Ipswich City Vice-Regal Band - An Enforced Holiday in Quarantine

On Friday 17th January 1919, 'prominent citizens and musical enthusiasts' assembled in the Ipswich City Vice-Regal Band's rehearsal room and expressed the general opinion that 'the band had attained an unprecedented degree of efficiency, and that within the course of the next fortnight the hopes of members and admirers would materialise in the City Band appropriating the Australian Championship, to be held the following week in Sydney.  (Queensland Times, Saturday 18 January 1919, p.7). 
 
Members of the band and 'a number of ladies ... participating in the trip', gathered at the Ipswich train station to catch the 7:55 train to Toowoomba on the morning of Monday 20th.  A crowd had gathered to offer good wishes, with three hearty cheers given as the train left the station.  The travellers spent the night in Toowoomba, giving an evening performance at the Empire Theater, before continuing their journey on the Sydney mail train the following morning.  (Queensland Times, Tuesday 21 January 1919, p.5).

The Ipswich Vice-Regal Band were triumphant, claiming first place with an 'excellent musical arrangement of "L'Etoile du Nord" of the Valkyrie', by Wagner.  It was said that 'as soon as their number was placed on the board, it was certain they could not be beaten', being awarded a total of 290 points out of 300.  In addition to the success of the band, member Alex Clark came first in the Euphonium Solo, Mr. Dean came first in the trombone solo, securing the possible number of points, and the band's two quartet groups placed second and third in their competition.  (Queensland Times, Tuesday 28 January 1919).

Ipswich rejoiced on learning of the band's win in Sydney with 'a general feeling of pride in the band's success, especially amongst local musical enthusiasts.'  Mayor Barker dispatched a telegram to the victors stating 'Vive la Ipswich.  Hearty congratulations your splendid wins.  Great hopes and best wishes for to-night.  Cheero.'  The band began to make their way back to Ipswich almost immediately, expecting to arrive home on Wednesday night, 29th January.  The Mayor, at that day's council meeting, called upon all present to join with him at the railway station to welcome them home.  (Queensland Times, Tuesday 28 January 1919, p.5; Queensland Times, Wednesday 29 January 1919, p.5).

That triumphant return was delayed, however.  The band were making their way back to Ipswich in the midst of the 1918-1919 Influenza Pandemic.  They had been granted permits to return to Queensland, but New South Wales were about to close their boarders.  A number of 'bandsmen' had tried to beat the closing of the boarder, but to no avail, making it only as far as Tenterfield.  They were soon joined by the remainder of the band, finding themselves 'spending an enforced holiday' in quarantine.

Accommodation was limited and 'some of the more unfortunate ... [were] domiciled in the horse-boxes on the show grounds.'  When the second contingent arrived at the camp, they were 'welcomed by Conductor Wade, and invited by that gentleman to share the horseboxes adjacent to the one in which he was accommodated.'  An uncomfortable bed could not, however, stop the music and the band performed that night at the showgrounds, and twice each day for the duration of their stay.  (Queensland Times, Thursday 30 January 1919, p,5; Queensland Times, Wednesday 19 February 1919, p.5; also see Queensland Times Monday 3 February 1919, p.5 and the poem "Ipswich City Band" by Malara).

Just as the city joined the Vice-Regal's in celebrating their win, the city also came together to offer support to the band during their time in the horse-boxes of Tenterfield.  Many prominent residents donated to a fund to support the band in quarantine and to help cover lost wages.  Support was also provided by the Ipswich Model Band, who performed a recital in Queen's Park, and Bossy Martoo, who opened the doors of his Olympia Theater for a benefit night.  (Queensland Times, Saturday 1 February 1919, p.7; Queensland Times, Saturday 8 February 1919, p.6; Queensland Times, Thursday 6 February 1919, p.4).
 
When the Vice-Regal Band finally made it back to Ipswich, they were greeted by 'a large assemblage of citizens and the Model Band accorded them a royal reception.  Subsequently an impromptu welcome was accorded them from the steps of the railway station.  The Mayor (Ald. F. Baker) spoke in glowing terms of the band's achievements.  Mr. Wade, in replying, thanked the mayor, citizens, and Model Band for their efforts to raise funds for the band's assistance while in quarantine.'

'With the relegation to the past of the trials and tribulations which were the lot of the inter-State travelers who were detained in Tenterfield ... the experiences undergone began to assume a humorous aspect.'  As reported in the Queensland Times, 'the temporary inhabitants of the camp were virtually on their honour to abide by the laws governing the quarantine camp, and the seven days' detention were free from any disorderly incidents.  The marooned northerners realised that by submitting to the quarantine regulations they were assisting in protecting their State from infestation, and they commendably bowed to the inevitable.'  (Queensland Times, Tuesday 18 February 1919, p.6).

The members and supporters of the Ipswich City Vice-Regal Band often spoke of their 'enforced holiday' at the Tenterfield showgrounds.  A sign, stating that no one was allowed to approach within a certain distance of the boundary, mysteriously disappeared from a fence that encircled the quarantine camp, and found its way to Ipswich, where it hung on the wall of the bandroom for many years.  (Maurine Lyon, 'The Regals: History of the Ipswich City Vice-Regal Band', 2011, p.51).