ELLESMERE BRASS BAND

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 3211, 17 April 1928, Page 3

ELLESMERE BRASS BAND

ANNUAL MEETING

In the unavoidable absence of the president (Mr J. C. Free) the 26th annual meeting of the Ellesmere Brass Band, held on Saturday night, was presided over by Mr F. B. "Woodard, a vice-president. There was a good attendance of members. An apology was received from Mr A. Baylis, who was prevented through illness from being present. The secretary read the financial statement, which showed that the revenue of the Band during tlie year totalled £87 6s sd, including a credit of £39 3s 2d carried forward from the previous year. The running expenses -totalled £60 19s 4d, leaving a credit balance of £26 7s Id. The secretary explained that there were account* outstanding to the value of £16 5s sd, which would bring the balance to be carried forward up to £42 12s 6d. The excess of assets over liabilities was given as £637 12s 6d, but it was pointed out that in next yeaTs* statement the instruments and uniforms would need to be considerably written down. The present valuation was £280. Some discussion took place on the subject of outstanding accounts. It was considered to be rather unfair to the secretary that these accounts could not be collected in time for inclusion in the balance-sheet, and it was suggested that accounts be sent out regularly to those clubs or bodies' indebted to the band. The balance-sheet was adopted. Officers for the coming year were elected as follows:— Patrons, Hon. Sir R, Heaton Rhodes, M.L.C., and Mr D. Jones, M.P.; president, Mr F. B. Woodard. In thanking the band for electing him, Mr Woodard said he would do his best to advance" the interests of the band, financially and otherwise. A band was, to his mind, on a different footing from; other organisations such as, say, a football or cricket club. It was rather an association for the benefit of all, and everyone Bhould support it. Vice-presi-dents, Rev. Father Creed, Messrs R. J. McConnell, John Brooks, J. Cunningham, S. Gibson, E. R. Winter, C. Fisse, F. B. Clausen, F. Rowell, J. H. McMillan, R, J. Kelleher, P. J. Kelleher; conductor, T. F, Owens; bandmaster, T. G. Harper; sergeant, Roy. Barnett;, corporal, H. Griffiths; lance-corporal, A. Bellow; secretary and treasurer, L. Tuck,ej; custodian, R. Shave; executive Messrs T. Gordon, A. Baylis, D, Hey

bourn and officers; committee, members of the band. The conductor considered that the time had arrived for the band to join up with the N.Z. Brass Bands Association.- If this were done they would be eligible to enter soloists, quartettes, or perhaps the full band for a contest. C grade bands were now being catered for, and at. the present rate of progress the band would soon, be in contesting form. The annual fee was something like £3, but it would be money well spent, even if no entry were made, as every band should join up with an association which Ttfas advancing their interests as a whole. He moved that the band join up with the Association.: Mr H. Griffiths seconded. Mx Barnett thought the band should join up with the Association. It was not fair that a good player should be debarred from contesting simply because his band was not affiliated. In any case, the Association should be, supported. The motion was carried unanimously. The' secretary was instructed to make arrangements to have the flagpole rope repaired before Anzac Day. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring president, secretary, conductor and auditor, and to Mr W. J. Day for his generous treatment of the band in all transport transactions during" the year. After the business was concluded a social hour was spent, during- which the usual toasts were honoured. The president suggested that at next annual meeting arrangements be made to entertain members' wives and friends at a social evening immediately after the annual meeting. This was considered to be a very good suggestion, and will be acted upon.

One new member was elected, the roll number now standing at nineteen.