16th (Waikato) Regimental Band
**Article in Progress, April 2015**
The Hamilton Town Band became a military band in 1912, as an adjunct to the 16th (Waikato) Regiment Band. The regiment helped with funding and uniforms following the merger.
In 1914, the band acquired a set of silver instruments. In May that year they received their colours in a ceremony at Hautapu, a silken banner with "Ka whawhai tonu ake ake", the motto of the 16th (Waikato) Regiment. This is a quote from a speech by Rewi Maniapoto, who fought British forces at Orakau in the Waikato in 1864; when invited to surrender, he replied that he and his people would ‘fight for ever and ever’. In September, the band headed the funeral procession for the victims of the Huntly Mine Disaster. That year they also played at the Ngaruawahia Regatta.
By 1917, 23 band members had voluntarily enlisted. Said to have one of the finest sets of instruments in New Zealand.
Hamilton Municipal Band, which was formerly called the Frankton Town Band.
Members
- A. Salter - Bandmaster, 1912-1917
- H. Salmon - cornet, 1914
- A. Haybittle - tenor horn, E Flat Horn, 1914
- T.F. Owrens - tenor horn, E Flat Horn, 1914
- J. Taylor - euphonium, 1914
- J. Cook - F Flat Bass, 1914
- W. Allen - Flugel Horn, 1914
- A.E. Price - Drums, 1914
