ST. KILDA BAND

Evening Star, Issue 23324, 21 July 1939, Page 15

ST. KILDA BAND

ANNUAL MEETING The thirty-eighth annual meeting of the St. Kilda Municipal Band was held in the bandroom last night, when there was a good attendance of members. The president (Mr H, A. Newall) was in the chair. ANNUAL REPORT. It was stated in the annual report that a strenuous year had been experienced, and it was pleasing to show a satisfactory credit balance. Although more Sunday concerts were given at the St. Kilda rotunda than for a number of years, they were not well patronised, and some difficulty was experienced in financing the trip to the Christchurch contest. The attendance of the band at the contest was made possible largely by the receipt of substantial assistance at a critical time, and earned for the donors the thanks of the members. The accounts showed a credit balance of £6B 11s 7d. The membership stood at 31. and it was encouraging to notice the large number of young members. Although there was not a large membership in the junior band, which was being carried on by Mr L. Scrivener, keen interest was being shown. Thanks were expressed to all who had given assistance to the band during the year. PRESIDENT’S REMARKS. Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the Chairman referred to the harmony and activity which had been features of the year’s work. The coming centennial year was looked forward to with optimism and confidence. The number of public engagements and Sunday concerts given during the year exceeded those of the previous 12 months, and the standard of programmes and selections reflected credit on the band. It was difficult to understand why, although the standard of the public performances was high, the contributions were so small that if the band had to pay tram fares it would have been out of pocket. It had always been the practice of the band to accept all invitations of a public nature, and this had meant no small sacrifice. In the past the voluntary contributions had materially assisted to meet the year’s expenses. The speaker then appealed for a greater measure of support and a more liberal contribution ns an encouragement to the band. The next contest, he said, would be held at ‘Wellington during the exhibition period, and if members maintained their attendances at practices new laurels would be attained for the St. Kilda Borough and the city. The band represented the city at the Christchurch contest, and both test selections and solo work were of a creditable standard. Mr Newell paid a tribute to the work of the conductor (Mr L. Francis! and the drum-major (Mr W. Donaldson'. The finances were in a very healthy state as a result of the contribution of those donors whose unofficial support and interest was highly valued and appreciated. The motion was carried. OFFICE-BEARERS. The election of office-bearers resulted:—President. Air H. A. Newall; conductor, Air L. Francis; drum-major, Air W. Donaldson; secretary, Air I. E. Still; treasurer. Air AV. Paterson ; committee—Al’essrs D. Christianson. 11. , Wat r-on. .1, Dixon, T. Williams, H.

Campbell, and A. Veitch; librarian, Mr W. AVallace; custodian, Mr L. Scrivener; auditor, Mr G. Davidson. The name of Air A. Fleming was added to the list of 20 vice-presidents. At the conclusion of the formal business a social evening was spent.