No Music Played for the Emperor of the Cornet –

The Silence at the Funeral of one of Australia’s Greatest Bandsmen.

Sunday Times 12th Nov 1943

Although a band was present, no music was played at the funeral at Karrakatta Cemetery yesterday of beloved musician Mr Hugh Gregory McMahon. Scores of friends attended the funeral in the Roman Catholic portion of the cemetery. They were deeply moved as the remains of the famous bandsman were laid to rest in silence.

And now the “Emperor of the Cornet” has laid aside for ever the instrument which made him famous.

Pallbearers were Messrs. G. Gerhard (representing the Boulder City Band), K. Williams (representing the Kalgoorlie Band); C. L. Vickery (Musicians Union), J. J. Hallam, J. Chennery and M. McAullffe.

Presented to Hugh McMahon 10th April 1906 – Image TROVE

The Rev. McArdell conducted the service. Bandsmen formed up in marching formation and preceded the hearse to the grave, where they stood as a guard of honour. The late Mr McMahon was famous as a cornetist and band leader. He founded the Boulder City Band and was at other times band master of the Perth City Band, Wirths Circus, McMahon’s Concert, Subiaco Y.A.L. and Trades Hall bands.

While his death notices stated that he was born in Tamworth. Hughie McMahon himself always said he was born at Araluen (N.S.W.), where his parents went to take part in the gold rush. His name is known and his prowess talked of wherever bandsmen gather.

Boulder City Brass Band – Image by Rembrant Studios – Source SLWA – First Row – P. Glass, B. Goltz. J. Harris (Secretary), Balfour Scott, Esq. (President), Hugh McMahon (Bandmaster), J. Pareras, Esq. (Vice-President), C. Thomas, W. Scott (Auditor), W. Tremberth (Band Sergeant). Second Row – J. McMahon (Auditor), P. Raymond, D. Loutit, R. Halliday, A. Johns, E. McMahon, H. Whitmer, H. Woods, S. Roberts, R. Nylander. Third Row – L. Godenzi, A. Harvey, F. Buttler, E. Godenzi (Treasurer), E. McMahon, J. Jackman, H. Trenberth, T. Jacobs.

Visitors to the Eastern States often said that the first question a bandsman asked when they knew the traveller came from W.A. was “How is Hughie McMahon?” His years as head of Wirths’ Circus band are remembered with delight by those who recall the circuses of the old days before canned music took the place of the band, the strains of which used to accompany the prancing of the horses in the circus ring.

Hughie McMahon was not only one of Australia’s greatest cornetists, but a kind and generous soul. The lips that created so many sweet notes were never used in bitterness against his fellow men.