OTAGO MOUNTED RIFLES BAND

Evening Star, Issue 22723, 10 August 1937, Page 11

OTAGO MOUNTED RIFLES BAND

AHNUAI MEETING There was a large attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Otago Mounted Rifles Band at Oamaru last nigbt. Lieutenant G. M. Whgtle presided. Referring to the activities of the band during the past year, the Chairman said it appeared that tho public did not fully appreciate the worth of tbo organisation, as the support accorded had been very poor. A band could not hope to survive unless hearty support and encouragement were forthcoming from tho members of tho community. The band was a decided asset to the town; therefore tho public should lend its support. Tho annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Sergeant, Bandsman J. Hambley; corporal. Bandsman H. Hay; librarian. Bandsman J. Foss; custodian, Bandsman M. Milne; treasurer, Bandsman H. Hay; secretary. Bandsman A. L. Familton; auditors, Sergeant Hambley and Bandsman W. Dimick; committee —Bandsmen J. Foss, F. J. Familton, W, Naylor, and R. Whyte; Programme Committee—• Bandsmen M. J. Milne, H. Hay, and A. Familton, The Chairman said the committee had considered the question of competing in the Dunedin contest, _ to bo held in November, and bad decided to compote, provided all the members responded and gave of their best. It re-

quired strenuous practice, but the band could put up a good showing it all the bandsmen would make a point of attending practices. In thanking the members for their support during the year,_ Mr Whale said it had been very gratifying to get such response. He had always received the utmost courtesy and respect, and it had been a pleasure to conduct such an organisation. He urged all to make an effort to pull the band up to its former high position, and this could be done bv co-operation and attention to duty. He thanked the secretary for his work, and paid a tribute to his efforts in tutoring the junior members. Sergeant Hambley, on behalf of the baud, thanked the bandmaster for his tactfulness at all times. Members need not be disconsolate at the fact that the band had failed at Gore. Every band could not win, so that it behoved all members to make a stern effort to do better for the next contest.

Bandsman Johnston Mayfield endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. It was for the band, he said, to make a greater effort. He also referred to the capabilities of the bandmaster and secretary. A vote of thanks was passed to the Press.