Port Nicholson Silver Band

Port Nicholson Silver Band of 1935 at the National War Memorial, Wellington. Crown Studios Ltd :Negatives and prints. Ref: 1/1-032023-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23095936

This brass band seems to have been in existence from 1914 until 1964 approximately, according to information online. At various times the band was called - Port Nicholson Silver Band, Port Nicholson Band, Wellington Waterside Workers Silver, Wellington Watersiders (NZ) and Wellington Watersiders (Port Nicholson). John Joseph Drew (1880/1 - 1969) was the conductor from 1920 - 26 and 1930 - 1940. This band was successful in some competitions.

Port Nicholson Band 1935. Brass bands of the Dominion meet in annual contests: successful competitions at the recent championship tests at Timaru, South Island. John Joseph Drew, conductor.

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19350306-42-01

John Joseph Drew was born in NSW, Australia and came to NZ with his young family during the years 1913 - 1915. He initially worked on the docks in Wellington until about 1925. His occupation was as a musician until his retirement. He died in Lower Hutt on the 20th July 1969.

From personal ephemera collection.