MUNICIPAL BAND

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 98, 23 August 1933, Page 5

MUNICIPAL BAND

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. HELD LAST EVENING. The annual meeting of the Pukekohe Municipal Band was held last evening, the president, Mr G. H. Armstrong, presiding over a good attendance of members. The president reported that despite the unfavourable prevailing conditions, the band had had a pleasant year, although the financial position had not improved. Looking back over the past 12 months there was one thing which was outstanding and that was the wonderful progress the band had made as a playing unit. This was indeed gratifying and should give a measure of satisfaction to the members. The improvement in this respect had been reflected in the showing of the band at the contest held at Hamilton last Easter. He referred to the indefatigable efforts of the conductor, who put his very best into the band and who was keen to see it advance; also he was deeply interested in the youth of the town who had an ear for music, and spent much time in giving the boys instruction. It was a great pity, Mr Armstrong said, that more youngsters could not be induced to take advantage of the opportunity of receiving such instruction. The executive, he added, had made further progress with the band's amended rules, which were now in the hands of the solicitor. Mr Armstrong said he was deeply concerned about the band's uniform', and mentioned that at a meeting of the executive it had been suggested that quotations be obtained for a more striking uniform which was more in keeping with the progress the band was making as a playing unit. It only required the economic position to improve and he was sure a new uniform would be provided, because he believed there were sufficient supporters of the band in Pukekohe who would only be too willing to assist in this direction, especially in view o'f the improvemenl in playing ability. The present uniforms were to say the least, becoming dilapidated. Expenditure Exceeds Income.

The balance sheet showed an excess of expenditure over income of £sl 7s and accumulated funds at £IBB 15s lid. The auditor, Mr M. S. Campbell, in his report, complimented the band on its success at the Hamilton contest and expressed a hope that next Easter it would take the principal honours. The report and balance sheet w r ere adopted without discussion The following officers were appointed: President, Mr E. G. Moncrief: vice-president, Mr F. W. Stembridge: conductor, Mr L. Holt: bandmaster, Mr C. Deed; drum-major, Mr H. Sutton; sergeant, Mr R. Meyer: corporal, Mr K. Lakeman: lance-corporal, Mr C. Lakeman: treasurer, Mr C. Deed: librarian, Mr W. Barnett: assistant librarian, Mr A. Kane: executive committee, the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, the sergeant, and Messrs G. H Armstrong, J. H. Webb, and W. Barnett: bandsmen's committee, the bandmaster, the secretary, the sergeant and Messrs W. Barnett, S. J. Edwards and H. Suffon. The question of the secretary's honorarium was referred to the incoming executive. The auditor was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for past services, also the retiring president, other outgoing officers and the Press. Supper was served and a most enthusiastic meeting was terminated.