Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Mr [Samuel?] Buckett in bandsman's uniform and with trumpet

Mr [Samuel?] Buckett in bandsman's uniform and with trumpet

1870-1875
Glass photonegative

Cornish miner Samuel Bucket arrived in Hill End in 1872. It was said that Holtermann used to employ miners with brass band experience. According to Frank Shellard, who was a miner in Hill End and no friend of Holtermann:

… anyone who could play a musical brass instrument was sure to get a job. He soon had the making of a fine brass band. As he provided the uniforms and instruments, it was called Holterman's Band, and used to play at his house and about the town.

From the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 31 December 1889

During the past week all mining work has been at a standstill, all hands seemingly intent on enjoying the full benefit of the holidays. The annual Boxing Day picnic in aid of the local hospital funds, was held on the Recreation Ground, and was well patronized, the HillEndBrassBand headed the procession of Friendly Societies, with banners from the town to the grounds. The net proceeds will, I hear, raise the funds by close on £30. Racing, quoits, cricket, ball throwing and other games were the order.... New Year's day is to be devoted to horse racing, a committee having been formed, offer nearly £50 worth of prizes to be contested on that day, and I hear the Maiden Plate and Publican's Handicap have closed with five entries for each. This day's races will be the first held here for the past fourteen years, and if the weather is fine this revival of racing will be well patronized and a success. [Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, 31 December 1889]