"Cardiff v. Newport"
"We welcome Newport as our guests today to what must be unusual surroundings for them as they see for the first time the soul of the Arms Park being torn from the bowels of the earth. Those with a yen for a touch of nostalgia will undoubtedly view the yawning gap of the site of the old North Stand with grave suspicion. However, although the many inconveniences and difficulties will be temporary, the advantages eventually will be permanent."
"One man who will certainly have cause to remember the Stand with feeling is Mr. John Williams, who is the conductor of St. Albans Military Band and has led the singing of many partisan crowds from the North Stand on numerous memorable occasions. This point is relevant today for the Band started playing in September 1919 and this match is being used to mark the beginning of their 50th Season. The original conductor was Mr. Tom Ryan who died in 1932 and his brother Mr. Ian Ryan replaced him until his retirement in 1949. Mr. John Williams then took over the baton and is now moving into his 20th season of conducting. The pride of place today will go to Mr. Bob Molcher, playing Bass, who in fact played in the Arms Park the first time the band marched on the field 50 years ago. He is the only bandsman of that time still playing."
"For the first 25 years the band played every Saturday of the Season for both the First team and the Athletic Side ; because of heavy commitments it was then agreed to play only at First Team games, and it was at that time also that they changed from playing in ordinary clothes to uniform. In 1954 the band was invited to play for the French game by the W.R.U. and has been invited many times since. It has had the honour of playing at most of the Barbarians matches against touring sides since 1948. When the All Blacks toured this country in 1953 the band was invited to play at the Barbarians final game, and it was suggested to Mr. Brice Jenkins, then Hon. Sec., that 'Now is the Hour' might be appropriate after the game. This was agreed upon, and it was suggested that 'Auld Lang Syne' be added. From this original idea, came what has now become a tradition, of which the band is justly very proud. Long may the Saints go marching on!"
"Besides the absence of the North Stand, a well known absentee from today's game is Masseur, Tom Holley, who will be missing from the Rugby scene for the next two months, as he has recently entered Rhydlafar Hospital for a cartilage operation. Grandfather Tom has recently come of age insofar as he was presented with a silver tankard at the Annual Rugby Dinner in May to commemorate 21 years of service at the touch-line. This record, together with his playing days which date back before the War, constitute a remarkable achievement, and we all join in wishing him a speedy recovery to full health."
"No comments are required regarding the rivalry between the two clubs for todays match, suffice to say that we all look forward to an exhilarating and entertaining game."
"Finally, the Cardiff Athletic Choral Society is looking for members and if any Club Members are interested in partaking in their activities, details can be obtained from the General Secretary's Office."
"B.M."