Albert Vivian Nylander was born in 1909, the son of Richard George and Ivy Nylander and brother of Ivan, Lily (Mrs. Langley) and Elmore.
His older brother, Ivan Nylander was tutored initially by his Swedish father and then by brass band specialist Hugh McMahon. Before joining the W.A. Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet and occasionally deputy conductor, Ivan had spent considerable time playing in and conducting brass bands winning a gold medal at the age of 16. Ivan’s brother Viv played second trumpet next to his brother.
Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003), p.30.
1929
INTERSTATE BAND CONTEST. FIRST BLOOD TO FREMANTLE.
Fremantleites generally should be proud of the fact that the honor of drawing first blood in the great inter-State band contest now in progress fell to that splendid young North Fremantle boy, Vivian Nylander.
In winning the amateur cornet solo last week he achieved probably the greatest success of his young career. Twenty-nine competitors entered for this event and although it is billed as the “amateur cornet “solo,” the term is misleading and somewhat of a mis-nomer. Among the competitors were bandmasters of some of the West Australian “A” grade bands and the cream of South Australian and Victorian cornetists. Viv is a scion of a well-known musical; family, his father, the late Dick Nylander, whose memory is beloved of all bandsmen, was one of the best amateur musicians in the State. Ivan, the oldest brother, has already established himself as a cornetist and successful bandmaster. The youngest brother, Elmor, is a young player of whom great things are predicted. Another pleasing feature of the competition was the securing of fourth place by W. Jose, another North Fremantle boy. All of these boys are members of the Fremantle Naval Band.
Fremantle Advocate (WA : 1926 – 1942), Thursday 3 October 1929, page 1
1931
The final of the foxtrot competition was witnessed by large gathering at the Caledonian Hall on Saturday night. The winners were Mr. J. Hogan and Miss Barron, Mr. T. and Miss I. Williams being second, and Mr. McCorry and Miss F. Turnbull third. The prizes were presented at the conclusion of the competition. The management wishes to publicly thank Miss Joan Stacy, Miss Jean Hicks and Mr. Brian Stacy, who judged the competition. Mr. Viv. Nylander‘s band has been engaged for the dances which will be conducted on Saturday and Wednesday nights.
Fremantle Advocate (WA : 1926 – 1942), Thursday 21 May 1931, page 5
1933
Writer had an Interesting chat on Tuesday with that snappy stepper Cliff Adam, a young fellow who should have a successful future ahead of him in the terpsichorean side of the vaudeville game. Cliff’s going over East with a band of 11, who leave Perth by train on Dec. 16. They have engagements with 6CL in Adelaide and 3LO in Melbourne, and are hopeful of securing theatrical engagements in Melbourne. Most of those making the trip are able to play more than one musical instrument, and there’s vocal and dancing talent in the team which should be of assistance in putting over an act in the nature of a stage band presentation. Cliff Adam does not intend to return when the others head back West, but will turn his attention to dancing in vaudeville, and judging by the exceptional promise he has revealed in the past at the Luxor he should acquit himself with distinction. It is not so long ago that he made a trip East, but met with bad luck when appendicitis upset his plans for dancing, and he came back West. Those who are going over with him next Saturday week— with Ron Moyle (well known in orchestral circles) as leader — are Wally Hadley, “Niddy” Roberts, Tom Bennett, George Caro, Alan Gough, Bobby Gibson, Charlie Thompson, Viv Nylander and Ken Fimmel.
New Call (Perth, WA : 1931 – 1934), Thursday 7 December 1933, page 21
RON MOYLE’S TOURING WESTRALIANS
The nine members of Ron Moyle’s “Westralians” — Ron Moyle, Niddy Roberts, Bob Gibson, Wally Hadley, Viv. Nylander, Geo. Caro, Allan Gough, Ken Fimmell, Chas. Thompson, Cliff Adam and Tom Bennett will be making their farewell appearance in this State on Friday next, December 15, when they will ap- pear at the Ambassadors and present a musical pot pourri of rhythm and novelty numbers. Perth, which is recognised for its capable musicians, will wish Ron and his boys a successful and happy trip.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 9 December 1933, page 15
LOCAL BAND HONOURED – Engagements in Eastern States.
For the first time in broadcasting history a West Australian band has been engaged through the Australian Broadcasting Commission to give performances over the air in the Eastern States. Ron Moyle and his ‘Westralians,’ a combination of local performers, will leave for Adelaide by the Great Western express on Saturday, night, and will be absent for about six weeks. The ‘Westralians’ will be heard over the air from 5CL, Adelaide, on December 21 and 22, and from South Australia they will go to Melbourne, where they will broadcast from 3LO- between January 6 and 27. It is possible that the band will also visit Sydney.
Ron Moyle himself is wellknown to listeners in Western Australia, having been connected with broadcasting in this State for many years.
His band, which is composed of the following players, was heard from 6WF during last dancing season: — Ron Moyle, A.C.T.L. (pianist); Bob Gibson, L.A.B. (alto saxophone, clarinet and violin) ; George Caro, A.T.C.L. (tenor saxophone, clarinet and violin); Allan Gough, A.T.C.L. (alto saxophone, clarinet and violin); Viv. Nylander (trumpet and trombone); Kem Fimmel (trumpet); Charles Thompson (trombone and trumpet); Wally Hadley (banjo, flute and guitar); Cliff Adam (guitar, tap dancer and vocalist); Niddy Roberts (drums and vocalist); and Tom Bennett (bass). The band will give a final concert at the Ambassadors Theatre on Friday night.
West Australian (Perth, WA), Wednesday 13 December 1933, page 5
1935
SOCIAL NOTES.
The annual shareholders meeting of the Cunderdin Cooperative Co. Ltd, took place in the Cunderdin Hall library on Monday night last. Improved trading was reported over the past year and the future business outlook of the Company appeared to be encouraging. Mr. A J Carter was chairman, and Messrs. J Pascoe and S A Lundy- were re-elected directors. The co-operative movement, which apparently creates wide interest in primary producing circles, was placed before the public in no uncertain manner on Monday night by a social and dance in conjunction with the shareholders’ meeting. Dancing was enjoyed until 1 a.m, by a very large crowd to music supplied by visiting Perth musicians—Messrs. Ron Moyle, Harry Ward and Viv. Nylander. Items were also rendered by Mr. Ward (songs with banjo accompaniment), Mr Nylander (cornet solos), and by Mr. Dick Thomas, whose ventriloquist act and clever tricks provided very popular entertainment. During a supper interval the Hon. T H Bath spoke on the Co operative Movement. In a tactful and constructive address. Mr. Bath said that the success of country branches was dependant on the fair dealing of shareholders in respect to meeting their trading obligations. Mr. Bath mentioned die fact that the late Mr. Adams Kitto, of Cunderdin, had been particularly interested in co-operation, and a fact that he had often pointed out was that it was better to agree in two or more ways than to disagree in a dozen ways. Mr. A J Carter, Mr. J Pascoe and Mr, S A Lundy also spoke in support of Mr. Bath. Much credit in respect to the social side of the evening appeared to be due to Mr. Norm Clarke, who acted as M C.
Avon Argus and Cunderdin-Meckering-Tammin Mail (WA : 1925 – 1954), Saturday 4 May 1935, page 1
1939
TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY – MOUNT BARKER CO-OPERATIVE CELEBRATES.
Twenty-one Years – 1918-1939.
It would seem that the district was favoured with bounteous crops and a successful year for the Company to celebrate the 21st anniversary of its formation.
To mark the occasion, the Company organised a social event in the Plantagenet District Hall to which were invited all the Shareholders, and the many district friends of the Company.
The opportunity was taken for Ron Moyle and his concert party to attend this party being drawn from the employees of the Westralian Farmers Limited, the parent body of the Cooperative Movement in Western Australia.
The entertainment commenced with a few popular community numbers, the large attendance, approximately five to six hundred guests, all joining in. An overture by the popular orchestra preluded numerous concert items by the following artists:-Eddy Kean (baritone soloist) whose numbers included that popular film melody “Old Man River,” Keith Arblaster (saxophone soloist), Miss Alpha Williams (mezzo-soprano), Miss Florrie Reid (soprano), Viv. Nylander (with the golden-voiced trumpet), Miss Joan Bridger, whose renditions of “Penny Serenade” and “Cinderella” were so enthusiastically received that during the dancing interlude which followed many requests were made for encores, Mr. “Niddy” Roberts, with his humorous stories and anecdotes, coupled with his outstanding skill with the drum sticks, both on the drums and the available furniture, provided much laughter.
During the evening several speakers came before the microphone. Mr. H. W. Soothill, the Company’s General Manager, introduced the friends present on the stage, amongst whom pride of place was given to Mrs. Booth. Mr. J. McN. Martin, the Chairman of Directors, gave a brief outline of the Company’s formation in the early days, when the industry was at a very low ebb, due to the effects of the Great War and the necessity for co-operation amongst growers to preserve any profits which could be saved in the marketing of the district’s fruit. A short resume of the Company’s extended and increasing activities followed an appeal to the younger generation to carry on the good work of their parent pioneers.
The Company was proud to have in its midst Mr. C. W. Harper, Chairman of Directors of the Westralian Farmers Limited, who heartily congratulated the Company upon attaining its majority and the progress which it had made in so doing, with the best wishes of a continuance of its services to the community in the many years to come. This speaker also pointed out that only by co-operation could such results be attained, and profits gained distributed to its members. Co-operation in Western Australia is yet in its infancy, and only in times of hardship is this more particularly emphasised.
Another old friend of many people in Mount Barker was Mr. George Parke, of Argyle, who endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks, and humorously related an early tour of Mount Barker. Expressions of respect were paid to the good work of the late Messrs. W. J. D. Thomas, Ted Thomas and A. T. Booth, for the amount of their time willingly given for the benefit of their fellow-growers.
At the conclusion of the concert Mr. J. McN. Martin was called upon the stage to be presented by Mr. T. G. Sounness, on behalf of the members of the Mount Barker Co-operative Limited, with a gold wristlet-watch, suitably inscribed, commemorating his twenty-one years of continuous service as Chairman of the Directors. Mr. Martin expressed his surprise and gratitude at this token of esteem and reiterated his hope for future prosperity, and his appeal to the fruitgrowers of the district for their continued co-operation.
Mr. H. W. Soothill, in his inimitable style then took charge of the microphone in a broadcast to the assembled Company that Mr. Ron Moyle the favourite dance band leader and his equally popular henchmen would be pleased to render the music for dancing until an early hour; an announcement which was received with great enthusiasm by all present. Supper was served in buffet style, at the conclusion of which the dancers took the floor. Assisted by Miss Joan Bridger, the popular vocalist at the microphone, dance numbers were rendered to the delighted Terpsichorean adherents until three a.m., when in spirited style “Auld Lang Syne” was rendered by old and young, bringing to a close an extremely popular and entertaining event.
Amongst the visitors from other districts Mount Barker friends were pleased to note the following guests: Mrs. A. T. Booth, Mr. and Mrs. E. Simpson (E.S. and A. Bank, Perth), Mr. C. W. Harper (Chairman of Directors Westralian Farmers Limited). Mr. R. G. Rew (Manager Producers Markets Limited, Kalgoorlie Branch), Mr. G. Parke (Argyle), Mrs. H. W. Soothill (Perth), Mr. J. Sparkes and friend (Bridgetown), Mr. W. J. Anderson (Albano Freezing Works), Mr. and Mrs. D. Cansdale (Westralian Farmers Limited Albany), Mr. H. R. Powell (Albany).
Albany Advertiser (WA : 1897 – 1965), Thursday 3 August 1939, page 5
1940
BEACH CONCERT
Stars at tomorrow night’s concert at Scarborough beach in aid of combined local charities will include Ron Moyle, Viv Nylander, Ken Murdoch, Niddy Roberts, Hazel Shapcott and many others. A good night’s entertainment is assured.
Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 – 1955), Saturday 14 December 1940, page 28
STARS AND THEIR SATELLITES
Tomorrow night’s S.T.C. search for talent ‘Reaching for the Stars,’ together with such notable celebrities as Miss Hazel Shapcott, Ron Moyle, Viv Nylander, Ken Murdoch, Niddy Roberts and many others, will provide entertainment never before presented at any beach concert. Proceeds of this concert will be devoted to the Combined Local Charities, whose worthy cause requires active assistance Promoters are assured of a very large audience because of the very high standard of the programme.
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 14 December 1940, page 10
1941
The 51st Meet Again.
DEAR John, Just a line to let the old “fifty-firstites” know that the battalion held its 1941 reunion quite successfully. About 100 ex-diggers were there and numerous congratulatory telegrams were read from those who were with us in spirit, including one from our beloved leader of the old days, Colonel Christie. He is back in harness again, this time with the R.A.A.F. Lieutenant-Colonel T. S. Louch of the new 11th came along and gave us some interesting accounts of the Battle of Crete, plus a few yarns in his inimitable style. I am tipping that some of those stories are passing round wherever soldiers for-gather, and will continue to bring laughs for some time to come. A welcome guest was Ron Crawford, the blind piano-accordion player, and the boys gave him a well-deserved “hand.” I had the pleasure of playing the violin, accompanying Bonnie on the “squeezebox.” “Scotty” gave several of his famous monologues, including that evergreen favourite, “When Are Yer Goin’ Away?” George Mellor and Viv Nylander gave a trumpet duet and that of course was a popular item in the hands of two such finished performers.
There were some familiar faces amongst the collection of “hard dials” round the festive board. Those fair twins “Spike and Ike” were still on deck and I saw our old friend “Joe-blow,” “Fade-away” Passmore, D.C.M., “Fish Fifty-first,” Sgt. Stokes, D.C.M., and Tommy Greer Many of the boys were back in khaki and it was good to see the-old brown and blue colour-patches again.
An eloquent appeal was made for all the old hands to rally round the 51st Association. Our secretary, Mr; R. A, Woods, can be located at Arch-deacon-street, Nedlands, and will be only too pleased to hear from exmembers of the battalion.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), Thursday 27 November 1941, page 39
1946
Subiaco Municipal Band – VISIT TO GOLDFIELDS
Advice has been received that the Subiaco Municipal Brass Band, now demobilised, after four years of military service with the V.D.C. in Perth, intends paying a short visit to the goldfields. They will arrive here on January 26 and will leave on Monday, January 28. The band consists of 30 players, many of whom are past champions on their respective instruments. The name of their conductor, Mr. Ivan Nylander, will be recalled by the older goldfielders, as his father was a prominent trombone player in McMahon’s Boulder City Band. With his brother, Viv, another great comet player, Norm McMahon, Jack Pope and Bert Trembath, the lead is exceptionally strong. It is regretted that in the death of Mr. G. Mellor, who was to have accompanied the band, it has suffered a great loss. Most of the brass section of the A.B.C State orchestra is drawn from this band. Among others well known here as old goldfields players are Ted McMahon (recently returned from overseas), Len Woodlands, A. Martin, Chris and Alf Schofield, ‘Napper’ Wallis and George McAdams.
Kalgoorlie Miner (WA : 1895 – 1954), Tuesday 15 January 1946, page 2
Visit of Subiaco Band
The visit of the Subiaco Municipal Brass Band to the goldfields is creating a good deal of interest among music-lovers and band enthusiasts. The members of the band will arrive here on Saturday by the express and, should the train arrive near time, they will give a short programme in front of the post office before dispersing to their respective hotels. It is understood that part of their programme on Sunday night in Victoria Park will be broadcast over the national network. It is also expected that they will be accompanied by Mr. Dave Howard, who will compere the concert. Two cornet duets will, be given, by Bandmaster Ivan Nylander and Norm McMahon and Viv Nylander and Jack Pope. The duets selected will be ‘Ida’ and Dot’ and ‘Two Jolly Boys,’ items that should appeal to listeners. Further announcements’ will be made on their full programme.
Kalgoorlie Miner (WA : 1895 – 1954), Wednesday 23 January 1946, page 4
1950
1951
Wesfarmers Officially Open New Carnarvon Store
After many months of hard work in constructing, the most modern retail and general store in Carnarvon, Westralian Farmers Co-Operative Ltd, officially opened their new business at a grand ball in the building on Friday night of last week. Approximately 400 people attended the opening and found ample space to dance and make merry on this most memorable occasion. Rain which had fallen steadily at intervals since the Monday evening previously, had somewhat made all roads practically impassable, and most station people had unfortunately to decline their invitations to be present at the function.
Music, which was supplied by Mr. Ron Moyle and the old boys “Niddy” Roberts, Arthur Kirkby and Viv Nylander, was something out of the box and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The official opening was performed by Mr. Walter Harper, Chairman of Directors, who was announced and introduced by Mr. C. Orr, Carnarvon Branch Manager. Mr. Harper, with very well chosen words, declared the new building open and said the doors would be opened for business within the next few days. Mr. Beckett, Mayor of Carnarvon, spoke on behalf of the gathering and thanked the Company for their very kind gesture in inviting the people of the district to witness the opening of this most important venture.
Many beautiful gowns were worn by ladies who attended and the decorations consisting of pastel shaded penants, completed a very colourful setting. At 11 p.m. a most sumptuous supper was served buffet style on long tables decorated with lovely roses and liquid refreshments were served on the patio, which was adorned with banana plants. A friendly atmosphere existed throughout the evening.
At 10 p.m. several announcements were made to the effect, that owing to heavy rains having fallen for days, and the drought being now gloriously broken the
Gascoyne River was flowing and had reached Carnarvon with a warning of danger to those people who were living on the banks of the river or on low lying country surrounded by the creeks flowing from the main water course. One by one, guests began to disperse and the feeling became one of much anxiety amongst the crowd in general as the whole town was in the midst of preparing for evacuation from what was anticipated as a record flood.
Mr. and Mrs. Clem Orr received the guests and during the evening Wesfarmers refrigeration expert, Mr. Samuels obliged with several pleasing vocal numbers.
Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA : 1905 – 1952), Thursday 14 June 1951, page 1
WASO musicians toured regularly during the 1950s and 60s.
Several serious accidents occurred on these country tours one being in Kalgoorlie as a result of the highly polished floorboards at one of the towns old hotels. The shortsighted Viv Nylander (the second trumpeter) was heading for the bathroom in his stocking feet without his glasses – a fatal omission on his part. He slipped on the polished floor, grabbed for the railing, missed and hurtled down the stairs to the next floor where he was found unconscious. Viv spent a considerable time recuperating in Kalgoorlie hospital. That he survived at all was something of a miracle. That he was not eligible for workers’ compensation was a disgrace. The ABC’s rule was no compensation given for injuries sustained one hour after the conclusion of a concert. The fact that Viv was in Kalgoorlie solely because of the ABC tour did not seem to be taken into consideration.
Harrison, Marcia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra Celebrating 75 Years, (WASO Holdings Pty Ltd, 2003), p.23.
1953
An effort is being made to have a reunion of players of Ron Moyle’s old band. – These include: Ron Moyle (pianist and leader), Cliff Adam (guitar, vocals and tapdancing), Niddy Roberts (drums), Wally Hadley (banjo), Tommy Bennett (bass), Ken Pimmell and Viv Nylander (trumpets), Charles Thompson (trombone), Alan Gough, George Caro, Bob Gibson (saxes).
Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 – 1956), Saturday 24 October 1953, page 12
1978
Viv died on 27th April 1978 aged 69 of bronchial asthma.