Bandsmen and women are always prone to querying the probity of adjudicators, but as can be seen from this south Wales newspaper report from 1908, they have sometimes found themselves in some awkward predicaments even before they have stepped foot into the tent...

Contest sensation

This report comes from the Weekly Mail of 11th July 1908 under the heading: 'Aberdare Band Contest Sensation' and reports on a meeting with a stranger that befell the adjudicator for the event as he stepped off the train in Cardiff...

"A unique experience befell Mr. Brier, the adjudicator in the band contest at Aberdare, on his first visit to South Wales.

On his arrival at the Great Western Railway Station, Cardiff, he inquired of a stranger the way to the Taff Vale Railway Station in Queen Street. The person responded to the inquiry with alacrity, and he and Mr. Brier directed their steps towards the latter's destination.

They had not walked many yards when the unknown remarked: "I've come to see you on behalf of a certain band, who will..."

Mr. Brier (interrupting): "Who will what?"

The Stranger: "Give you £5 (and the five golden sovereigns were made to tinkle in the palm of the individual's hand) if you will award the cup to them."

Mr. Brier: "I don't think it is worth my while, my good man."

The Stranger (persistently): "Well, what about ten?"

Mr. Brier: "No; put the money back in your pocket. I should not like anybody to allow himself to be bribed if I were a competitor, and I don't want to be one to do such a dishonourable thing."

The Stranger: "No one but ourselves need know anything about it. I have got a sole copy, as our band is going to play the piece. All I have to do is to give you the copy and the money in exchange for the cup."

Mr. Brier: "But what band is it?"

The Stranger: "Promise me the cup first, and I'll tell you the name of the band. I may say, Mr. Brier, that you would get any number of engagements in South Wales if you would accept, but if you don't, you won't come here again as an adjudicator."

At this threat Mr. Brier apparently lost his temper, for he peremptorily told the individual that his unwillingness to "clear off" would cost him a sound hiding.

And the frustrated briber took the hint, as he made a prompt exit from the Queen Street Railway Station.

The unknown stranger was clean-shaven, about 5ft. 4in. in height, and wore a navy-blue serge suit.

The foregoing story was related by Mr. Brier to one of our representatives, who sought his views on the standard of band- playing in South Wales.

The all-important question is: What band did the stranger represent?

At this threat Mr. Brier apparently lost his temper, for he peremptorily told the individual that his unwillingness to "clear off" would cost him a sound hidingWeekly Mail newspaper, 1908

The contest itself...

Although there is no further report to state that the person was eventually identified, the report from the contest did give the eventual result.

The first prize in the Class A competition was £15 and £10 in Class B and C.

Class A:
1. Aberdare Town Band
2. Cwmparc
3. Ferndale
4. Cory's Workmen

Class B:
1. Dinas
2. Gilfach Goch

Class C:
1. Lewis Merthyr
2. Rhymney
3. Cwmamaman
4. Deri