So far the country had only scratched at its resources. He reminded his audience of what took place during the war. Nearly 100,000 of the manhood of this country went away from New Zealand, but the people who remained did the right thing — they exercised their best energy and enterprise, and the exports from New Zealand were never so great as they were during the war period. It was a fortunate thing for New Zealand that the Imperial Government had taken the responsibility of sending ships for its produce, and there was no question that to-day this dominion was the most prosperous country in the Empire.
National brass band
Arrangements have now been completed for the forming of a New Zealand brass band to tour the world. The sanction of the South Island Brass Bands’ Association has been secured, and it is expected that the North Island Association will follow suit. The scheme originated amongst some of our most prominent Dunedin bandsmen, and at present it is proposed that the band will consist of 30 members, who will be selected during the forthcoming band contest in Dunedin. The band will leave on tour in about six months’ time, and will first of all tour the dominion, then Australia, and afterwards sail for either South America or South Africa. Their itinerary will also embrace the Old Country, which it is hoped, to reach in October next, in time for the concert season. The reputation of New Zealand already made in so many branches of art and sport should be further enhanced by the band’s tour.
German mine destroyed
A Wellington Press Association telegram states that the German mine which came ashore at the mouth of the Mokau River was destroyed at 6 a.m. on Thursday. Reports received by the Naval Adviser state that the horns and other vital parts were broken off, that the mine was almost buried in the sand, and that it had been in the position in which it was found for some considerable time. — ODT, 1.12.1919.
