TBL Archives - Newspaper Extracts (1946-1954)
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, 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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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, 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): 
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, 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].
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.
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.
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.
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 hands. 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].
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, 19th March 1949 ("The Examiner", Page 2):PERSONAL - The Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) will meet the Tasmanian Bands League in Launceston this afternoon. He will later travel to Devonport, where he will meet the Hospital Committee. In the evening, the Premier will attend the annual meeting of the Penguin A.L.P. branch. He will return to Hobart tomorrow.
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.
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): 
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.
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."
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.
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, 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.]
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.
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.
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/-.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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)].
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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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]).
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).
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.
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.
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, 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 (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.
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 (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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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. Lynch (South), R. Beahr (North), T. Hicks (North-West), J. Sounders (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.
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.
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.
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.
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