No Music Played at the Funeral – grave tales

Death Mutes Cornet of Hughie McMahon

NO MUSIC PLAYED AT THE FUNERAL

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. Hughie McMahon,.

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

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. . . . . ” .

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

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 honor.

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. 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 ls known and his prowess talked of wherever bandsmen gather.

Western Argus 8th Dec 1903

MEMBERS OF THE BOULDER CITY BAND, WHO COMPETED AT BALLARAT. Back Row (from left to right). A. McMahon (band-sergeant). A. Harvey, J. Williams, J. Shepherd. W. McMahon, Harry McMahon (assistant bandmaster). B. Nicholas. Second Row. T. Meagher (in plain clothes). J. Whitburn, J. Butler, G. Sutton, C. Johnson, R. Preece. A. D. Nankervis, F. Butler. D. Loutit. T. Price, D. Preece. H. Craig (drum-major).  Front Row.-E McMahon. W. Sampson, P. Tatti. J. Harris. C.Waldie, Hugh McMahon (conductor). G. Harrop. C. Tremberth. F. Whitton. J. McMahon. W. Kessell.

Hugh McMahon

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’« greatest cornetists, but a king and generous soul. The lips that created so many sweet notes were never used in bitterness against his fellow men.

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