballarat band recently earned A grade honours under their conductor (Mr. B. Rasmussen). The Maryborough Citizens' Band has advanced from C grade to A grade in a period of two years under the leadership of the conductor (Mr. J. Harris). The Collingwood Citizens' Band, which is conducted by Mr. F.C. Johnson, is the present holder of the Australasian band championship, and has won A grade championships in every Australian state. Also arrived from the mainland was Mr. H.R. Shugg, of Glen Iris (Vic.), who will judge the music. A former conductor of the Malvern Tramway Band, Mr. Shugg has judged A grade and championship contests in New Zealand and every state in the Commonwealth. Today the bandsmen will be the guests of the club at the Northern Tasmanian Trotting Club's meeting. In the evening, members of the band will be entertained at a dinner given by the Tasmanian Bands' League which will be at tended by the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove), the Treasurer (Mr. Madden) and the Mayor (Ald. Hollingsworth). The championship contestants and ten Tasmanian bands will march from the railway station tomorrow afternoon to York Park, where the festival will be opened by Mr. Cosgrove. The championships will be decided at York Park on Monday, when the three bands will compete for prize money totalling £550 and the championship shield. The Tasmanian bands taking part in the festival tomorrow and Monday are the Launceston Railway Silver Band, the Evandale Silver Band, the Launceston Boys' Band, the Launceston City Band, the Invermay Silver Band, the Launceston Salvation Army Band, the Hobart Garrison Band, the Launceston Police Boys' Band, the Devonport Silver [sic] Band and the Latrobe Silver [sic] Band.
Saturday, 8th April 1950 ("The Advocate", Page 15):BANDS ARRIVE FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS - Launceston, Friday. - Three mainland bands competing in the Australian Band Championship at Launceston on Monday arrived today. They were the Ballarat Returned Soldiers', Maryborough Citizens' and the Collingwood Citizens' Bands. Mr. H.R. Shugg, who will be the music adjudicator, arrived from the mainland today. Tomorrow the bandsmen will be the guests of the Northern Tasmanian Trotting Club, and in the evening will be entertained at a dinner given by the Tasmanian Bands' League. The dinner will be attended by the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove), the Treasurer (Mr. Madden), and the Mayor of Launceston (Ald. Hollingsworth). At York Park on Sunday afternoon there will be a parade of massed bands, and the festival will be officially opened by the Premier. The championships will be decided at York Park on Monday, when the bands will compete for prize money totalling £550 and the championship shield. Ten Tasmanian bands will take part in the festival on Sunday.
Monday, 10th April 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 6):BANDS IN SCHOOLS URGED - Until the Government subsidised the formation of brass bands in Tasmanian schools, the standard of bands in the State would never reach Mainland standard. Mr. V. McMahon, bandmaster of the Launceston Railway Silver Band, said this at a dinner given by the Tasmanian Bands League to welcome officials of bands competing in the Australian Bands Championships in Launceston today. Mr. McMahon said the Tasmanian Government was subsidising the introduction of other types of music in Tasmania, and he would like to see it help brass bands in schools. He said that Tasmanian bands had not the money to start new bands. The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) said the State Government was doing all it could to develop musical appreciation in Tasmania. It had introduced the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra to schools and had extended musical libraries. He hoped the Australian Bands Championships would provide an incentive for more boys to join bands. He would particularly like to see more bands in country districts.
Monday, 10th April 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 7): [Photo of the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) talking on Saturday night with representatives of bands taking part in the Tasmanian Bands' League carnival in Launceston. They were present at a dinner at the Australia Cafe. Included in the photo are Mr. F.E. Smith, Bandmaster J. Harris (Maryborough, Vic.), Mr. Cosgrove, Mr. F.C. Johnson (Collingwood) and Mr. B. Rasmussen (Ballarat)].
Monday, 10th April 1950 ("The Advocate", Page 3):BANDS' IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY - Launceston, Sunday. - Three Victorian and eight Tasmanian bands staged an impressive display when they marched through Launceston streets to York Park today prior to the opening of the massed bands' festival held in conjunction with the Australian band championship. The opening ceremony, which was performed by the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove), was witnessed by a crowd of approximately 3500. Mr. Cosgrove said band music played an important function in the life of the community and every endeavour should be made to make it a popular outdoor activity. "Tasmania in the past had many fine bands, but when radio and other entertainment caught the public's attraction interest in band music slackened considerably," added Mr. Cosgrove. He said that with increased leisure hours available to the worker, especially in Tasmania, band music, had a wonderful opportunity to regain its popularity, and the staging of the Australian championships would do much to place outdoor musical entertainment on a sound footing. The president of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. A.J. Seymour) said the championship was actually for the 1949 titles. "It had been scheduled to take place at Launceston late last year, but because of the polio precautions it had been postponed until Easter. The State Treasurer (Mr. Madden) said that over a period of many years Launceston had produced some of the foremost bandsmen in Australia and it was fitting that the Australian "A" grade title should be conducted in the city. Highlight of the afternoon was the inspection of the three participating "A" grade mainland bands in the opening section of the championship. The bands, Collingwood Citizen (F.C. Johnson conductor), Ballarat Returned Soldiers (B. Rasmussen) and the Maryborough Citizens (J. Harris), demonstrated band marching at its best. Participating bands at the festival, excluding the mainlanders, were the Railway Silver, Evandale Silver, Launceston Boys, Invermay Police Boys, Devonport, Latrobe and the 12/40th Bands. The musical adjudicator (Mr. H.R. Shugg) conducted all the Tasmanian bands during the playing of "Invercargill" and "Colonel Bogey." A collection at the gate realised £111/12/4. To assist to help pay the costs incurred by the three Victorian bands, the visitors conducted a massed sacred concert in the City Park last night.
Tuesday, 11th April 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 4):COLLINGWOOD HAS EASY WIN - Collingwood (V.) Citizens' Band yesterday won the "A" grade Australian band championship conducted by the Tasmanian Bands League at York Park Launceston. Collingwood's win was one of the easiest since the inception of the championships. It scored 355 points from a possible 400. Ballarat (V.) Returned Soldiers' Memorial Band scored 324 points to fill second place. The only other competing band, Maryborough (V.) Citizens, scored 311 points. Points awarded - Test selection: Collingwood, 89; Ballarat, 79; Maryborough, 70. Own choice: Collingwood, 92; Ballarat, 79; Maryborough, 77. Quickstep: Collingwood, 174; Ballarat, 166; Maryborough, 164. The music adjudicator, Mr. H.R. Shugg, of Melbourne, said the winning band was of reasonably high "A" grade standard. Quickstep precision drill and marching was an outstanding feature of the championship. The quickstep judge, Mr. J.A. Stanbrough, said the drill was of a very high standard. There was little between the three bands. Drill was equal to the best seen in Tasmania. The Collingwood Band was presented with the A.B.C. shield. About 3,000 people paid £173 to see the competitions.
Tuesday, 11th April 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 3): [Photo of the Collingwood Citizens' Band marching at York Park, Launceston].
Tuesday, 11th April 1950 ("The Argus", Page 3):COLLINGWOOD IS TOP BAND - Launceston (T.), Mon.: The Collingwood Citizens' Band today won the "A" Australian Band Championship, conducted by the Tasmanian Bands' League in York Park. Collingwood scored 355 of a possible 400 points, and the Ballarat Returned Soldiers' Memorial Band scored 324. Maryborough Citizens' Band, the only other competitor, scored 311 points.
Wednesday, 12th April 1950 ("Barrier Miner", Page 3):COLLINGWOOD BEST BAND - Launceston. - The Collingwood Citizens' Band won the "A" Australian Band Championship, conducted by the Tasmanian Bands' League in York Park. Collingwood scored 355 of a possible 400 points, and the Ballarat Returned Soldiers' Memorial Band scored 324. Maryborough Citizens' Band the only other competitor, scored 311 points.
Friday, 12th May 1950 ("The Advocate", Page 11):BAND TO NOMINATE MIGRANTS - The Queenstown Silver Band will nominate English migrant instrumentalists to fill the gaps in its ranks. The men will be employed by the Mt. Lyell Co. The expense of repairing instruments is causing some concern. At a recent meeting it was decided to hold a "Band Day" in October to raise funds. Mr. A. Parsons was appointed delegate to the Tasmanian Bands' League conference to be held in Launceston. It was decided to run two grades of solo competitions in conjunction with the band's smoke social on July 10. The band will ask the Mt. Lyell Co. to assist in improving the lighting of the bandroom.
Wednesday, 14th June 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 12):GRANT OF £20 TO 16 BANDS - The financial result of the recent Australian bands championship carnival in Launceston was very satisfactory, and the Tasmanian Bands League has decided to distribute £20 to each of the 16 affiliated bands and £10 to the Evandale band, which participated. The secretary (Mr. T. French) said in Launceston yesterday that the league welcomed complimentary remarks of band masters on the conduct of the carnival. It was reported at a league meeting that receipts, including £ for £ assistance from the State Government approximated £1400, and expenditure was about £830 leaving a credit of nearly £600. Mr. French said advice had been received that the Australian championship would be held again in Launceston in 1954. An appeal was made to owners wishing to dispose of old band instruments to contact the league, which is anxious to assist juvenile and school bands. One approach had already been made to the league by a Hobart school band it was reported.
Wednesday, 23rd August 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 5):CONCERT TO HELP FLOOD FUND - Five Launceston bands and five of the city's best known vocalists will contribute to the programme at a concert to be staged by the Tasmanian Bands' League for the Mayor's N.S.W. Flood Relief Fund. The concert will be held in the Albert Hall next Sunday. The bands will march from the corner of Charles, and Brisbane Streets to the hall. The Railway, Launceston Boys, City, Invermay and St. Andrew's Pipe bands, Misses Pat Spotswood and Glory Ikin, Mrs. Jean Ride, and Messrs. Mervyn Barnes and Peter Sellars will give items. Mrs. J. Madden will be accompanist.
Monday, 28th August 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 4):AIMS AT £5000 - The Mayor of Launceston (Ald. Hollingsworth) said last night that he would like to see no less than £5000 raised in the city for the victims of the New South Wales floods. Speaking at a band concert in the Albert Hall, he said that more than £3000 had already been raised for the N.S.W. Flood Relief Fund. More than 1200 people attended the concert, which was organised by the Tasmanian Bands' League to raise money for the fund. Donations and a silver collection totalled £40. This amount included £10/10/ given by the Bands' League. Final amount may total nearly £50 when a number of promised donations are received. Bands taking part in the concert were the Railway Silver, Launceston Boys', Invermay Silver, Launceston City, and the St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band. Items were given by local artists Misses P. Spotswood and Glory Ikin, Messrs. P. Sellers and M. Barnes.
Tuesday, 29th August 1950 ("The Mercury", Page 20):GIVES £582 A YEAR FOR MUSIC - The Hobart City Council made grants of £582/14/9 a year to musical societies, the Lord Mayor of Hobart (Mr. Park, M.H.A.) said yesterday. He was commenting on a statement by Mr. Lyons, M.H.A., that the Devonport Municipal Council, in donating £50 to the Devonport Eisteddfod Society, was the only council which made such a donation. The Lord Mayor said the City Council had yet to decide what assistance it would give the City of Hobart Competitions, but it had given £10/10/ annually to the Memorial Musical and Elocutionary Competitions, £10 to the Highland Pipe Band, £20 each to the Tasmanian Bands' League, and Returned. Soldiers' Memorial Band, and £500 to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. "The council shows a very real interest in music when it contributes £500 to a State orchestra," said the Lord Mayor. "That orchestra goes all over the State and residents benefit by the recitals."
Saturday, 9th September 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 11):MEMBERS OF BAND FORM GUARD AT BALL - Members of the Launceston Boys' Band formed a guard of honour for the Mayor (Ald. Hollingsworth) and Mrs. Hollingsworth and members of the official party as they arrived at the annual Boys' Band Ball at the Albert Hall last night. Before the ball the band played Invercargill on the steps of the hall. During the evening they played for the dancers. The ball was conducted by the Parents' and Friends' Association of the band in an effort to raise money to send the boys on a tour of Victoria in January. They will be the guests of various band associations in Victoria and will give concerts while they are there. The steps of the stage were banked with potted primula in cyclamens and pinks. Among the official guests were the Mayor and Mayoress, the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. T. French), the vice-president of the Launceston Boys' Band (Mr. M. Rickets) and Mrs. Rickets, Sen. J.H. O'Byrne, Mr. and Mrs. J. Huston (representing the Invermay Silver Band), Mr. and Mrs. H. Burleigh (Railway Silver Band) and Mr. K. Hawkesford. Guests were received by the president of the band (Mr. V. Sutliffe) and Mrs. Sutliffe. Supper arrangements were carried out by members of the women's committee of the band. Mrs. Cocking, the president of the committee, was in charge.
Wednesday, 15th November 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 15):RAILWAY BAND WON FANCY MARCH TEST - The Launceston Railway Silver Band, competing against bands from all grades, put up a fine performance to win the fancy marching contest at the recent Ballarat competitions, the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. T. French) said in Launceston yesterday. He said that the band finished fifth in the C grade competition, only 10 points behind the winners. The band had played well in the test selection, but missed its chance of winning the competition by not playing as well in the section for its own selection.
Monday, 27th November 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 6):SEEK GRANT FOR MUSIC TRAINING - The Tasmanian Bands League will ask the State Government for £2000 a year for the next five years so that schoolchildren can be taught to play musical instruments. The scheme was outlined when the league held its annual meeting in Launceston on Saturday. The secretary (Mr. T. French) said children at the West Launceston and Devonport State Schools would be the first to receive instruction. Children at the North Hobart State school were already being taught to play instruments. If the Government would provide the money, members of the League would be found to teach the children, Mr. French said. The Mayor (Ald. Hollingsworth), who presided at the meeting, said he thought the idea was a fine one. Officers elected at the meeting were: Patron, Sir Hugh Binney; president, Mr. A.J. Seymour; vice-presidents, the Lord Mayor of Hobart (Ald. Park), Mr. C.B. Aylett, M.H.A., Mr. H. Atkins, Mr. R. Beahr; treasurer, Mr, J. Stanbrough; secretary, Mr. T. French; musical adjudicators, Messrs, C. Edwards, V. McMahon, A. Purton; drill adjudicator, Mr. J. Stanbrough.
Monday, 27th November 1950 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BANDSMEN WOULD TEACH CHILDREN TO PLAY - Launceston, Sunday. - The Tasmanian Bands League will ask for a £2000 yearly grant for the next five years to teach schoolchildren to play musical instruments. The scheme was outlined when the league held its annual meeting here yesterday. The secretary (Mr. T. French) said children at the West Launceston and Devonport State schools would be the first to receive instruction. If the Government provided the money the league would teach the children, Mr. French said.
Tuesday, 28th November 1950 ("The Advocate", Page 8):RETICENT ON BANDSMAN'S PROPOSAL - Hobart, Monday. - Beyond saying finance this year was out of the question, the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) today would not comment on a proposal that the State Government provide £2000 annually for five years to teach school children to play musical instruments. The proposal was made by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. French) at Launceston on Saturday. Referring to proposals for assistance to keep open the Theatre Royal at Hobart, where the Fifi Banvard Company is presenting a series of plays, the Premier said the Government had approved the provision of the National Theatre Trust Act authorising an overdraft at the bank sufficient to keep the theatre open and provide reasonable entertainment for the public. By this means, the trust could purchase from the company equipment which it had secured when taking over the lease of the theatre, and would thus enable the company to stage its productions.
Wednesday, 29th November 1950 ("The Examiner", Page 9):NO MONEY FOR MUSIC PLAN - Beyond stating that finance for this year was out of the question, the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) yesterday would not comment on a proposal that the State Government provide £2000 annually for five years for instruction on musical instruments for school children. The proposal was made by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. French) at the annual meeting of the league at Launceston on Saturday.
Tuesday, 31st July 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 4):BRASS BAND FESTIVAL FOR DEVONPORT - It is expected that 10 bands will take part in a brass band festival on the Devonport Oval, during the long weekend in November. The festival will be the biggest staged on the N.W. Coast. Arrangements for the festival were made at a special committee meeting of the Devonport Municipal Band on Friday evening. The bands will mass at Field's corner at 2 p.m. and march in mass formation to the Oval, and return after the festival. The Launceston Railway band is to be invited to give an exhibition of fancy marching, similar to its prize-winning march at Ballarat. The Tasmanian Band League has guaranteed all travelling expenses for visiting bands. Officers elected - Drum major in charge and marshall, Mr. W. Welling; conductors, Messrs. L. Coventry, N. O'Donnell; announcer, Mr. A. Seymour; publicity, Mr. A.E. Richardson. Mr. W.R. Andrews is to investigate the possibility of a gate charge. It was pointed out that the Black Watch Band made a charge, and it was felt that local bands should also have the same privilege. Special trains from Wynyard and Launceston are to be arranged.
Tuesday, 14th August 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 8):BAND FESTIVAL - The [Devonport] council, at its meeting yesterday, granted an application by the chairman of the Bands Festival Committee (Mr. W.R. Andrews) for use of the Oval for a festival on November 4. The question of making a charge for admission was left to the Warden (Cr. M.P. Holman). Cr. Andrews wrote to the council to the effect that the Tasmanian Bands' League intended to hold a massed bands' musical festival and marching display at Devonport, and that it would be the largest yet held on the N.W. Coast. He asked the council to exercise its authority under the Sunday Observance Act and grant permission for a charge to be made.
Tuesday, 18th September 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 9):DEVONPORT BAND FESTIVAL - It is expected that 10 bands will compete in the forthcoming festival in Devonport. The Governor, who is patron of the Tasmanian Bands' League, is to be invited to perform the opening ceremony. Bands will mass at the corner of Rooke and Stewart streets, and move off at 2 p.m., playing Tasmania's best known march, "Invercargill." It was decided at a recent meeting of the Devonport committee to invite local retail traders to sponsor a full page advertisement for programmes for the festival. Admission prices were fixed at 1/ for adults, 6d. for children, and 9d. for cars. Mr. W. Welling, probably the best-known drum-major in the State, has indicated that he will lead the bands through the main street to the Oval and return. Because the Burnie Marine Board Band will not be attending, it was decided to change the massed band conductors, who will now be Messrs. Alma Clarke and Lou Coventry. It is expected the festival will be the biggest yet held in the State.
Saturday, 3rd November 1951 ("The Mercury", Page 4):PERSONAL - The Treasurer (Mr. Madden) will open the Tasmanian Bands League's carnival at Devonport tomorrow afternoon.
Saturday, 3rd November 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 8):BAND CARNIVAL - Hobart - The Treasurer (Mr. Madden) will open the Tasmanian Bands League's band carnival at Devonport tomorrow afternoon.
Monday, 5th November 1951 ("The Examiner", Page 3):SPECTACULAR JUBILEE BAND CONCERT - A large crowd gave an enthusiastic welcome to 300 bandsmen who took part in the Jubilee Band Festival on the Devonport Oval yesterday afternoon. The function was opened by the Minister for Transport (Mr. Madden). There were 10 bands taking part - four from Launceston, two from Burnie, and one each from Devonport, Evandale, Latrobe and Campbell Town. The Warden of Devonport (Cr. M.F. Holman) welcomed the bandsmen. Mr. Madden expressed his pleasure at the large gathering and congratulated the Tasmanian Bards League which organised the festival. He said band music was a culture worthy of support. It was pleasing to see young people joining bands. Mr. Madden paid tribute to the work of the Jubilee band festival committee, consisting of the president (Mr. A.H. Seymour, Mr. T. French (Launceston), Messrs Ronald Andrews, C. Richardson (Devonport), T. Hicks and L. Coventry (Latrobe). Reference was made to the services to Tasmanian bands of former conductors, including Messrs. C. Edwards, T. Hopkins, A. Caddie, A. Barnett, C. Richardson and F. Hodgkinson. Mr. Madden expressed pleasure at seeing Mr. W.J. Welling, A veteran bandsman, acting as drum major. Mr. Seymour presented Mr. Welling with a reader's lamp and smoker's outfit. It was stated that Mr. Welling had joined the Zeehan Band nearly 50 years ago, and had been drum major for many years at Devonport. He had marched with bands in London victory processions after the first world war. Mr. Welling responded and said he was always glad to assist young players. The musical programme began with a march across the oval by the massed bands to the tune "Invercargill." The St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band, Launceston, was the next to march. Other bands which took part were the Launceston Railway Silver Band, Launceston City Band, Launceston Municipal and Marine Board Band, Devonport Municipal Band, Latrobe Federal Band, Evandale Silver Band and Campbell Town Silver Band. The festival raised £153 for the Tasmanian Bands League.
Monday, 5th November 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 2):BAND MUSIC HATH CHARM FOR OLD AND YOUNG ALIKE - Old age and youth marched side by side in the Jubilee festival at the Devonport Oval yesterday. Some Launceston players were in their eighties and Mr. Arthur Pears, of the Burnie Municipal Band, confessed to being in his 80th year. He is still an active player. A large crowd gave an enthusiastic welcome to the 300 bandsmen. The festival was opened by the Minister for Transport (Mr. J.L. Madden). Ten bands took part, there being four from Launceston, two from Burnie, and one each from Devonport, Evandale, Latrobe, and Campbell Town. The Warden (Cr. M.F. Holman) welcomed the bandsmen and tributed the Minister for the interest he took in brass bands. The Minister expressed pleasure at the large gathering, and congratulated the Tasmanian Bands League, which organised the festival, on the marked success of the effort. Band music as a culture was well worthy of support. It was well to note the interest shown by old members as well as the manner in which the young were coming forward to take part. The brass band was an organisation in which every urban centre should take pride, and those who realised this should show in a practical manner their interest in their band. He tributed the work of the Jubilee Band Festival Committee (Mr. A.J. Seymour, president; Mr. T. French, of Launceston, secretary; and Messrs. Ron Andrews and C. Richardson, Devonport; and Messrs. T. Hicks and L. Coventry, Latrobe). Some of the conductors of other days were tributed, including Messrs. Ches. Edwards, Tom Hopkins, A. Caddie, A. Barnett, C. Richardson, and F. Hodgkinson. He was pleased to see Mr. W.J. Welling, a bandsman of many years, revealing his uncanny skill in wielding the drum-major's baton. On behalf of the league, Mr. Seymour presented Mr. Welling with a reading lamp and smoker's outfit. Mr. Welling lived many years in Devonport. Nearly 50 years ago he joined the Zeehan Band, and for many years was drum-major in Devonport. No other man had given so much of his time to band work. It was recalled that during the victory processions in London after the first world war, Mr. Welling was one of those in the band march. He served in many ways, including that of band instructor, and was drum major in the Imperial Forces. Mr. Welling was greeted with musical honors, and in reply said he was always glad to assist young players. The musical programme occupied the afternoon, and started with the spectacular grand march across the oval by the massed bands, to the tune of "Invercargill." The Launceston Caledonian Band, in picturesque dress, was next to march. Others taking part were the Launceston Railway Silver Band, Launceston City Band, Launceston Boys' Band, Burnie Municipal and Marine Board Bands, Devonport Municipal Band, Latrobe Federal Band, Evandale Silver Band, and Campbell Town Silver Band. A charge of 1/ was made at the gate for the funds of the Tasmanian Bands League, and £123 was netted.
Tuesday, 20th November 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 8):BANDS LEAGUE - The annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League will be held in Devonport this year, instead of in Launceston, which is the headquarters. Representatives will attend from Launceston, Hobart, Burnie, Latrobe and the West Coast. The meeting will be held in the Railway Hall on Friday evening.
Saturday, 24th November 1951 ("The Mercury", Page 3):GRANT TO FORM BANDS SOUGHT - The Tasmanian Bands' League at its annual meeting at Devonport last night decided to seek an annual grant of £2,000 for five years from the State Government to help form bands in State schools. Mr. V. McMahon, who moved that the grant be sought, stressed that the league must encourage juniors or bands would die out in the State. "The Government must realise that it is up to it to foster bands in schools," said Mr. McMahon.
Saturday, 24th November 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 3):TO SEEK £2000 GRANT FOR SCHOOL BANDS - The Tasmanian Band League, at its annual meeting at Devonport last evening, decided to seek an annual grant of £2000 for five years from the State Government to help form bands in State schools. About 30 delegates attended including representatives of the Railway Silver, Boys' and City Bands (Launceston), Returned Soldiers' Memorial Band (Hobart), Burnie Municipal and Marine Board, and the Ulverstone, Devonport, Latrobe and Evandale municipal bands. The meeting was chaired by the Warden of Devonport (Cr. M.F. Holman). Mr. V. McMahon, who moved that the grant be sought, stressed that the league must encourage juniors, or bands would die out in the State. "The Government must realise that it is up to it to foster bands in schools," said Mr. McMahon. He was supported by Mr. W. Welling, who said that, considering what bands had been and were doing, very little help was forthcoming from the Government. He felt it might be more of a Commonwealth than a State Government matter. Mr. L. O'Donnell urged support for the Launceston Boys' Band, which had performed so creditably in this State and on the mainland. Mr. A.J. Seymour said the League should not lose sight of the fact that many bands in Tasmania had junior bandsmen included. The League appointed a sub-committee to meet the Devonport Eisteddfod Society early next year to discuss the inclusion of a brass band section at future Devonport competitions. The move followed an outline by the president, of the Eisteddfod Society (Mr. H.E. Haslock) of the society's desire to encourage brass bands in Tasmania. Mr. Haslock said sections for brass instruments in schedules of recent years had met with a very disappointing response, and the society hoped to include a separate band section in future. It would, in effect, be a band carnival on its own. The society hoped for the league's support in the venture. Mr. Seymour suggested that the league assure the Eisteddfod Society of its sponsorship and support in the move. Mr. R. Andrews moved that the president and music advisory board, elected at the meeting, meet the Eisteddfod Society in February to discuss the move. Mr. Haslock was thanked by the president (Mr. F. Hodgkinson) for his attendance. Delegates agreed that the society's aim was a fine one, and would assist the band movement in Tasmania. The meeting agreed to hold quarterly instead of monthly meetings, commencing from its December meeting. The financial statement revealed a sound credit balance of £282/8/4, and the secretary's report also referred to the very successful band festival held at Devonport Oval on November 4. Delegates paid tribute to the fine work done for the league by the retiring president (Mr. Seymour), who had held office for four years. Mr. Seymour was unanimously voted a life member of the league, on the motion of Mr. J. Stanbrough. Welcoming the incoming president (Mr. Hodgkinson), Mr. Seymour and other speakers paid tribute to his good work for bands in Tasmania. It was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr. Ken Titmus and the Devonport Cricket Association for their co-operation in arranging the November bands festival in Devonport. Mr. Andrews moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Holman for his attendance. The work of the secretary (Mr. T. French) was praised by delegates. Election of officers: Patron, His Excellency the Governor (Sir Ronald Cross); president, Mr. F. Hodgkinson; vice-presidents, Messrs. R. Beahr, C.B. Aylett, M.H.A., A.J. Seymour, T. Hicks; treasurer, Mr. J. Stanbrough: secretary, Mr. T. French; auditor, Mr. N. Dawkins; music and drill advisory board, Messrs. V. McMahon, L. O'Donnell, C. Edwards; drill adjudicators, Messrs. Stanbrough and W.M. Welling; trustees, Messrs. E. Carney and Seymour.
Saturday, 8th December 1951 ("The Advocate", Page 14):EISTEDDFOD PLANS - The president of the [Devonport] Eisteddfod Society, (Mr. Haslock) has announced that the Society committee will meet representatives of the Tasmanian Bands League at Devonport early next year to discuss the proposed extension of the brass section at future eisteddfods. At the recent annual meeting of the Bands League, delegates assured Mr Haslock of the league's sponsorship and support in any move to enlarge the brass section. Mr. Haslock said it was hoped the committee's, aims could be realised, as support for the brass section at past competitions had been disappointing. The society did not wish to abandon the section if at all possible.
Monday, 28th January 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 4):LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: BRASS BANDS - A keen bandsman and an intending competitor at the next Devonport Eisteddfod, I am anxious to know if the Tasmanian Bands League and the Eisteddfod Society have met yet regarding extending the brass band section, if not, it is to be hoped they decide to emulate the South Street Society (Ballarat), and have the competitors playing in their respective sections, e.g., bass section, cornet section, etc. with the winners of each playing off for the champion of champions. The entry fee should easily cover the cost of trophies, and with sufficient advertising, the whole section should be a great success, an bandsmen would come from all over Tasmania, and possibly from the mainland. They would help to boost the band spirit in Tasmania, which, unfortunately, sadly needs boosting. - Neville Duniam (Penguin).
Thursday, 7th February 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 6):EISTEDDFOD MEETING - At the annual meeting of the [Devonport] Eisteddfod Society in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, the inclusion of more band music in the competitions will be discussed. The secretary (Mr. A.K. Scott) said that within the next fortnight representatives of the society would be meeting delegates from the Tasmanian Bands League to discuss the matter, and that those with suggestions which might be helpful should put them before the meeting next Tuesday.
Tuesday, 19th February 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 4):ANNIVERSARY OF BAND - Latrobe will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the foundation of its Federal Band next Sunday. The celebration carnival will be attended by nine bands, of which four will come from Launceston. The Latrobe Federal Band is one of the oldest members of the Tasmanian Bands League.
Tuesday, 19th February 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 4):LATROBE BAND'S 80TH BIRTHDAY - (By V. Perkins, President). The Latrobe Federal Band, founded in 1872, is the only one in Tasmania to continue for 80 years without interruption, including the period of three wars. At times matters were difficult and numbers meagre, but by dint of perseverance it continued to function. It has the proud distinction of having played its full part during two world wars and in the last one of having participated in the welcome home to every man, with a particular welcome to every P.O.W. Fortunately, there were very few P's.O.W., but nevertheless each had his own special welcome. Through the years, the band has been, in the main, blessed with staunch members, good officials and a very sympathetic public. Prominent among its bandmasters have been Messrs. C.V. Trussell (about 60 years ago), R. Harper, Henry Heavenhand [sic] (well known as "The Flying Tailor"), Phelan, P.D. McLaren, E.C. Green and the present bandmaster (Mr. L.J. Coventry), who has officiated since 1919 and who has been in the band for 52 years. Secretaries include Messrs. R. Hicks, A.M. Dutton, L. Viney, F. Davis and the present energetic secretary (Mr. T. Hicks), who has filled the office since 1938. All except Mr. Davis are still playing members. Treasurers include Mr. G. Munro, late Mr. J.C. Keen and the present holder of the office Mr. V. Perkins, since 1937). During the past quarter of a century, the post of librarian has been filled by Messrs A. Clarke and R. Clayton (at present). Messrs. G. Barton (25 years ago) and D. Constable have been auditors, while the present holders (Messrs G.A. Riley and E.J. Broomhall) have acted since 1937. Among its presidents the band has had Messrs. G. Banfield, Sr., F.V. Perkins (both now deceased) and Messrs. E.J. Broomhall, G.W. Boatwright, H.R. Lord, E.E. Keen and V. Perkins (who has held the office since 1944). Length of service by members is a notable feature. With the 52 years of the bandmaster already mentioned and Messrs. Ishmael Davis (48 years), L.T. Barton (41 years), R.E. Micks [sic] (39 years), late Mr. J.S. Clarke, who died only recently (38 years), E.A. Clarke (37 years), E.E. Keen (36 years), C.N. Hicks (33 years), A.M. Dutton (32 years) and L.S. Viney (32 years), the average is over 38 years service. To mark this great occasion, a band festival is being held on the Recreation Ground, Latrobe, next Sunday, when 10 bands will be present and there is every possibility of 12 being in attendance. This will be the greatest band festival held on the North-West Coast for at least 50 years. The bands will march as two units only (pipes and brass), from Victor street up Gilbert street to the Recreation Ground, a distance of about one mile, commencing at 2 p.m. At the ground, the president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr J. Stantrough [sic]) will introduce the president of the Latrobe Federal Band, who will perform the opening ceremony. Catering provision has been made. Special trains will leave Launceston at 9.10 a.m. They will arrive at Latrobe shortly after noon and return at 5.45 p.m. (fare 11/ return from Launceston); Wynyard at 7 a.m. stopping at all principal stations, due Latrobe 9.9 and returning at 8.46 p.m. For those desiring to make a picnic day of it, the George Atkinson Park and Bell's Parade are quite close to the starting point of the march. Bands expected to attend include the Launceston Boys' Band, Launceston Railway Silver Band, Launceston City Band, Burnie Highland Pipe Band, Burnie Municipal Band, Burnie Marine Board Brass Band, Penguin Brass Band, Devonport Municipal Band, Ulverstone Municipal Band and Latrobe Federal Band. Also, there is every possibility that St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band and the Invermay Silver Bond, both from Launceston, will attend.
Monday, 25th February 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 4):LATROBE BAND HONOURED - More than 3,000 gathered at the Latrobe sports oval yesterday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Latrobe Federal Brass Band. Ten bands were represented and a varied programme of music was well received. The bands assembled in Gilbert Street and marched to the oval headed by the Burnie Highland Pipe Band. Following a march by the pipe band, the nine brass bands were formed en masse and advanced in 20 columns from across the oval towards the grand stand in charge of the official drum major for the day, Mr. W.J. Welling, Devonport. The honour of conducting the grand march was given to Mr. L.J. Coventry, who has been bandmaster at Latrobe for over 20 years. Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson, Launceston, president of the Tasmanian Bands' League, congratulated the Latrobe Band on having given 80 years of service. The president of the Latrobe Federal Band (Mr. V. Perkins) opened the festival. Mr. Perkins welcomed the bandsmen - nearly 250 in all - who came at their own expense to honour the Latrobe band. He paid tribute to the committee for organising the festival.
Monday, 25th February 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 4):FESTIVAL OF MUSIC FOR ANNIVERSARY - More than 3000 people gathered on the Latrobe sports oval yesterday for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Latrobe Federal Brass Band. Ten bands were represented, and a varied programme was well received. The bands assembled in Gilbert street and marched to the Oval, headed by the Bunnie Highland Pipe Band, picturesque in plaid and tartan. Following a march by the pipe band, the nine brass bands were formed en masse and advanced in 20 columns from across the oval towards the grandstand in the charge of the official drum major for the day (Mr. W.J. Welling, of Devonport). The honour of conducting the grand march was given to Mr. L.J. Coventry, who had been bandmaster at Latrobe for over 20 years. The items rendered were "Sons of the Brave" and "Nearer My God to Thee", following the first verse of the National Anthem. Announcing the National Anthem, the president of the Latrobe Band (Mr. Val Perkins) reminded the gathering that it was over 50 years since "God Save the Queen" was played at a band function in Latrobe. Mr. F.E. Hodginson [sic] of Launceston, president of the Tasmanian Bands League congratulated the Latrobe Band on having given 80 years of service. He called upon its president to open the festival. Mr. Perkins welcomed the many bandsmen, nearly 250 in all, who had come at their own expense to do honor to the Latrobe Band. He paid tribute to the committee for organising the festival, and said that in Mr. Trevor Hicks they had an ideal secretary. The name of Hicks had been for long associated with the band. It was 64 years since Mr. Hicks played in the band, and a son of his, Mr. Reg. Hicks, had been a playing member for 39 years. Mr. E.J. Broomhall, who was with them that day, was 82 years old. It was 60 years since he joined the band. He read a communication from Mr. W.S. Brown, now of Launceston, who recalled the early days. Mr. Brown said his recollection went back for more than 60 years. Shortly after Mr. Brown joined the band, the local member of Parliament. Mr. James Dooley, died and the band played "The Dead March". Mr. C. Trussell was bandmaster at that time. Mr. Brown also recalled the playing of band music when the Governor of the day (Lord Gormanston) opened the Latrobe waterworks. He also recalled the times when moonlight excursions on Capt. J. Drake's Thistle were popular, as well as runs to the East Devonport regatta on the Star, the first of the Holyman steamers. Promenade concerts with festoons of Chinese lanterns in the saleyards were among the means for raising money. Drum Major Heaps was responsible for the rotunda erected on the Recreation Ground, which was a popular platform for Sunday concerts. Favoured by delightful weather the afternoon passed pleasantly, with contributions by the different bands, including the Launceston Boy's Band, with its eight-year-old performer, Bobby Sulzberger. A well-received item was the massed performance by the Latrobe, Devonport, Ulverstone and Penguin bands. Bands taking part were three from Burnie, and the Devonport, Latrobe, Ulverstone and Penguin bands. Gate takings were £156, and will be devoted to the local band funds.
Tuesday, 26th February 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 2):[Photo of bandsmen and officials responsible for Sunday's successful band festival at Latrobe. Left to right: Messrs, W.J. Welling (Devonport), official drum major for the day; J. Stanborough [sic] (Launceston), treasurer Tasmanian Bands League; F. Hodgkinson (Launceston), president Bands League; Val Perkins, president Latrobe Federal Band; T. Hicks, secretary Latrobe Band; W.J. Lowe, festival organiser; L.J. Coventry, Latrobe bandmaster for 23 years.]
Monday, 3rd March 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 8):BAND MUSIC AT D'PORT CONTESTS - Band music is to figure in the next Devonport competitions, and will be sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League. This was decided at a conference of representatives of the Eisteddfod Society and the Bands League. The contests will be for any instruments and will include, solo under 18; duet, open; duet, under 18; quartette, open. Mr. C. Edwards, Launceston, was appointed adjudicator, and Mr. W.R. Andrews, president of the Devonport Municipal Band, was delegated to represent the bands on the executive committee of the Eisteddfod Society. It is hoped that the inclusion of band music would extend, so that in the future years band contests on the model of the Ballarat Eisteddfod may be held.
Monday, 3rd March 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 8):BAND MUSIC - Band music is to figure in the next competitions, and will be sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League. This was decided at a conference of representatives of the [Devonport] Eisteddfod Society and the Bands League. The contests will be open to any instruments and the contests will include: Solo, under 18; duet, open; duet, under 18; quartette, open. Mr. C. Edwards (Launceston) was appointed adjudicator, and Mr. W.R. Andrews, president of the [Devonport] Municipal Band, was delegated to represent the bands on the executive committee of the Eisteddfod Society. The hope was expressed that the inclusion of band music in the competitions would be extended, so that in the future years there may be band contests on the model of the Ballarat Eisteddfod.
Saturday, 22nd March 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 21):CAMPBELL TOWN - At a meeting of the Campbell Town Band committee, Messrs. B. Richardson and B. Davidson were appointed delegates to the Tasmanian Band League. Mr. K.H. Davis was appointed auditor.
Friday, 28th March 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 2):MUNICIPAL BAND DEPLORES LACK OF INTEREST - Disappointment that representatives of the Municipal Council, and other bodies in the town to which the band had rendered good service each year, had not taken more interest in the organisation, was expressed by the president of the Devonport Municipal Band (Mr. V.R. Andrews) at the band's annual meeting last night. "The least they could have done was to have shown some interest in the band by attending the meeting." said Mr. Andrews. Although outings during the year affected the band's financial position, an appeal to the public yielded a good response and a reasonably good balance was maintained. In his report Mr. Andrews referred to the band's loss through the transfer of Mr. Fred Hodgkinson to Launceston. The band had played at the Bluff, in the town hall, and at Latrobe, for the latter band's 80th anniversary. It was fortunate to secure Mr. N. O'Donnell, of Burnie, to act in a temporary capacity as bandmaster, and as a result of his work there was a marked improvement in the band. He thanked Mr. A. Richardson for continuing with the learners' class and Mr. Jim Dick for his work as collector. The balance sheet showed a credit of £276/14/2. Mr. Andrews referred to the honor bestowed on Mr. Hodgkinson on his appointment as president of the Tasmanian Bands' League. He said the band would take part in the Ulverstone Centenary celebrations at Easter. The president presented life membership certificates to Messrs. Welling and Geard. Referring to the decision of the T.B.L. to sponsor a brass section at the Devonport Competitions, Mr. Andrews said the section badly lacked entries and prize-money. He urged bandsmen to compete in the competitions. Officers elected: Patron, Mr. J.R. Henry; president, Mr. W.R. Andrews; vice-presidents, Messrs. T.R. O'Meara, L.W. Bonney, K.O. Lyons, M.H.A.; secretary, Mr. E.A. Freestone: treasurer and assistant secretary, M. Lunson; band sergeant, Mr. H. Geard; auditors. Messrs. C. Hudson and G. Groves: trustees, Messrs. B. Williams. E. Shackleton and E.A. Freestone; drum major. Mr. T. Rush; librarians, Messrs. B. Tyson. B. Williams; custodian, Mr. A. Richardson; town section of the band committee, Messrs. J. Dick, H. Ling. J.J. Andrew and C.D. Homan.
Monday, 7th July 1952 ("The Mercury", Page 6):84 YEARS HAVE NOT ROBBED CORNETIST OF HIS WIND - Veteran cornet player, 84-year-old Mr. Frank E. Smith, of Invermay, still has plenty of wind left. He is the Launceston City Band's first cornet soloist and deputy bandmaster. On Saturday night the Tasmanian Bands League held a social function for Mr. Smith, and made a presentation to him to mark his long service. Mr. Smith has been a bandsman for 64 years, and he believes he is the oldest cornet player in Australia. Bandsmen claim he is the best cornet player in the world for his age. After the presentation he proved his ability with fine renditions of "The Rosary" and "Il Bacio." Bands league adjudicators at the function described Mr. Smith's playing as outstanding. The league is now trying to market two records made by the veteran of the two numbers. Mr. Smith joined the Launceston City Band in 1887. He celebrated his 84th birthday on June 10. Two years ago he polled third in the Australian Amateur Hour. He was once second in the cornet section of an Australian competition in Melbourne. But he has one regret. He once had to play jazz "to earn a few bob." Mr. Smith on Saturday said he intends to continue playing in the City Band. The function was attended by representatives from various parts of the State, and many telegrams were received. The league president, Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson, gave Mr. Smith a bedside lamp and table combined, on behalf of the league.
Monday, 7th July 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 5):BANDSMAN FOR 68 YEARS - The main object of all bandsmen should be to provide good musical entertainment for the public, Mr. F.E. Smith said in Launceston on Saturday. And that is what 84-year old Mr. Smith has been and still is doing ever since he was 16. On Saturday night, in recognition of his long service with the City Band, the Tasmanian Bands League arranged a social in honour of Mr. Smith and presented him with a standard lamp. Thanking the league, Mr. Smith said his years in band work had been a pleasure. He had signed on as a cornet player when he was 16 and, except for a few short periods of about a month at a time, he had played the instrument regularly. He praised the work of the league in eliminating the rivalry that used to exist between bands. "We can all meet on the one field, mix together in fellowship and put on a combined programme for the better entertainment of the public," he said. Tributes to Mr. Smith's work were paid by fellow members of the Launceston City Band and representatives of the Railway Silver, Invermay Silver, Launceston Boys, Latrobe Federal and St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Bands, and the president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson). Highlight of the function was the playing of two cornet solos by Mr. Smith. During the evening films were shown by Mr. V. Triffitt, Devonport. [Article includes a photo of Mr. F.E. Smith with members of various Launceston bands].
Monday, 7th July 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 5):SHOULD GIVE PUBLIC GOOD MUSIC - Launceston - The main object of all bandsmen should be to provide good musical entertainment for the public, Mr. F.E. Smith said at a social in his honour on Saturday. Eighty-four-year-old Mr. Smith has been a bandsman since he was 16. On Saturday night, in recognition of Mr. Smith's long service with the City Band, the Tasmanian Bands League arranged the social, and presented him with a standard lamp. Thanking the league, Mr. Smith said his years in band work had been a pleasure. He had signed on as a cornet player when he was 16, and except for a few short periods of about a month at a time, he had never stopped playing. He praised the work of the league, in getting rid of the rivalry that used to exist between bands. "We can all meet on the one field, mix together in fellowship, and put on a combined programme for the better entertainment or the public." he said. Tributes to Mr. Smith's work were paid by fellow members of the Launceston City Band and representatives of the Railway Silver, Invermay Silver, Launceston Boys', Latrobe Federal and St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Bands, and the president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson). Highlight of the function was the playing of two cornet solos by Mr. Smith. Films were shown by Mr. V. Triffitt, Devonport.
Tuesday, 22nd July 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 8):BAND FESTIVAL - At the monthly committee meeting of the Penguin Municipal Band, it was decided to hold the band festival in November. It is hoped that all Coastal bands will participate. The Tasmanian Bands League advised it was possible that bands from Launceston would attend. All proceeds will go to the Penguin uniform and instrument fund.
Saturday, 23rd August 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 19):L'TON BANDSMEN WIN AT D'PORT - Launceston competitors figured prominently in the brass sections sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands' League at the Devonport Eisteddfod Society's competitions last night. They took most of the major awards. Main fault of competitors said the adjudicator, Mr. C.J. Edwards, Launceston, was that they played much too slowly. The principal award went to Roy Wicks, who won the open solo award. The juvenile section was continued yesterday morning. Janice Power, Launceston, gained first prize with 86 points in the "Poems by an Australian Author." She was one point ahead of her nearest rival, Elaine Merrington, also of Launceston. Both girls showed outstanding ability said the adjudicator (Mr. J. Brunton Gibb). Details: Brass solo, under 15: Errol Ahearne, Latrobe (80), 1; E. Cox, Launceston (73), 2. Duet, 18 and under: Kevin Bolch and Barry Wells, Launceston (70), 1. Brass solo, open: Roy Wicks, Launceston (86), 1; Roy Bushby, Launceston (85), 2: John R. Brickhill, Launceston, and Neville Dunian, Penguin (84), equal, 3. Brass solo, 15 to 18: Kevin Bolch Launceston (77), 1; Barry Neil, Launceston (76), 2. Quartette, open: Railway Silver Band, No. 2, Launceston (93), 1; Railway Silver Band, No. 1, and Railway Silver Band, No. 6 (88) equal 2. Recitation, 6 to 8 years, own selection: Christine Hill, Burnie (75), 1; Jeremy Plapp, Devonport (73), 2. Poem by Australian author (9-12): Janice Power, Launceston (86), 1; Elaine Merrington, Launceston (85), 2; Susan Hobson, Janice Crowden, Devonport (82), equal 3, Impromptu reading (12-18): Janice Clarke, Devonport (82), 1; Julie Hobson, Greta Russell, Devonport (80), equal 2. Poem by Australian author (under 9): Marcus Plapp, Devonport (82), 1; Kevin Neilson, Launceston (81), 2; Christine Hill, Burnie (80), 3. Girls' solo (12-15): Valda Etchell, Deloraine (87), 1; Norma Flowers, Devonport (86), 2; Margot Fulton, Ulverstone (85), 3; Shirley Williams, Ulverstone, hon. mention. Poem by Australian author: Norma Pearn, Moltema (82), 1, Humorous recitation (under 15): Kevin Neilson, Launceston (82), 1; Christine Hill Burnie, and Marcus Plapp, Devonport (81), equal 2. Humorous recitation: Norma Pearn, Moltema. (74), only competitor, awarded a second prize. Recitation (16-18): Louise Pearn, Moltema (85) 1; George Castley, Devonport (90), 2. Duologue (under 12 years): Janice Power and Valerie Gerzalia, Launceston (85), 1; Susan Hobson and Kaye Hiller, Devonport (81), 2; Paul Bessel and partners, Don (80), 3.
Saturday, 23rd August 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 4):DEVONPORT COMPETITIONS BRASS SECTIONS SWEEP FOR LAUNCESTON CONTESTANTS - Launceston competitors figured prominently in the brass sections, sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League, at the Devonport Eisteddfod Society's competitions last evening. They took off most of the major awards. Main fault of competitors, said the adjudicator (Mr. C.J. Edwards), was that they played much too slow. The principal award went to Roy Wicks, who won the open solo. […] The president of the Eisteddfod Society (Mr. H.E. Haslock) welcomed bandsmen and the brass adjudicator, Mr. C.J. Edwards (L'ton). Playing was fair, but some boys were nervous, and he felt they could do better. Mr. Edwards said referring to the brass solo (under 15 years), in which first prize went to Errol Ahearne (Latrobe) with 80 points. Ted Cox (L'ton) was second with 73 points. The winner's performance was described by the adjudicator as good. Fifteen competitors faced Mr. Edwards in the open brass solo section. It was difficult to Judge a competition of this kind because of the number of different types of instruments played, Mr. Edwards said. He had heard some good playing and spoke highly of the performance of the winner. Roy Wicks (L'ton), to whom he awarded 86 points. Wicks played "At Dawn" as a cornet solo. Launceston competitors filled the minor placings, Roy Bushby being placed second with 85 points. John R. Brickhill, with 84 points, was equal third with Neville Duniam, of Penguin. There was only one entry in the duet, 18 and under. First prize went to Kevin Bolch and Barry Wells (L'ton), who secured 74 points. The adjudicator said the duet was played far too slow. Only three points separated the four contestants in the brass solo, 15 and under 18. Kevin Bolch, Launceston won top award with 77. Another Launceston competitor, Barry Neil was second with 76 points. In this section, Mr. Edwards said the tone generally was good. The playing of the winners in the open duet, A.R. and J.R. Brickhill, of Launceston, who gained 90 points, was described as having very few faults. T. Trevena and A. Burgess, Launceston, were second with 84 points. The adjudicator said he was particularly pleased with the work in this section. The winning quartette put up an outstanding performance. It blended well and was a fine combination. Launceston quartettes dominated the section. […] Brass solo, under 15: Errol Ahearne (Latrobe), 80, 1; Ted Cox (Launceston), 73, 2. Others: Tony Farrell (Launceston), Harold Mullins (Launceston). Duet, 18 and under: Kevin Bolch and Barry Wells (Launceston), 70, 1. Only entrants. Open brass solo: Ray wicks (Launceston), 86, 1; Roy Bushby (Launceston), 85, 2; John R. Brickhill (Launceston), and Neville Duniam (Penguin), 84, equal 3. Others: A.A. Brickhill (Launceston), A.J. Seymour (Launceston), A.E. Richardson (Devonport), S.J. Lusted (Burnie), A.R. Silva (Launceston), Max Gurr (Launceston), A. Dutton (Latrobe), E.J. Burley (Launceston), Barry Williams (Devonport), Max Stewart (Launceston), T. Hicks (Latrobe). Brass solo, 15-18: Kevin Bolch (Launceston), 77, 1; Barry Neil (Launceston), 70, 2. Others: Barry Wells (Launceston), Jim Williams (Launceston). Open duet: A.R. and J.R. Brickhill (Launceston), 90, 1; T. Trevena and A. Burgess (Launceston), 84, 2. Others: E.J. Burley, A.J. Seymour (Launceston), Roy Bushby, Don Crawford (Launceston). Open quartette: Railway Silver Band No. 2 (Launceston), 93, 1; Railway Silver Band No. 1 (Launceston), and Railway Silver Band No. 6 (Launceston), 88, eq. 2. Others: Municipal Band No. 1 (Devonport), Latrobe Federal Band No. 1, Railway Silver Band No. 3 (Launceston), Raliway Silver Band No. 4 (Launceston), Boys' Band (Launceston), Railway Silver Band No. 5 (Launceston).
Thursday, 18th September 1952 ("The Advocate", Page 10):FEDERAL BAND - Members, of the [Latrobe] Federal Band are practising for the forthcoming massed bands festivals. The first of these will be conducted by the Tasmanian Bands' League in Launceston in four weeks. The Penguin Band is to hold a festival at Penguin during November. The local band has invested a considerable amount of money in new instruments and reconditioning of old ones in an endeavour to build up its numerical strength. The secretary reports that the badges, to fit on the new caps have come to hand, and requests members to pass their caps in at practice this evening so that the badges may be fitted.
Thursday, 16th October 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 2):LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: PLEA FOR MUSIC - Sir. - It has often been noted that "Love makes the world go round." This is an illusion. It is music. What sort of a world would if be if we were to cut out music? I want to impress upon our Government the desirability of fostering and encouraging bands and orchestras as much as possible. If we could only make our politicians conscious of what this form of entertainment means to the old and young! There is nothing more, thrilling and inspiring than a full band playing as it marches in a faultless manner through our streets. And music is not only entertainment, it is an educational, civilising force. Band masters devote a lot of time and patience to teaching juveniles. The beginners are taught all the elementary and disciplinary steps necessary to take their places, in time, in senior bands. One only has to come in contact with bandsmen anywhere in the world to realise what fine types of humanity they are. I am writing on behalf of the Tasmanian Bands' League to ask our Government to reconsider its proposal to cut out its small subsidy to us. We all realise the financial position of Governments, but I still think there is an obligation to support a great educational organisation like the Bands' League. T. French, Secretary, Tasmanian Bands' League.
Monday, 17th November 1952 ("The Mercury", Page 5):WANTS STATE GRANT TO HELP BANDS - Incentive among bandsmen must be stimulated by Government support, the president of the Launceston Railway Silver Band (Mr. V. McMahon) said last night. Speaking on the State Government's refusal of a grant for bands this financial year, Mr. McMahon told the annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League in Launceston that the band subsidy should have been the last to be deleted from the Estimates. He said bands undertook to throw upon the community the right type of man. Teaching of juniors in this work helped to keep up the intellectual standard in the State. "Unless we are financed in some way, we will become a dying race," he said. He was pleased that Launceston City Council had undertaken to foster contests and festivals in the North, because it was only by competition that the standard could be improved. The Treasurer (Mr. Madden) said Cabinet was sympathetic towards the league, but because of financial difficulties this year it had been forced to cut out all such subsidies. He hoped circumstances would permit an even bigger grant to bands later. The Mayor of Launceston (Mr. Thyne), who presided, advised the league that the council would be pleased to conduct a "D" grade band contest as part of the city's centenary celebrations next year. The league will also conduct a band festival at York Park, Launceston, on December 7. Officers elected: Patron, Sir Ronald Cross; president, Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson; vice-presidents, Messrs. T. Hicks, A. Park, C.B. Aylett, F. Beahr; secretary, Mr. T. French; treasurer, Mr. J. Starbrough; music advisory board, Messrs. V. McMahon, C. Edwards, L. O'Donnell; drill advisory board, Messrs. J. Stanbrough, W. Welling.
Monday, 17th November 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 3):APPEALING NOTE BY BANDSMEN - Unless bandsmen were given financial assistance they would become "a dying race," the president of the Railway Silver Band (Mr. V. McMahon) said in Launceston on Saturday night. Mr. McMahon was commenting at the annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League on the government's refusal to make a grant for bands this financial year. A subsidy for bands should have been the last to be removed from the estimate, he said. Bands undertook a major work in the community. "Unless we are financed in some way we will become a dying race," he said. It was pleasing that the Launceston City Council was fostering contests and festivals in the north as the standard was improved by competition, he said. The Treasurer (Mr. Madden) said bands were of great importance to the community, especially in wartime. They aroused patriotic feelings which were dormant in peace time. Cabinet had been forced to eliminate subsidies of this nature because of financial difficulties. Bands should be fostered and it was hoped a big grant could be made to bands in the future, he said. The Mayor (Ald. Thyne), who presided, said the council would be pleased to conduct a D grade contest as part of the centenary celebrations next year. The league decided to conduct a band festival at York Park on December 7, and some plans for this were made on Saturday night. Officers elected: Patron, Sir Ronald Cross; president, Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson; vice presidents, Messrs. T. Hicks, A. Park, C.B. Aylett, M.H.A., F. Beahr; secretary, Mr. T. French: treasurer, Mr. J. Stanborough [sic]; music advisory board, Messrs. V. McMahon, C. Edwards, L. O'Donnell: drill advisory board, Messrs. J. Stanborough [sic], W. Welling.
Wednesday, 19th November 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 19):THE SPORTS ROUNDSMAN - With the co-operation of the Tasmanian Bands League, the Henley Association will conduct a band competition.
Saturday, 29th November 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 10):BANDS' FESTIVAL FOR LAUNCESTON - Three hundred bandsmen will come to Launceston next month to take part in Launceston's first band festival for two years. Twelve bands will take part in the festival which has been planned to entertain Launceston people and to raise money for the Tasmanian Bands' League. Secretary of the League (Mr. T. French), who has been a bandsman for 50 years said yesterday, "Bands are part and parcel of community life. "This festival, which will be opened by the Mayor of Launceston (Ald. Thyne), should prove to Launceston people how vital bands are," he said. There will be two more bands than in the 1950 festival. One, from Rosebery on the West Coast, would travel 200 miles to attend. Other bands would come from the North West Coast and Launceston. Massed marching and massed playing will be features of the festival. Mr. French said the League was in need of the public's financial support since the State Government had been forced to cancel its subsidy. "The League has not appealed for public support for two years and we would appreciate the public's attendance at the festival - it'll be a grand day for young and old," he said.
Thursday, 4th December 1952 ("The Mercury", Page 24): 
Monday, 8th December 1952 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BANDS PAY TRIBUTE TO L'TON COMPOSER - Two world-famous marches composed by a former Launceston resident held pride of place at the 1952 festival of massed bands and marching at York Park yesterday. Ten silver bands combined for the playing of "Colonel Bogey" and "Invercargill" two of the most renowned works of the late Mr. Alexander Lithgow, and composed about 30 years ago. The silver bands and St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band gave a varied programme of marches and hymns, and combined in a massed marching display. An intricate series of marching and counter-marching manoeuvres was also carried out by the pipe band, and six young Launceston girls, members of St. Andrew's reel party, demonstrated Scottish dancing. Among them was Miss Joan Mansfield, Tasmanian highland dancing champion. The festival was officially opened by the Mayor (Ald. Thyne). A presentation was made to the first president of the Tasmanian Bands' League, Mr. A. Seymour, of a framed life member certificate by the current president, Mr. F. Hodgkinson. The silver bands were. The Burnie Municipal, Burnie Marine, Devonport Municipal, Latrobe Federal, Rosebery, Evandale, Launceston Railway, Launceston Boys', City and Invermay. For bandsmen from Rosebery, their appearance meant several hundred miles travel. The Latrobe Federal band was the oldest one present, having its 81st birthday this year. Of the 270 bandsmen there, among the smartest was one of its veterans, Mr. W. Welling, of Devonport, who is the oldest drum-major in Tasmania and has been connected with bands for 60 years. There was a big attendance at the festival and the league secretary, Mr. T. French was delighted with the standard of playing. "Bandsmen put up a wonderful performance, both in playing and marching," he commented. Guest conductor for the day was Mr. L. O'Donnell, of Launceston Boys' Band and drill marshal was Mr. J. Stanbrough.
Monday, 19th January 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 3):GOOD PRIZES FOR WINNING BANDS - A total of £150 prize money will be distributed to winners of a band contest which will wind up Launceston's municipal government centenary celebrations. The decision was made at a meeting of the Tasmanian Band League in Launceston at the weekend. The contest, which will be for D grade bands, will be held at a place to be fixed, on or about March 15. It will be one of many items in a programme of celebrations arranged by the Launceston City Council. Twelve bands are expected to take part - all from Tasmania. They will be required to play their own selection, waltz, quick step, and there will be a special prize for street marching. The league expressed disappointment at the poor attendance at the band festival held on December 7.
Monday, 19th January 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 4):£150 PRIZEMONEY FOR BANDS - Launceston. - A total of £150 prizemoney will be distributed to winners of a band contest which will wind up Launceston's Municipal Government centenary celebrations. The decision was made at a meeting of the Tasmanian Band League in Launceston at the weekend. The contest, which will be for "D'' Grade bands, will be held at a place to be fixed on or about March 15. It will be one of many items in a programme of celebrations arranged by the Launceston City Council. Twelve bands are expected to take part, all from Tasmania. They will be required to play their own selection, waltz, quickstep, and there will be a special prize for street marching. The meeting expressed disappointment at the poor attendance at the best [sic] festival held on December 7.
Tuesday, 20th January 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 3):CANBERRA TALKS ON L'TON PLAN - A Launceston suggestion will be discussed at the Premiers' conference in Canberra next month. The Premier (M. Cosgrove) is to refer to all State leaders a proposal that an effort be made to obtain a visit to Tasmania of the famous Coldstream Guards Band. Mr. Cosgrove said yesterday he felt it would be far better to approach the question on a Commonwealth basis rather than a Tasmanian one. Two men, Messrs. L.O. Round and S.C. Robertson made the suggestion in a letter to "The Examiner" published yesterday. They urged a conference between civic leaders from all parts of the State to discuss ways and means of promoting the tour. The Premier said it would be far better to attack the plan from an Australia wide angle. Because of the expense involved it would be far more certain to receive approval if the tour was planned on a Commonwealth scale. The Mayor (Ald. Pitt) considers the suggestion that the band be brought to Australia is an excellent one. "I agree with the sub-leader in 'The Examiner' yesterday," he said. Ald. Pitt said that if any lead were needed he would give his support. The secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. T.N. French) did not approve of the idea. Mr. French said there would be much other expense through the Royal visit. Australia had very good bands on the mainland and they should not be overlooked.
Thursday, 22nd January 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 3):HOBART BAND FOR COMPETITIONS - The committee of the Hobart City Band has decided to enter the band in contests at the Launceston City Council centenary celebrations on March 15. It is the first time for many years that a band from Hobart has taken part in any contests. The secretary (Mr. L. Broadby) and bandmaster (Mr. J. Holland) conferred with the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. French) yesterday and were able to make mutually satisfactory arrangements about the visit of the Hobart band.
Friday, 23rd January 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 6):SEEKS BANDS FOR CONTEST - Mr. T. French, secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League, is in Hobart seeking support from Hobart bands for a contest for Tasmanian bands at Launceston in March. He called on the Deputy Lord Mayor (Mr. Mitchell) yesterday. Mr. French is hopeful that 11 or 12 bands will compete, representing Hobart, Launceston, Queenstown, Rosebery, Devonport, Latrobe, and Campbell Town. The contest will be held at York Park on March 15 as part of the Launceston City Council centenary celebrations.
Tuesday, 10th February 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 6):BRASS SECTIONS - In his report to the annual meeting of the [Devonport] Eisteddfod Society, to be presented tonight, the president (Mr. H.E. Haslock) reveals that as a result of the recent meeting between representatives of the society and the Tasmanian Bands League at Deloraine, six classes for the brass fraternity will be held at this year's competitions, carrying prizemoney of £34. The president of the Bands League donated £20 and the local [Devonport] Municipal Band a further £2/2/. The remainder of the prizemoney and the expenses of the adjudicator will be found by the Eisteddfod Society. On behalf of the society Mr. Haslock congratulates all the major prize-winners at last year's competitions. Miss Joan Prouse, of Devonport, was the winner of the Champion Aria of £65, of which £40 was donated by the Vacuum Oil Co. The section was called the Mobil Aria. A cheque for £40 was presented to Miss Prouse by the Tasmanian manager of the company.
Friday, 6th March 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 3):SEVEN BANDS IN CONTEST - Seven bands will take part in the D grade contest for Tasmanian bands in City Park and the Albert Hall, Launceston, on Sunday week. This was announced yesterday by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. French). He said that the contest would wind up the Municipal Centenary celebrations. The bands taking part will be the Hobart City Band, Burnie and Devonport Municipal Bands, Latrobe Federal Band, Launceston City Band, Launceston Boys' Band and Invermay Silver Band. The contest will be officially opened at 3pm by Ald. Foot, deputising for the Mayor (Ald. Pitt). The evening session will begin in the Albert Hall at 8.30. The street march will begin from the corner of Brisbane and Charles Streets at 1.45pm., the bands moving off at four-minute intervals. Judging will be done between St. John and George Streets by the music adjudicator (Mr. V. McMahon) and the quickstep adjudicator (Mr. J. Stanborough [sic]).
Saturday, 7th March 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 8):N.W. BANDS FOR LAUNCESTON - Launceston - Seven bands - three from the North-west Coast - will take part in the "D" Grade contest for Tasmanian bands in the City Park and the Albert Hall tomorrow week. This was announced on Thursday by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. French). He said the contest would wind up the municipal centenary celebrations. Bands taking part will be the Hobart City, Burnie and Devonport Municipal, Latrobe Federal, Launceston City, Launceston Boys and Invermay Silver. The contest will be opened officially by Alderman Foote, deputising for the Mayor (Ald. Pitt), at 3 p.m. The evening session will begin in the Albert Hall at 8.30. The street march will begin from the corner of Brisbane and Charles streets, at 1.45 p.m. The bands moving off at four-minute Intervals. Judging will take place between St. John and George streets by the music adjudicator (Mr. V. McMahon and the quickstep adjudicator (Mr. J. Stanborough [sic]).
Monday, 16th March 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 4):LONG SERVICE BANDMASTERS - Five bandmasters at the bands festival at Launceston yesterday have been bandsmen for a total of 231 years. Doyen of Tasmanian bandmasters is Mr. Chester Edwards, conductor of the Launceston City Band, who has given 62 years of service to bands. Mr. L. Coventry, leader of the Latrobe Federal Band, has been a bandsman for 50 years. Mr. N. Graham, who conducts the Invermay Silver Band, has been playing in bands for 42 years. Mr. A. Clarke, of the Burnie Munipical Band has 40 years in bands to his credit. The comparative youngster is Mr. J.C. Holland, of the Hobart City Band. His service extends over 37 years. [Article includes a photo of the five bandmasters in question].
Monday, 16th March 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 4):HOBART CITY BAND WINS CENTENARY CONTEST - Hobart city band, scoring 168 points, won the Tasmanian Bands League D Grade contest in Launceston yesterday. Final points were: Hobart City Band, 168; Burnie Municipal Band, 161; Launceston City Band, 159; Invermay Silver Band, 154; Latrobe Federal Band, 146; Devonport Municipal Band, 144; Launceston Boys' Band, 138. Announcing the results at the Albert Hall last night, the musical adjudicator (Mr. Verdi McMahon) said a very high standard had been maintained during the competition. A big audience gathered at the Albert Hall to hear a programme of waltzes selected by the bands. The bands were judged on their programme of marches during the afternoon and on the waltzes. Hobart gained 84 points for each. About 3000 people gathered in the City Park for the first part of the contest which brought the municipal government centenary celebrations to an end. The event was opened by Ald. Foot, who deputised for the Mayor (Ald. Pitt). Ald. Foot said band music was an essential feature of modern life. He thanked local bands for their co-operation and Hobart, Burnie, Devonport and Latrobe bands for their support. Officials present included: President of the T.B.L. (Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson), secretary of the T.B.L. (Mr. T. French), musical adjudicator (Mr. Verdi McMahon), and quick step adjudicator (Mr. J. Stanbrough).
Monday, 16th March 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 3):BURNIE SECOND IN BANDS CONTEST - Launceston. - Hobart City Band, scoring 168 points, won the Tasmanian Bands' League "D" grade contest in Launceston yesterday. Final points were: Hobart City Band, 168; Burnie Municipal Band, 161; Launceston City Band, 159; Invermay Silver Band, 154; Latrobe Federal Band, 146; Devonport Municipal Band, 144; Launceston Boys' Band, 138. Announcing the results at the Albert Hall last night, the musical adjudicator (Mr. Verdi McMahon) said a very high standard had been maintained during the competition. The bands were judged on marches during the afternoon and waltzes in the evening. Hobart gained 84 points for each. About 3000 people gathered in the City Park for the first part or the contest. The event was opened by Ald. Foot, who deputised for the Mayor (Ald. Pitt).
Tuesday, 17th March 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 6):HOBART CITY BAND WINS ALL EVENTS - The Hobart City Band won all contests at the Launceston centenary competition on Sunday. It is believed that this is the first time since 1910 that one band has won all sections at a Tasmanian competition. The band won the street march with 115 points and the Tasmanian Band League's "D" grade contest with 168 points. In the "D" grade contest the bands were judged on their own selection and a waltz. The Hobart City Band scored 84 points for each. Aggregate points scored by other bands were: Burnie Municipal Band, 161 points; Launceston City Band, 159; Invermay Silver Band, 154; Latrobe Federal Band, 146; Devonport Municipal Band, 144; Launceston Boys' Band, 138. The musical adjudicator (Mr. V. McMahon) said the Hobart City Band turned on a splendid performance in the own selection section. The band and its conductor deserved high praise, he added. He also paid tribute to its fine performance in the waltz section, and predicted a bright future for the band.
Thursday, 19th March 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 3):ANNUAL LAUNCESTON BANDS FESTIVAL? - Launceston. - An annual bands festival in Launceston would be welcomed by the Tasmanian Bands' League, the president (Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson) said yesterday. He was commenting on plans of the Junior Chamber of Commerce for a "Greater Launceston Week" each year. "The League would co-operate with the Junior Chamber, the City Council and any other interested body", Mr. Hodgkinson said. The League had already discussed the possibility of conducting an annual band festival in Launceston and was prepared to move for a "C" grade contest he added.
Saturday, 28th March 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 14):MORE CONCERTS - It was suggested at the [Devonport] Municipal Band meeting on Thursday night that, more concerts be conducted during the coming year. The secretary (Mr. C. Homan) said the band was dependent on the collections taken up at these performances, and the more concerts there were, the better the financial position. It was decided to recommend to the incoming committee that it endeavour to arrange more in the future. The meeting decided to suggest to the Tasmanian Bands League that it meet half the expenses incurred by the local band in travelling to the quarterly conferences. It was pointed out that the bands in Launceston were paying nothing in this regard, and they should be expected to assist country bands.
Monday, 8th June 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 6):DEVONPORT EISTEDDFOD - The Devonport Eisteddfod will commence with the band instrumental sections on Saturday, August 22. The Tasmanian Bands League and the Eisteddfod Society are sponsoring the band sections. A mainland adjudicator, Mr. W.J. Philpott, has been engaged. Art of speech sections will start on Tuesday, August 25, and if good support is forthcoming from Coastal repertory bodies, a whole evening or more will be devoted to plays. The musical sections will commence on Thursday, August 27, and continue up until September 4. Dancing will commence on Friday, September 5, and conclude on Friday evening, September 11, with a festival. The adult concert on Friday, September 12, will conclude the competitions. It is expected the Eisteddfod will run for 19 days.
Tuesday, 21st July 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 13):BANDS TO START EISTEDDFOD - The Devonport Musical and Literary Competitions Society Eisteddfod will open in the Devonport Town Hall on August 22 with the band instrumental section. This section, which is sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League and the society, has attracted 64 entries. Prize money totals £75. Leading Tasmanian bandsmen will compete in the solo, duet, and ensemble classes. The bands to be represented are Hobart City, Hobart Returned Soldiers' Memorial, Launceston Railway Silver, Launceston Boys', Burnie Marine Board and Municipal, and the Devonport Municipal. Mr. W.J. Philpott, of Melbourne, will be adjudicator.
Tuesday, 21st July 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 3):EISTEDDFOD NEXT MONTH - The Musical and Literary Competitions Society's eisteddfod will open in the Town Hall on August 22 with the band instrumental section. This section, which is sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League and the society, has attracted 64 entries.
Tuesday, 21st July 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 8):THE EISTEDDFOD - The Musical and Literary Competitions Society's eisteddfod will open in the [Devonport] Town Hall at 2.30 p.m. on August 22, with the band instrumental section. This is sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League and the Society, and has attracted 64 entries. Prizemoney totals £75. Leading Tasmanian bandsmen will compete in the solo, duet and ensemble classes. The bands to be represented are Hobart City, Hobart Returned Soldiers' Memorial, Launceston Railways Silver, Launceston Boys', Burnie Marine Board and Municipal and the Devonport Municipal. Mr. W.J. Philpott, of Melbourne, will be the adjudicator. He is a well known band trainer and conductor and has been highly successful in all grades. He was conductor and trainer of the Wonthaggi Union Band for 10 years and the South Melbourne City Band for 13 years. He is conductor of the Malvern Municipal Band and the Wesley College and Northcote High School bands.
Tuesday, 4th August 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 12):HOBART CITY BAND'S SUCCESSFUL YEAR - The Hobart City Band had fulfilled 35 engagements for the year, the president (Mr. M.H. Lynch) reported to the annual meeting of the band last night. Mr. Lynch thanked the women's auxiliary, which raised more than £250, and had presented the band with a set of music stands. He said the band's playing membership was 31. He congratulated it on winning all sections of the Tasmanian Bands' League's "D" grade contest in Launceston in March. Despite expenditure of £600 for uniforms, £160 for instrument repairs, and £104 for a trip to Launceston, the band's financial statement showed a credit balance of £372 - £64 more than last year. The president of the T.B.L. (Mr. F. Hodgkinson) attended, and members of the women's auxiliary served supper. Officers elected: President, Mr. M.H. Lynch; vice-presidents, Messrs. R.B. Robertson. C. Henri; secretary, Mr. J.L. Broadby; committee, Messrs. C. Uhr-Henry, R. Fahey, N. Dunian, D.L. Viney.
Wednesday, 5th August 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 16):DONATIONS TO CHARITY HIT BOY'S BAND - "The Launceston Boys' Band is on the down grade because of its insistence in donating all funds raised to local charities", it was stated by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. French) at the annual meeting of the band last night. "Although you must feel a great deal of pride in making these numerous contributions to our charities, you must also realise that in doing so you are threatening the very existence of this band," he said. "The fact that the current year's financial statement has shown an alarming fall bears me out," he said. The president (Mr. C.W. Hunt) said the band would continue to make regular donations to charity despite the fact that it was "growing poorer." "Ours is the only band doing this work, and it will continue to do so," he said. Mr. Barnard, M.H.A., who was present as a guest, praised the members for their decision and said he hoped the band committee would soon be able once again to report a sound financial position. Mr. Hunt reported that the band had made a tour of the North-West Coast during the year, and that it had raised £150 for charity. In the last four years the Boys' Band had donated £3000 to charity. It was a unique distinction for a Tasmanian band, The bandmaster (Mr. L. O'Donnell) said that the presence of representatives of other bands emphasised the fact that local bands were supporting each other in an effort to keep the nucleus of the Tasmanian Band League in the North. Tentative arrangements are being made for the band to make a tour of Southern Tasmania about the beginning of next year, it was disclosed at the meeting. The Foley Scholarship, awarded at the discretion of the bandmaster, was awarded to John Olding. The scholarship is awarded annually for general ability. Tribute was paid to the women's committee for its work in connection with the band's engagements. The total membership was fixed at 40, the senior band class consisting of 25 playing members and 15 in the junior class. Officers elected were: President, Mr. C.W. Hunt; secretary. Mr. G.R. Mullins; patron, Mr. A.J. Monaghan; treasurer, Mr. E.A. White; auditor, Mr. L. Hewitt; committee, Messrs. K. Sulzberger, K.R. O'Donnell, A. Pickerell, A. McLean, D. Ingles, R. Brett, G. Mahnken.
Thursday, 6th August 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 16):TASMANIAN BANDS SUFFER FROM PUBLIC INDIFFERENCE AND SUBSIDY ABOLITION - Lack of public interest had restricted the number of bands in Hobart, the secretary of the Hobart City Band (Mr. J.L. Broadby) said yesterday. Despite numerous efforts to make people "band-minded," he said, there were still only two bands in Hobart, compared with five in Launceston. Mr. Broadby was commenting on an item by "Vigilant" in "The Mercury." Bands also received a heavy setback last year when the annual £50 Government subsidy was abolished, he said. They were now forced to rely on collections and public subscriptions for finance. This was totally inadequate when it was considered that a set of uniforms for a band cost about £600. Mr. G. Hook, secretary of the H.S.L. Memorial Band, said his band also had suffered from poor support. Many young players, he added, preferred dance work to bands. Mr. D'Alton, M.L.C., who is a former bandsman, yesterday complimented "The Mercury" on its suggestions concerning assistance to bands. He felt the public, civic authorities, and State Parliament did not do justice to bands, and should help more financially. He said he knew a bandsman's duties took time, and he was surprised that there were any bands at all in view of the public apathy. The only time the public, showed interest in a band was at a public function. Mr. D'Alton said Southern Tasmania could help young bandsmen more than it did. Bands were at the beck and call of committees who ran functions, and were usually expected to give their services free, he added. The president of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson) said in Launceston that the league would welcome any move to hold a festival of bands to celebrate the State sesquicentenary. Mr. Hodgkinson said that to date the committee organising the celebrations had not asked the league to hold a festival.
Thursday, 6th August 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 2):LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: BANDS UNITY - Sir. - I desire to correct a statement in "The Examiner'' of August 5 reported to have been made by me at the annual meeting of the Launceston Boys' Band, It was reported that I said "that the presence of representatives of other bands emphasised the fact that local bands were supporting each other in an effort to keep the nucleus of the Tasmanian Band League in the North." This totally misrepresents my remark and my principles. Having been a citizen of Victoria until recent years I am not a party to any retrogressive "North-South" rivalry school of thought. In point of fact I am a bitter opponent of any attempt to introduce such shortsighted views in any sphere, and particularly in the band movement. Personally, I could not care less whether the Band League headquarters were in the North, the South or up in the clouds, so long as the band movement throughout the state was united. To the best of my knowledge there is no hint of North-South rivalry in the Tasmanian Bands' League, and I hope it will never be introduced. The statement I made at the annual meeting was that the presence of representatives of other bands emphasised the fact that bands were supporting each other more now than in the past, and that the more we had of this sort of thing the better the band movement would be. - L. O'Donnell, Conductor, Launceston Boys' Band.
Saturday, 22nd August 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 6):DEVONPORT COMPETITIONS OPEN TODAY WITH BANDSMEN'S "BIG BLOW" - Bandsmen from Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport will take part this afternoon and evening in the opening sessions of Devonport Eisteddfod Society's Coronation year competitions. The classes will be the first of the 180 to be decided in the next three weeks. Total entry for the competitions is 1250. The large entry will necessitate the holding of afternoon and evening sessions, plus five morning sessions, between today and September 10. For Coronation year, the society has set out to make the competitions an outstanding success. A programme in which is incorporated many new and interesting additions has been compiled, while the number of classes and amount of prize money are the greatest in the society's history. Last year there were 1320 entries; this year there are 1250 and the prizemoney totals £550. In addition there are many trophies. Highlights will be the championship grand opera aria, champion piano solo, choral contests and the drama festival, which is made up of one-act and original historical plays. The radio voice section has again aroused considerable interest. Entrants will sing in the Town Hall and the judge will close the sessions with his adjudication, which will be broadcast. This afternoon and evening will be devoted entirely to band instrumental. This is sponsored by the Tasmanian Bands League and the society and has attracted 64 entries from the leading Tasmanian bands. Bandsmen will compete in solo, duet and ensemble classes, and Mr. W.J. Philpott, of Melbourne, will adjudicate. On Tuesday afternoon, the art of speech sections will commence and will continue till Monday evening, August 31. On Tuesday evening five Tasmanian repertory societies will present original historical plays. This should result in a fine evening's entertainment. On Thursday evening four one-act plays will be presented The musical sections will open on Wednesday, and will conclude on Thursday evening, September 3. On Friday, September 4, the juvenile concert will be held. The dancing sections will start on Saturday morning, September 5, and will conclude with the dancing festival on Friday evening, September 11. For this section a record number of 600 entries has been received. The climax of the eisteddfod will come with the grand adult concert on Saturday, September 12. The competitions will be opened by the Chief Secretary (Mr. White) next Saturday evening, and the society's patron (Dame Enid Lyons) will also be present. Dame Enid will also distribute prizemoney and trophies at the final concert on September 12. The official accompanist will be Mrs. Robina Oughton, of Ulverstone.
Saturday, 29th August 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 6):LAUNCESTON HAS MOST BANDS - No town in Australia with the population of Launceston had as many as Launceston's six bands. Mr. C.H. Green, of Brisbane, the president of the Australian Band Council and president of the Queensland Band Association, said this in Launceston yesterday. He is on a brief visit to Launceston and will return to the Mainland today. Yesterday he called on the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. French). Mr. Green said Launceston is obviously a music minded city. He congratulated the Tasmanian Bands League, not only in maintaining band interest in the community, but also for its initiative in training boys. Mr. Green said the Australian Band Council had about 1,000 bands under its jurisdiction, with 35,000 players. The cost of equipping a band with good instruments was more than £3,000, he said. He said he was pleased to learn that Tasmania had 20 bands.
Monday, 31st August 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 3):BUSY WEEK FOR L'TON BANDS - This is a big week for Launceston bands. This evening the bands' queen carnival will be held in City Park and tomorrow the bands will parade for the unveiling of the Lithgow memorial. Opening of the carnival was to have been held yesterday but was postponed because of bad weather. Five bands will take part in the carnival; Launceston City, Launceston Railway Silver, Invermay Silver, Launceston Boys' and St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band. Before the opening of the carnival by Ald. Foot, the bands will leave City Park for a march through the city streets. The march, in which more than 150 bandsmen will take part, will begin at 7.30pm. The carnival will continue on most Sundays when the bands will meet for recitals in City Park, until about Christmas. It will end with a grand concert, which may be held at the Albert Hall. Each band will select girls as entrants for the queen competition and the queen will be chosen at the concert. Tomorrow, at 7.15pm., the bands will leave Paterson Barracks for a march through the city streets before returning to the barracks for the unveiling ceremony at the Lithgow memorial. The unveiling will be carried out by the State Commandant (Brig. Hurley). During the ceremony the bands will play well known marches that were composed by Alex Lithgow. Secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. French) said yesterday that Launceston people could consider themselves lucky that the town had five bands, plus that of the Salvation Army. "As a centre for mush and for the band-mindedness of its people," said Mr. French "I doubt if any other town of similar size in Australia can beat Launceston."
Friday, 6th November 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 4):PIPE BAND FESTIVAL AT EASTER - The Launceston Caledonian Pipe Band, assisted by the Tasmanian Bands' League, is to stage a pipe band festival at Launceston about Easter, 1954. Further details of the festival, which will be an innovation for Launceston, are likely to be discussed at the annual meeting of the Bands' League to be held in Launceston tonight. The secretary's report, to be presented at the annual meeting, refers to the generous assistance received by the league from the press and radio stations during the March band contests.
Monday, 9th November 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 11):TAS. BANDS WANT SUBSIDY - The State Treasurer (Mr. Madden) speaking at the Tasmanian Bands League annual meeting promised to refer an application for a subsidy to the Premier. Mr. Madden said that he knew the bands would play a prominent part during the Royal visit and should get the support they deserved. Mr. Barnard, M.H.A., said he was conscious of the work the bands had ahead and promised to back their claims for a subsidy. A. steep drop in income from £282 in 1951 to £143 in the year under review was reported. Furthermore, it was stated at least £500 would be required in prizes for next year's competition. Officers elected were: Patron, the Governor (Sir Ronald Cross); president, Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson; vice presidents, Messrs. R.E. Behr [sic] (Launceston), M.H. Lynch (Hobart), T. Hicks (N.W. Coast), J. Saunders (West Coast); secretary, Mr. D.M. Murdoch; treasurer, Mr. J.A. Stanbrough; auditor, Mr. N.J. Dawkins; trustees, Messrs. E. Carney, A. Seymour.
Monday, 9th November 1953 ("The Advocate", Page 12):FINANCIAL AID FOR BANDS - Launceston. - The Treasurer (Mr. Madden), speaking at the annual meeting of the Tasmanian Bands League, promised to refer to the Premier an application for a subsidy. He knew the bands would play a prominent part during the Royal visit, and should get the support they deserved. Mr. Barnard, M.H.A., said he was deeply conscious of the work the bands had ahead, and promised to refer to the Premier their claims for a subsidy. A drop in income from £282 in 1951 to £143 in the year under review was reported. Furthermore, at least £500 would be required for prizes at next year's competitions.
Tuesday, 10th November 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 14):TRIBUTE PAID TO STATE'S BANDS - The public owed a deep debt of gratitude to the Tasmanian bands, the State Treasurer (Mr. Madden) said at the Tasmanian Bands' League annual meeting. Mr. Madden said with the Royal visit approaching, the bands would play a prominent part in arousing loyalty. "I hope a deeper recognition of your work will come in these future months, and that you will get the measure of support you deserve," he said. Another guest, Mr. Barnard, M.H.A., told the league he did not know what a community would do without its band. Funds of the Tasmanian Bands' League have fallen from £282 in 1951 to £143 now. Prize money at the league's next big competition will require £500. There are 18 bands in the league. Mr. A. Seymour has received the first life membership bestowed by the Tasmanian Bands' League, Mr. Madden presented to the Hobart City Band the pennant it won recently in "D" grade competition. Officers elected were: patron, the Governor (Sir Ronald Cross); president, Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson; vice-presidents, Messrs. M.H. Lynch (Hobart), R.E. Behr [sic] (Launceston), T. Hicks (N.W. Coast), J. Saunders (West Coast); secretary, Mr. D.M. Murdoch; treasurer, Mr. J.A. Stanbrough; auditor, Mr. N.J. Dawkins; trustees, Messrs. A. Seymour, E. Carney.
Saturday, 14th November 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 3):NO BACKING FOR VISIT OF BAND - A proposal to bring a leading U.K. military band to Australia during the Royal visit next year had "fallen flat'' because it had not received support from other states. The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) said this in Launceston last night. Earlier this year it was suggested by two Launceston members of the Tasmanian Bands League (Messrs. S. Robertson and L. Round) that a prominent guards band should make a visit. Mr. Robertson said yesterday that when he was in London for the Coronation he suggested this to Tasmania's Agent-General in London (Sir Eric von Bibra), who passed on the suggestion to Mr. Cosgrove. Mr. Robertson said the suggestion had been made because a visit from a band would be a big fillip to Australian bands. He said it met with "mixed support" from the Bands League, who claimed Australia already had worthy bands. The Premier said last night the suggestion had received no support from other states.
Tuesday, 17th November 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 5):FESTIVAL AS FINALE - A musical, dramatic, and cultural festival will be staged to provide a grand finale to the sesquicentenary celebrations in Launceston, it was decided last night. Representatives of various arts organisations attended a meeting in Launceston under the chairmanship of Mr. E.G. McCann. They agreed to form an organising committee for the festival. Organisations represented at the meeting were, the Launceston Players, National Fitness Council, Launceston Competitions Association, Tasmanian Bands League, and the Launceston Philharmonic Society. A date for the festival has yet to be fixed.
Wednesday, 18th November 1953 ("The Examiner", Page 2):LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: GUARDS BAND - Sir. - With reference to a statement by the Premier on the proposal to bring a Guards Band to Australia during the Royal visit may I advise you that the two persons mentioned, Messrs. L. Round and S. Robertson, are not members of the Tasmanian Bands' League. Further, the statement by Mr. Robertson that the T.B.L. viewed the proposal with "mixed support" is not true. Never at any time has the league been approached on the subject by Messrs. Round or Robertson. - Fred E. Hodgkinson, President T.B.L., Launceston.
Monday, 7th December 1953 ("The Mercury", Page 4):LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: HOBART EISTEDDFOD - The criticism of N. Duniam regarding the brass sections for the 1954 Hobart City Eisteddfod is appreciated. The society, anxious to assist brass bands, decided after consultation with the Tasmanian Bands League, to include the sections mentioned in the schedule. It was felt that as this will be the first occasion on which brass band sections are to be included, the best scope would be provided for players through the classes listed. It is presumed that trombone and bass players will be able to participate in quartets and septets. One section, available previously to juveniles, was so poorly supported that it was eliminated - at any rate for the time being. It is heartening to note that keen interest is being displayed in these sections, which augurs well for the development of the society. Basil Osborne, President, Hobart Eisteddfod Society.
Wednesday, 27th January 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 16):NEW FEATURES AT COMPETITIONS - The schedule for the 1954 Launceston music, art of speech, and dancing competitions are now available and include several new features. Under the sponsorship of the Tasmanian Bands League it has been decided to include the following brass sections: Cornet solo, open and under 18 years; E flat tenor horn, open and under 18 years; euphonium or baritone solo, open and under 18 years; brass solo, open and under 18 years; cornet solo, under 18 years; trombone solo, open and under 18 years; brass ensemble, open, four to seven minutes. A Mainland adjudicator will be appointed for brass sections, and the competitions will begin with brass sections on April 24, Music and art of speech will begin on April 27 and dancing on May 10. Adjudicators will be: Vocal and instrumental, Mr. Herbert Davis, Melbourne; art of speech, Mr. George Trotman, Melbourne; and, dancing. Mrs. John Barrien, Adelaide. The competitions will be held as part of the sesquicentenary celebrations.
Thursday, 4th March 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 8):EISTEDDFOD - The secretary of the [Devonport] Eisteddfod Society (Mrs. G.F. Scott) […] said that later this month representatives of the society would confer with the Tasmanian Bands League on the organisation of the brass section, for which an adjudicator would be discussed at the same time. It was almost certain he would come from the mainland. A draft schedule had been prepared and was expected to be in circulation early next month.
Saturday, 13th March 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 7):MELBOURNE BAND FOR HOBART - The president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. Broadby [sic]) said last night that the Victorian Police Band would tour Tasmania next month, and give a concert in Hobart on April 8.
Wednesday, 17th March 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 19):BANDS MEETING - Most country bands were represented at a meeting of the Tasmanian Bands' League on Saturday night in Launceston. Mr. W.S. Brown, of Hillside Cres., Launceston, was appointed secretary.
Tuesday, 13th April 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 2):FIVE BANDS WILL GET MEDALLIONS - Launceston - The State Government has advised officials of the Tasmanian Bands League that it will give five sesquicentenary medallions to bands taking part in the pipe bands' festival at York Park, Launceston, on Sunday. The bands to receive the medallions will be Burnie, Queenstown, Hawthorn City and Launceston, Caledonian Pipe Band, and the Launceston Salvation Army Citadel Band. Two other bands taking part in the festival, the Derwent Scottish and Hobart Highland Pipe Bands, have already been presented with medallions.
Wednesday, 14th April 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 6): 
Monday, 19th April 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 2):NORTH'S FIRST PIPE BAND FESTIVAL - Northern Tasmania's first pipe band festival attracted more than 3,000 people to York Park, Launceston, yesterday. Gate takings of nearly £300 will be distributed among the five bands which took part. The festival was opened by the Mayor (Mr. Pitt), and sesquicentenary medallions were presented to bandmasters by Mr. Kekwick, M.H.R. A display of slow and counter marching by the Hawthorn City Pipe Band was one of the most impressive items on the programme. Eleven-year-old John McIver, a member of the Hawthorn band, who has won many junior solo piping competitions in Victoria, played "The Highland Wedding." The Salvation Army Launceston Citadel Band presented a devotional selection before the official opening. The "youngest" band to take part was the Derwent Scottish Pipe Band, which was formed in 1952. The oldest was the St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band formed more than 20 years ago. The Hobart Highland Band gave a counter and figure marching display. An impressive finale to the programme was the massed bands' marching across the ground playing "The Earl of Mansfield" march. The Tasmanian Bands League, which staged yesterday's festival, plans to present an outdoor brass band concert in Hobart late this year.
Monday, 19th April 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 2):PIPE BAND FESTIVAL AT LAUNCESTON - Launceston. - The skirl of 120 bagpipes attracted more than 3000 people to York Park yesterday for the first pipe band festival to be held in Tasmania. The flashing feet of highland dancers, twirling maces of drum majors, and the drummers' swinging sticks delighted the crowd. Five pipe bands and a brass band took part in the festival, which was arranged by the Tasmanian Bands League. The bands demonstrated counter marching, figure marching and slow marching, and concluded with a mass item, "Earl of Mansfield's March." A very small boy brought his big set of bagpipes a long way to play at the festival. He was 11-year-old John McIver, winner of several junior competitions in Victoria. John is a regular member of the Hawthorn City Pipe Band (Victoria), which gave an excellent display of counter marching. Other bands which took part were the Hobart Highland Pipe Band, Derwent Scottish Pipe Band, Burnie Pipe Band and St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band (Launceston). The Launceston Salvation Army Citadel Band played a hymn before the opening. The festival was opened by the Mayor (Alderman Pitt), who welcomed the visiting pipers. Mr. Kekwick, M.H.R., presented sesquicentenary medals, to the drum majors of Hawthorn, Burnie and Launceston bands. The president of the league, Mr. P. [sic] Hodgkinson, said the festival was the first to be held In Tasmania and he hoped it was the forerunner of many more. The bands marched to York Park before the festival and returned through city streets afterwards. Last night the pipe bands gave a concert in City Park.
Wednesday, 21st July 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 16):STATE GRANT FOR BANDS LIKELY - Tasmanian brass and pipe bands are likely to be compensated for the expenses they were put to in connection with the Royal tour earlier this year. Last night in Launceston, the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) told a deputation from the Tasmanian Bands League that he would ask Cabinet to give sympathetic consideration to the proposition. The league had pointed out that the 22 brass and pipe bands in the State were put to fairly heavy expenses for uniforms, new instruments, and travelling. They had not received any payment from the Royal Tour Committee, and the overall figure would amount to about £500. The league also asked if the Government would consider making it an annual grant. Bands played a valuable role in the musical life of the community, and they were training grounds for many musicians. Mr. Cosgrove said the work of the bands had contributed materially to the success of the Royal tour, and he would be sympathetic to the Government meeting the out-of-pocket expenses they sustained. In addition, when the Estimates for 1954-55 were being drawn up next month, he would ask Cabinet to include an item for bands to encourage them in their work. The Treasurer (Mr. Madden) was present at the deputation, which was introduced by Mr. Barnard, M.H.A.
Wednesday, 21st July 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 6):PAYROLL TAX REVIEW - Launceston - Tasmanian brass and pipe bands may be compensated for the expense they incurred in connection with the Royal tour. The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) told a deputation from the Tasmanian Bands' League in Launceston last evening that he would ask Cabinet to give sympathetic consideration to the proposition.
Wednesday, 4th August 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 12):STATE AID FOR BANDS IN TASMANIA - Authority is to be sought by the Government for a parliamentary vote of £1,000 a year for three years for the Tasmanian Band Association. [sic]. This was stated yesterday by the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove), who said that a deputation from the association had waited on the Treasurer (Mr. Madden) and himself recently and had asked that a subsidy be granted that would be shared by 21 brass and pipe bands. Mr. Cosgrove said the Government recognised the valuable services which the bands were giving to the State, particularly in community efforts. They had also rendered valuable services during the visit of the Queen to Tasmania. It was for this reason that Cabinet had decided to ask Parliament to grant a subsidy.
Wednesday, 4th August 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 3):GRANT SOUGHT FOR BANDS - Hobart. - Parliament will be asked to approve a vote of £1000 a year for the next three years to assist Tasmanian bands. The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) said yesterday the Government would take this action because of a request by a deputation from the Tasmanian Bands League which waited on him and the Treasurer (Mr. Madden) in Launceston recently. The deputation asked for a subsidy to be distributed among Tasmania's 21 brass and pipe bands. Mr. Cosgrove said the Government recognised the valuable public service given by the bands. It particularly appreciated their efforts during the Royal visit.
Friday, 27th August 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 19):BAND FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER - Plans for a band festival in Hobart on November 28 will be discussed when representatives of the Tasmanian Bands League from Launceston and Hobart meet in Hobart on Sunday. Representing the North will be the president of the T.B.L. (Mr. F. Hodgkinson), the secretary (Mr. W.S. Brown), and the treasurer (Mr. J. Stanbrough), and the pipe major of the St. Andrews' Caledonian Pipe Band (Mr. R. McKenzie). New South Wales' top band - The Sydney Police Pipe Band - has been invited to make the trip to Tasmania for the festival.
Tuesday, 31st August 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 17):BAND FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN HOBART - A brass and pipe band festival will be held in Hobart in November, a meeting of official members of Hobart brass and pipe bands on Sunday decided. The chair was occupied by the Tasmanian Bands' League president (Mr. F. Hodgkinson). Other representatives of the league were the secretary (Mr. W.S. Brown), the treasurer (Mr. J. Stanbrough), and the pipe major of St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band (Mr. R. McKenzie). The president explained that the league had recently conducted a successful pipe band festival at Launceston. Primary objects of the festivals were to improve the musical standard of all Tasmanian bands, to encourage and stimulate the interest of all bandsmen and to render better public and community service by all musical organisations in the State. There were 22 bands in Tasmania, some of which were of but recent formation. Festivals would be of great educational value to them. It was decided to form a committee lo consist of two members of each of the five Hobart bands. Mr. J.R. Tiege was appointed chairman of the committee. An invitation will be sent to the New South Wales Police Pipe Band to take part in the festival.
Monday, 25th October 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 28):BANDS FESTIVAL FOR HOBART - Ten brass and pipe bands will be at the North Hobart oval on November 28 for the annual Tasmanian bands festival. The festival has been arranged by the Tasmanian Bands League. Also on the programme will be a number of Highland dancing displays. The bands will assemble at the North Hobart Post Office and march to the oval.
Monday, 15th November 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 18):PLANS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR BRASS BANDS - Endeavours were being made to arrange a brass bands' championship for early next year, the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. W.S. Brown) said on Saturday night. Mr. Brown; who was speaking at the league's annual meeting in Hobart, said an application had been made to the Australian Bands' Council for a date for the competition. He said a number of Mainland bands were expected to compete. A likely date would be early in February. The meeting also discussed details of the brass and pipe bands' carnival to be held on the North Hobart oval on November 28. Ten bands may take part. Before the carnival, which will be opened by the Chief Justice (Sir John Morris), the bands will march from North Hobart post office, via Federal Street, to the oval. In his annual report, Mr. Brown said that there were 21 active bands in Tasmania. Officers elected: Patron, Sir Ronald Cross; president, Mr. F.E. Hodgkinson; vice-presidents, Messrs. M.J. [sic] Lynch (South), R. Beahr (North), T. Hicks (North-West), J. Sounders [sic] (West); secretary, Mr. W.S. Brown; treasurer, Mr. J. Stanbrough; auditor, Mr. N. Dawkins; trustees, Messrs. E. Carney and A. Seymour; medical [sic] advisory board, Messrs. C.J.E. Edwards (Launceston City Band), L. O'Donnell (Launceston Boys' Band), J. Holland (Hobart City Band); drill advisory board, Mr. J. Stanbrough.
Tuesday, 16th November 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 12):BAND FESTIVAL - Hobart. - Bands from the North, the North-West and West Coasts will combine in a massed pipe and brass festival in Hobart on November 28. This was announced by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands' League (Mr. W.S. Brown) at the annual meeting in Hobart on Saturday night. Mr. Brown said the league had found festivals were not only instructive and educational to all bands taking part, but were also useful in stimulating public interest. Mr. Brown said Tasmania was "more or less committed" to conducting a band contest next year. Full information would be circulated later. The Brooks Community School was contemplating the formation of a band composed of woodwind, reed and brass. The school had competent teachers on its staff, and it was hoped donations of instruments would be made to the proposed new band, Mr. Brown said. With the amalgamation of the two brass bands at Burnie, there were now 21 operative bands in the State.
Saturday, 20th November 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 32): 
Wednesday, 24th November 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 15):10 BANDS FOR FESTIVAL - Ten bands will take part in Hobart's first full-scale festival at the North Hobart oval next Sunday afternoon. The bands, including three pipe bands, will be the State's leading combinations. Tasmania's oldest band, the 86-year-old [sic] Latrobe Federal Band, will also take part. Among the most spectacular items on the programme will be the displays of route, slow, precision, and counter-marching. Massed Highland dancing and displays by competition winners at various dancing festivals will also be featured. Because of the cost of staging the festival, the Tasmanian Bands League is appealing to the public for donations. Donations may be sent to Mr. M.J. Traynor, 21 Princes Street, Hobart, Mr. W.S. Brown, T.B.L secretary, Imperial Hotel, Hobart, or left at Broadby Bros., 145 Liverpool Street, Hobart. A league spokesman said yesterday that festivals raised the musical standard and stimulated greater public interest in bands.
Monday, 29th November 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 11):VALUE IN MASSED BANDS FESTIVAL - Hobart. - "Festivals of this character are of great value in raising standards and giving experience," the Chief Justice (Sir John Morris) said when opening the massed bands festival conducted at the North Hobart Oval yesterday by the Tasmanian Bands League. Sir John said all work done for the 21 bands in the League was voluntary, and the organisation was worthy of more public support. Yesterday's festival, which was non-competitive, drew six brass bands and three pipe bands from all parts of the State. Those participating were: Derwent Scottish Pipe Band, Rosebery Silver Band, Railway Silver Band, Invermay Silver Band, R.S.M. and Hobart City Bands, Latrobe Federal Band, Hobart Highland Pipe Band and St. Andrew's Caledonian Pipe Band. This was the first festival of its kind to be held in Hobart, and was designed to stimulate public interest and improve standards of playing.
Thursday, 9th December 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 4):LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: MUTUAL ESTEEM - The Tasmanian Bands League and the committee which organised the festival at Hobart recently are to be congratulated on the very fine spectacle presented. All participating bands gave of their very best both in music and marching. For Mr. Lovett's information, the Launceston City Band was not able to attend, and the marching display he refers to was given by the Launceston Railway Silver Band. On behalf of that band we extend congratulations to the other bands for their very fine appearance and for their most interesting contributions to the programme. We look forward to the next festival when we will again meet our many friends in other bands. Launceston. M. Gurr.
Thursday, 9th December 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 27):LOSS ON BANDS FESTIVAL - The recent bands festival in Hobart cost more than £600 to stage, yet receipts were less than £310, the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. W.S. Brown) has announced. Mr. Brown expressed disappointment at the comparative lack of interest by the public in such a festival, remarking that bands' organisations and bandsmen individually had made considerable personal and financial sacrifices to ensure that their bands were represented. "With these facts in mind," said Mr. Brown, "the league appeals to the public to be more generous and support the bands."
Friday, 10th December 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 7):BANDS FESTIVAL MADE MONEY - The Tasmanian Bands League did not lose money over the recent festival, the secretary of the organising committee (Mr. M.J. Traynor) said yesterday. Mr. Traynor, who was replying to a statement by the secretary of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. W.S. Brown), said that the total receipts from the festival were £313/18/4. The cost of running it was about £200, leaving a credit of about £114. He said the bands from Launceston, Latrobe, and Rosebery paid their own expenses, with the provision that any profits would be used to assist those bands in defraying expenses incurred. "The £600 mentioned by Mr. Brown appears to include the travelling and accommodation expenses of these bands, an amount never considered to be included," he said. Mr. Traynor said that individual bands always bore the cost of trips. "It is our hope that the time will come when full reimbursement can be made for these efforts." he added.
Friday, 17th December 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 10):BAND FESTIVAL - The president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. Fred Hodgkinson), who now lives at Ulverstone after moving from Launceston, intends to organise a band festival on the Coast next year. He will meet officials of North-West Coast brass bands at Penguin next Tuesday evening to discuss preliminary arrangements for a massed bands festival to be held on the Coast about Easter time. The plans are already in hand for bands to attend from Hobart, Launceston and the West Coast. A similar function to that so successfully staged in Launceston and Hobart is the target set for the Coast's effort.
Wednesday, 22nd December 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 2):N.W. BANDS PLAN BURNIE FESTIVAL - A combined brass and pipe bands festival is to be held in Burnie on Sunday, February 27. This was agreed at a Penguin meeting last night which was attended by representatives of North-West Coast brass bands. The festival will be known as the Burnie Band Festival. Mr. Fred Hodgkinson, president of the T.B.L., was in the chair. Other representatives were Messrs. T. Hicks and L. Coventry (Latrobe), R. Andrews (Devonport), R. Clair (Ulverstone), P. Hales and S.G. Fielding (Penguin), M. Turner and R. Reid (Burnie Citizens' Band), R. Kibbie and D. Bartley (Burnie Pipe Band). Mr. R. Reid was elected secretary of the festival organisation, and the working committee will be selected from Burnie, with the president secretary and treasurer of the T.B.L. ex-officio members. The festival would be run on the lines of similar functions which have been staged so successfully in Hobart and Launceston. Mr. Hodgkinson said the T.B.L. was desirous of staging two, if not three, of these festivals each year, one in the South, one in the North and one in the North west, and it was necessary to form an organising committee in each of these centres. When this was accomplished, it would enable the T.B.L. to concentrate on band contests, to which end it was working. It was considered that when a band was good enough to enter a festival, it was half-way to being good enough to enter a contest. The policy of the T.B.L. adopted was to make each festival a paying venture, not only to pay expenses but to reimburse all concerned.
Monday, 27th December 1954 ("The Mercury", Page 13):BAND FESTIVAL AT BURNIE - At a meeting convened by the president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. F. Hodgkinson) at Penguin, it was decided to conduct a Pipe and Brass Band Festival at Burnie on February 27.
Thursday, 30th December 1954 ("The Advocate", Page 8):DONATION - Recently the C.W.A. branch made a donation of £5 to the [Penguin] Municipal Band, in appreciation of its assistance at a branch function. This donation was greatly appreciated, as money is still needed for new instruments. At a recent meeting of delegates, from Coastal bands, the president of the Tasmanian Bands League (Mr. T. [sic] Hodgkinson) congratulated Penguin on its playing, and said that, in his opinion, the band compared favourably with any in the North-west.
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