On Saturday evening a concert and dance were held, and a crowded house greeted the visiting bandsmen. The band (under Mr Alex. F. Lithgow's conductorship) played several items through the main streets previous to the concert, and afterwards opened the concert with "Best of all," an instrumental and vocal selection which pleased those present. They also played "Clorinda," negro intermezzo, and, by special request, the celebrated "Merry Widow" waltz. Bandsman Johns created amusement with "If I had three wives," and gave as an encore, "The waltz must change to a march." Bandsman E. Saggers gave a recital of "The Amateur rider." Bandsman Bert. Heazlewood gained a recall for "Uncle Joe," and Bandsman Harold Boag gave an Irish recitation, that was pleasing. Mr Will. C. Stiebel contributed "Lasca," "The Spanish mother,'' "Excelsior," and "The groom's story" in a way that delighted his hearers, in addition to singing "Babylon." Each of the performer's items was encored, which was evidence of his popularity.
After the concert supper was handed round, and the floor was then cleared for dancing. Mr Collings acted as accompanist for the singers, and as pianist for the dances, and proved himself to be a talented player. For several of the dances he had assistance from Mr A. F. Lithgow and Mr A. Collings, on the violin. The dance was much enjoyed.
On Sunday morning the band and the Lilydale detachment, under Captain Bladon, attended church parade, and the muster of men was excellent. On account of the number attending, Mr Bardenhagen gave the use of the hall, in which to hold the service. The Rev. Ashcroft conducted the services, and, as at Bangor, gave a splendid address. The hymns were played by the band, and the "Te Deum" and responses by the church organist. Before and after the service the band marched the men through the main streets.
In the afternoon the band gave a concert on the cricket ground, there being a large attendance. They played as follows: March, "Leonidas," selection, "Gospel trumpets;'' morceau, "Les cloches de St. Etienne;" selection, "Songs of America;" air varie, ''Lead, Kindly Light;" selection, "Operatic Melodies;" march, "Urania;" intermezzo, "Poppies;" selection, "Best of all;" march, "Tasma;" and, by request the band played "Starlight" and "Cavalier," marches.
After tea which, as with all meals, had been provided by Mrs Isaac Arnold, the band prepared to return home. Bandmaster Lithgow thanked Sergeant Orr, the members of the Lilydale detachment, and the people of Lilydale, for their splendid reception to his band, and trusted that they would all again have the pleasure of visiting Lilydale. To Sergeant Orr he specially referred, for giving them the opportunity, and also to Captain Bladon and Serjeant-Major O'Connor.
Sergeant Orr said he only expressed the feelings of everyone present, in saying Mr Lithgow and his band had afforded them a real treat, and he hoped the visit would be repeated in the future. The band started for Launceston at .6 p m , and arrived in the city at 9.10.MILITARY BAND (1909, March 23). Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 - 1928), p. 7. Retrieved February 24, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151941168