This is a chronological history of the Iona Brass Band, taken from reports in the newspapers, mainly the Bunyip and Garfield Express, which is not on-line. The Band was established in 1908. Denise Nest in her book, Call of the Bunyip (1), has this information about the band - that it was formed on the initiative of Mr Tom Baillie, Snr; some of the other members were Bill Legg, Percy Bennett, Bill Browne, Sandy Robinson, Wally Dawes and Tom Sommerville, Harold 'Bumper' Gee, Tim Sheehan and Wally Curtain. There are other names mentioned in the articles and a list of everyone associated with the band is at the end of this post.
It appears that the Iona Brass Band fell into abeyance in 1911/1912, as I can find no mention of them in any newspaper. They reformed at the end of 1913, but, as Mrs Nest notes, it seems the group disbanded in 1916, when about half the members joined the services during the First World War. (2) As we will see, towards the end of 1915, this lack of musicians impacted other local Bands as well as Iona.
Iona Brass band, 1916
Image: Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 by Denise Nest
(Bunyip History Committee, 1990), p. 62
1908
November 26, 1908 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p.2.A public meeting will be held in the Columba Hall on Wednesday night next, for the purpose of deciding what steps will be taken towards the establishment of a Brass band. Residents of Iona have promised strong support, and it is hoped the surrounding towns will do likewise.
December 10, 1908 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Iona - A preliminary meeting in connection with the establishment of a district Brass Band was held in the Columba Hall on Wednesday night last. There was fine attendance and much enthusiasm. Mr J. Donald occupied the chair, and in opening said the Rev. Father Byrne has guaranteed the sum of £25, and he thought the district and surrounding towns would accord the movement a strong support. Mr T. Baillie volunteered to undertake the tutorship and should prove a capable instructor. It was decided to open a district subscription list. Another meeting will be held on Monday at the same hall, and will probably be followed by a meeting at Bunyip on a later date.
The Iona Brass Band held a meeting at the Columba Hall on Wednesday night, where there was a good attendance. The instruments are to hand and the band will make its first public appearance on New Years Eve with collection boxes.
1909
January 7, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Iona and District Brass Band mustered for practice at the Columba Hall on Wednesday night. The members number 29 in all, and as the majority have had past experience it is expected that the band will make rapid progress. In fact it is mooted that they intend to appear in public at the annual sports gathering on March 17th.
January 13, 1909 South Bourke & Mornington Journal (see here)
The Iona Brass Band is making satisfactory progress towards efficiency, the result of assiduous practice on Tuesdays and Fridays, and it will not now be long before the Band will parade in all its glory.
May 7, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Members of the Iona and District Brass Band have found a strong supporter in Mr Rocksborough [sic - Roxburgh]. That gentleman has donated £5 for the purchase of a drum; an example which will shortly be followed by a number of other residents of Iona. Mr Rocksborough (3) also entertained the members of the band at his residence one evening of this weekend and has given them to understand that it is the fore-runner of many others.
Mr T. Baillie, sectary of the Iona and District Brass Band, is in receipt of a communication from Mr Roxburgh, disclaiming the sole credit of the £5 donation to the Band for the purchase of bass and side drums. In this letter Mr Roxburgh states that the £5 forwarded was the joint contributions of Mr W.S. Keast (our district member), the Hon. Wm Pitt, M.P., and himself.
A dance in aid of the funds of the District Brass Band took place at Columba Hall on Friday night last. Despite the adverse weather conditions there was a good attendance, and a very enjoyable evening was spent.... There was some discussion amongst members of the band on the advisability of holding weekly or fortnightly quadrilles in aid of the funds, and it was decided to hold them fortnightly, the first to be held on Saturday, May 29th.
May 28, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Iona and district Brass band made their first public appearance at the Empire celebrations in connection with the local State School and acquitted themselves creditably. Although this band is scarcely three months old they are well advanced, and their rapid progress speaks well for their earnestness. We hope our townspeople will interest themselves in the establishment of the band and assist the lads, who thus far have had a very hard fight.
June 4, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The fortnightly quadrille in connection with the funds of the Iona and District Brass Band took place on Saturday night at the Iona Hall. There was a good attendance and the floor was in capital order and the arrangements were well carried out. Mr T. Baillie supplied the music and the band rendered several selections during the proceedings. Altogether the evening was a very enjoyable one.
June 4, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The fortnightly quadrille in connection with the funds of the Iona and District Brass Band took place on Saturday night at the Iona Hall. There was a good attendance and the floor was in capital order and the arrangements were well carried out. Mr T. Baillie supplied the music and the band rendered several selections during the proceedings. Altogether the evening was a very enjoyable one.
June 18, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Iona State School shelter shed now in the course of erection will be opened on Friday July 2nd, when an excellent programme has been arranged for. The proceedings will take the form of a basket picnic and the services of the Iona Brass Band have been engaged.
July 9, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
July 9, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Shelter shed was opened on Arbor Day, with 200 children and 300 adults in attendance and the event was enlivened with selections from the Iona Brass Band, under Mr T. Baillie during the afternoon.
October 29, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
November 12, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
October 29, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Iona Brass Band will give an open air performance in Bunyip on Saturday evening, November 6th and it is hoped that it will be well patronised. The band is now capable of a good programme, and should give a good account of themselves; also they are deserving of every encouragement for their perseverance and energy in their struggles to establish themselves.
The Iona Brass Band gave an open air performance in the Main street on Saturday night last and attracted a large crowd who thoroughly enjoyed the music. The Band has improved out of recognition since we last had the pleasure of hearing it, and with a little more encouragement from the town and district would soon become a splendid acquisition to both. However, now the ice is once broken, we hope to see more of the band in public.
November 19, 1909 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Band made its appearance at Garfield in an open air performance on Saturday night last, which proved a very financial success, and was greatly appreciated by a large audience. A very handsome donation was awarded by Mr O'Donohue for which the members of the Band wish to thank him and hope many more will follow his example. The Band is to play in front of Mr Kavanagh's store, Iona on Saturday night next.
1910
February 8, 1910 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The first annual ball of the Iona Brass Band is scheduled to take place on the 18th inst., at the Columba Hall, and promises to be something out of the ordinary. The committee have arranged a series of waltzing competitions which are to be supplemented by jigs and reels and prizes will be donated to the winners in each class. No expense is being spared to make the function a success, and it should be well patronised for this reason, apart from the fact that it is in aid of a deserving object. A band is a splendid acquisition to any district, and Iona with its surroundings towns should turn out en-masse with two objects in view, viz, to enjoy a good night's entertainment, and place the band on a sound financial footing. Tickets may now be obtained at 3/ from the Secretary, Mr O. Kavanagh.
February 22, 1910 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
A very successful ball was held in the Columba Hall in aid of the Iona Brass Band, on Friday night, when fully 40 couples took the floor to the excellent music provided by Messrs McNamara and H. Gee. During the evening the band played several waltzes which were much enjoyed by the dancers. About midnight a tempting supper was provided and the arrangements were altogether to the satisfaction of those present. Mr D. Dansen, with the assistance of the other gentlemen officiated as M.C., in a satisfactory manner. It is understood that the band will net a handsome profit, which will be very acceptable.
April 6, 1910 - South Bourke and Mornington Journal, see here.
The Bunyip and District Caledonian Society held a function at Ronald McAllister's property on Pitt Road, Iona - Shortly before 8 o'clock the guests met at the Parish boundary bridge and fell in line; headed by the Iona Brass Band and pipers of Bunyip & District Caledonian Society, the procession marched to Mr. McAllister's residence....[where] the Iona Band played lively selections....Mr. T. Baillie took the opportunity of thanking the society on behalf of the Iona Brass Band for their donations towards the funds, he could assure them it had been very acceptable, and he hoped the band, by such aid, would shortly be in a strong financial position.
October 18, 1910 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Iona Brass Band Committee members, as elected at a public meeting were - Messrs Doherty, Fraser, D. Feild, junr., Wilson, Baillie, Maybury, junr., and Strafford.
1913
September 30, 1913 - The Age, see here.
At a meeting at Iona on Monday it was decided to reorganise the Iona Brass Band.December 16, 1913 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Played at the Church of England Flower Shower in Bunyip where they played selections throughout the evening, which lent gaiety to the proceedings.
1914
February 24, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Iona Brass Band is becoming quite proficient and the performance at the Columba Hall on Friday night of last week was a pleasant surprise to many of the audience. There is unanimity amongst the players which is pleasing to note and their practices are always well attended. There will be another appearance in Bunyip shortly by invitation, and the bandsmen should be well received.
March 3, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 6
Hospital Sunday at Bunyip - A pleasant Sunday was held at the Bunyip showground on the 1st last, in aid of the building fund of the Warragul Hospital infectious diseases ward which is to be built at a cost of £1500. The Iona Brass band kindly gave their services free and played sacred music during the afternoon under the able conductorship of Mr W. Legge.
Iona Dramatic Club production in aid of the Brass Band
Bunyip and Garfield Express, March 10, 1914 p. 2.
March 10, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Iona Dramatic Club, under the management of Mr J. Gleeson, will appear at the Bunyip Mechanics' hall in "Our Domestics" on Wednesday 25th inst. The proceeds will be handed to the Iona brass band.
March 17, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.
The fifteenth annual show of the Bunyip Agricultural Society was held on the local ground on Wednesday last and was one of the finest held to date under the auspices of that body. The day was very hot, but notwithstanding the unpleasant conditions a record crowd turned out, and all appeared to enjoy themselves. The Iona Brass band played spirited selections during the afternoon and thereby enlivened the proceedings considerably and their performance under bandmaster Legg established them in the favour of the public.
March 26, 1914 - Bunyip Free Press, see here.
The Iona Brass Band, which shows improvement as time goes on, played a number of selections in the main street at Bunyip last Saturday night. The new drum recently purchased by the band renders the music more acceptable, and the band now has an expert " drummer-boy" in Mr. W. Browne, our local blacksmith.April 30, 1914, Bunyip Free Press, see here.
The new building at the Iona State School was opened, with 500 people being present and the Iona Brass band played some lively tunes during the intervals.
Grand Ball in aid of the Iona Brass Band
Bunyip and Garfield Express, July 14, 1914, p.2
July 28, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.
The local Brass band will hold a grand ball on Friday next at Keast hall, Cora Lynn, in aid of the funds. The arrangements are well in hand and given a fine evening, the ball will be one of the finest held in the district. The music will be supplied by chosen players from the band, while refreshments will be provided.
September 22, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The local brass band are celebrating their first anniversary at Columba Hall on 30th inst., with a grand ball, and everyone should support this organisation. It is now 12 months since this band was reformed and it had made wonderful progress since then. The secretary has received a communication from Warragul engaging the services of the band, therefore it may be assumed that the band has already made an impression outside our own district.
The local brass band are celebrating their first anniversary at Columba Hall on 30th inst., with a grand ball, and everyone should support this organisation. It is now 12 months since this band was reformed and it had made wonderful progress since then. The secretary has received a communication from Warragul engaging the services of the band, therefore it may be assumed that the band has already made an impression outside our own district.
Iona Brass Band - first annual ball
Bunyip and Garfield Express, September 29, 1914, p.2
October 6, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.
A grand ball was held in the Columba Hall on Wednesday night last and was a great success, about 30 couples dancing to splendid music supplied by the Iona Brass Band of 20 performers. The music was pronounced by those present to be the best ever danced to. Mr E. Berry made a capable master of ceremonies. After the supper Mr C.J. Donald (president of the trustees of the band) on behalf of the members presented Bandmaster W. Legg with a silver mounted baton, suitably inscribed. In a very nice speech Mr Donald eulogised the many good qualities of the bandmaster, and said it was a pity the public would not take more interest in the band, and show their appreciation by responding more freely, and as the members are all working lads it was hard on them to have to supply the money to run the band as well as the time and trouble they took in learning to play. He pointed out what a splendid thing a band is in a district, and said for everything in the line of charity it was expected to play free; but when it came to taking up a collection on their own behalf people seemed to think because they were "going strong" that they could do it without money. He hoped that donations would come along more freely. The gathering, which was to celebrate the first anniversary of the band, was a creditable one. As they had £100 worth of instruments to pay for he trusted the people would give the band whole-hearted support. Mr Legg suitably responded and dancing was kept up till the early hours of the morning. The band desires to thank the following for donations :- J. Curtain £1,D. Fraser £1, J. Slattery 10/. The refreshments supplied by the ladies were of the choicest.
October 20, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 5.
The local brass band is securing a number of engagements about the district. Sport and other committee are recognising the necessity of securing its services, and it appears to have a full list of engagements through the holidays. The Longwarry Axeman's Carnival Committee has engaged the band to play on Boxing Day on the Recreation Reserve. [The Axeman's Carnival raised £50 for the Patriotic Fund (5)]
December 1, 1914 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Iona Brass Band. The band visited Garfield on Saturday night and gave a fine program of music which was much appreciated by the residents. Mr T.J. Cryan of the Iona Hotel treated the members to a splendid supper which was much enjoyed. He also thanked them heartily for their visit by donating
£1 1- towards the funds. The Secretary, Mr Gee, on behalf of the members, thanked Mr Cryan for his donation and hospitality and also wished to apologise to the rest of the townspeople for not playing in front if their premises as the police had instructed them not to encroach on the footpath and the torches which they were getting have not arrive yet so they could not play in the streets without lights.
1915
January 7, 1915 - Bunyip Free Press, see here.
From a report of the Yannathan Annual Picnic Sports Day - During the day the Iona Brass Band played a number of selections on the ground, and these were greatly appreciated by the public. Band master W. Legge wielded the baton which was presented to him some time ago by members of the band.March 9, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 3.
The Iona Brass Band visited Bunyip on Friday night last and played selections. The band is making great progress, and now may be said to be an established organisation and should be liberally supported throughout the district.
June 8, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Iona Brass Band will hold a dance and supper on Wednesday night, June 30, in the Bunyip Mechanics' hall. As the Band has recently purchased a 50 candle power gas lamp and new instruments this effort will help pay for the aforementioned articles and should be met with a good response. The music will be made up by the band, also the piano and violin.
Dance and Supper in aid of the Iona Brass Band
Bunyip and Garfield Express, June 8, 1915, p. 2
October 12, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 3.
A number of members of the Iona Brass Band recently journeyed to Dandenong to supplement the local band. Both organisations have lost a number of their best players owing to enlistment and this scheme was hit upon to fill the vacancies.
November 2, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
Iona and Drouin brass bands in conjunction will give a concert on Sunday next on the Longwarry recreation reserve. The ladies of the town are contemplating a collection for the Warragul Hospital.
[£3 was raised for the Hospital. (6)]
November 16, 1915 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 2.
The Iona Brass band will take part, in conjunction with the Drouin and Trafalgar bands, in the procession at Warragul on Saturday in connection with the Hospital carnival.
Some of the other events that Band played at in 1915 included - in April they played at a social in aid of the Belgium Relief fund at Iona and at the Pakenham Show; a Recruitment meeting at Iona in August under Bandmaster Legg and in September they played at the opening of E. Harcourt & Co, new store in Garfield and the Nar Nar Goon Picnic Races held on Boxing Day, under Bandmaster Lee. (7)
1916
January 12, 1916 - Bunyip and Garfield Express, p. 3.
Two of the Iona band boys enrolled at Warragul on Christmas day and left for Melbourne yesterday. This will leave a gap in the band which will be hard to fill.
January 14, 1916 - The Argus, January 14, 1916, see here.
Nine members of the Iona Brass Band are now at the front. Walter Davies and Charles Daw, also band members have enlisted.List of Iona Brass Band members.
This list is more than likely incomplete. The occupational information comes from the Electoral Roll on Ancestry.com.
Baillie, Tom - operated a blacksmith, wheelwright and carriage building business at Iona
Bennett, Percy - no other information
Browne, William - a blacksmith from Bunyip
Curtain, Wally - presumably William Curtain, a farmer from Iona
Davies, Walter - no other information
Daw, Charles - a labourer from Iona
Dawes, Wally - a carpenter from Iona
Doherty - there were a few families of Dohertys in Iona and Bunyip.
Donald, Charles Joseph - a farmer from Iona.
Feild, D junr - presumably Daniel Field, a farmer, from Iona.
Fraser - no other information
Gee, Harold 'Bumper' - a farmer from Iona
Bennett, Percy - no other information
Browne, William - a blacksmith from Bunyip
Curtain, Wally - presumably William Curtain, a farmer from Iona
Davies, Walter - no other information
Daw, Charles - a labourer from Iona
Dawes, Wally - a carpenter from Iona
Doherty - there were a few families of Dohertys in Iona and Bunyip.
Donald, Charles Joseph - a farmer from Iona.
Feild, D junr - presumably Daniel Field, a farmer, from Iona.
Fraser - no other information
Gee, Harold 'Bumper' - a farmer from Iona
Kavanagh, Owen - a farmer from Iona
Lee - listed as the Bandmaster in a 1915 report, may be a typo for Legg.
Legg, William - the Bandmaster and a farmer from Iona
Maybury, William junr - a farmer from Iona
Robinson, Sandy - no other information
Sheehan, Tim - surname Sheahan, a farmer from Iona.
Sommerville, Tom - no other information
Strafford, Thomas - a farmer from Iona.
Wilson - no other information
Lee - listed as the Bandmaster in a 1915 report, may be a typo for Legg.
Legg, William - the Bandmaster and a farmer from Iona
Maybury, William junr - a farmer from Iona
Robinson, Sandy - no other information
Sheehan, Tim - surname Sheahan, a farmer from Iona.
Sommerville, Tom - no other information
Strafford, Thomas - a farmer from Iona.
Wilson - no other information
Trove list - I have created a list of articles on the Iona Brass Band on Trove, access it here.
(1) Nest, Denise Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 (Bunyip History Committee, 1990)
(2) Nest, op. cit pp 62-64.
(3) Thomas Roxburgh - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2019/04/thomas-roxburgh-asparagus-pioneer.html
(4) Bunyip and Garfield Express, March 8, 1910, p. 2; Bunyip and Garfield Express , April 12, 1910, p. 2
(5) Bunyip and Garfield Express, January 5, 1915. p. 2.
(6) Bunyip and Garfield Express, November 9, 1915. p. 3.
