KAIKORAI BAND

Evening Star, Issue 21825, 14 September 1934, Page 16

KAIKORAI BAND

A satisfactory year, both financially and from the musical viewpoint, was revealed at the annual meeting of the Kaikorai Band last evening. The president (Mr J. H. Walker) was m the ° The annual report stated that the generous support and co-operation ol members over the past few months had made possible an almost complete recovery 1 1*0111 the unfortunate and critical position in which the band was placed during the greater part ql the year. This state of affairs originated through the band’s apparent inability to obtain the services of a _ suitable conductor. Two men wore in turn elected to the position, but neither met with the approval of the bandsificn. The committee then decided to advertise in tho newspapers throughout New Zealand, and much valuable time was spent goiim into the qualifications of the iallows applicants. Daring this period the playing standard ot the band gradually decreased, and the financial position became in a very bad state through lack of revenue from public performances. At this stage members were extremely grateful for the generous assistance of several influential citizens, who made it possible for them to appoint,/as permanent conductor, Air H. Osborne, of Ashburton. Since Air Osborne’s appointment on Juuc 25 the band attendance at rehearsals had averaged twentyfive, and as a playing combination had made very definite progress. At a performance in tho Town Hall last moptli a marked improvement in its playing standard indicated a bright and successful future under Air Osborne’s baton. Unfortunately, in order to avoid clashing with other band concerts, the baud haTl not yet given a Sunday performance; but had arranged to hold one at the end of the month. Air Heuaghan, one of the vice-presidents, gave to the band a number of gold medals to be presented from time to time for progress among .the young players. A minor contest for the younger members was held last Alonday, when 1. Burk won first prize, and B. Redmond, who came second, was to be awarded a medal given by Air E. Al'Lcan, another of the band’s supporters. Alessrs Henaghan and APLoan’s generosity was much appreciated by all, and would no doubt arouse enthusiasm among the players during the coming year. During the year the band was unfortunate inclosing the services as secretary and librarian respectively of Air D. Whelan and Air T. Stevenson. Air Willers had been appointed librarian, and was carrying out his duties very efficiently. A junior baud had been carried on-under Air H. Reid, who reported that the enthusiasm of the players was well maintained, and the membership totalled thirteen. The report concluded with an expression of thanks to all who had assisted the band during the past year. Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the president said it was satisfactory to see that the band had cause to be thaiiktul to its supporters. It was gratifying to know that Ali; Osborne during his short association with the band had raised it to such a high level of efficiency, and it was gradually returning to its old standard,' The balance-sheet showed a sound financial position, which lie thought was largely duo to the ability of its officers. The band should, he felt, occupy an outstanding position in the city, as it had done in flic past. Seconding tho motion, Air J. J. Alarlow said that he was confident that if the members of the band pulled together it would experience a different year from the past one. For Sunday concerts now tho band was entitled to demand a silver coin for admission, as against the old practice of taking up a collection. Air Marlow paid a tribute to the work of the conductor, and concluded with an expression of confidence in tho future of the band. The annual report and balance-sheet were then adopted. OFFICE-BEARERS. The election of office-bearers resulted:—President, Air J. H. Walker; conductor, Air H. Osborne; clcputy-con-duqtor, Air W. P. Goughian; baud sergeant, Mr W. P. Goughian; secretary, Mr W. J. Sintou; treasurer, Air S. Woods; committee—Alessrs W. Willers, M. Clark, L. Fogo, J. Glen; accompanist. Air A. Pettltt; auditors, Alessrs R. APDonald. W. S. Cubitt; librarinncustodinu. Air W. Willcrsj assistants, Alessrs R. Hayley and W. Goughian, jun. The names of Alessrs J. J. Alarlow, I). Boyd, E. J. South. W. Raynor. J. Gardiner, and 11. Brough were added to the list of vice-presidents, GENERAL. The first prize for the junior hoys’ competition (tenor horn) was presented to Air ,I,‘Burk. and the prize for second in the. G trombone solo was presented to Air B. Redmond. The president referred to the question of tho New Zealand bands’ contest, and urged the members to do their best to raise the standard of the band to a level that would justify the conductor in entering the band for the contest. It was decided to write to the Wonlston Band wishing it success hi its efforts in the contest in Australia.