CIVIC BAND

Grey River Argus, 8 December 1931, Page 6

CIVIC BAND

The Annual report [submitted to members of the Civic Band at last evening’s meeting was as follows:—

In presenting the first annual report of the Greymo’uth Civic Band, we do so with a feeling of’confidence at the splendid progress made since its inception twelve months ago. While not wishing to discriminate, we must congratulate Mr A. McMaster (senior), our conductor, on his splendid work, which has been responsible for the band’s present position, also the members for their continued support and loyalty during the year. I.t has been very noticeable the way such good fellowship has existed between the conductor and the members them-

■‘•elves, and this spirit has helped considerably lo carry .the band so successfully through its first year. W‘ must also thank our President, Mr A. Kilpatrick, for kindness and help during the year. Finance. —Our financial position, as you will see by the balance-sheet, is verv favourable, the only outstanding account being that for the instruments, but we are very hopeful that during the coming year this will be wiped out. It- will be seen that a total of £204/19/1 was received, which is verv good for an initial year’s work ing. Band’s Engagements.— The baud started off well in December, 1930, by playing several open-air programmes in Greymouth, and carolling was carried out on Christmas Day by two partes, one party working Cobden and Blaketwon. ami the other Greymouth. Although only a young band, good support, was given by the public, and helped the financial position. We were very fortunate to have the sturdy support, of Mr W. J. Inglis, during this period, he undertaking the carrying of the members to the various destinations, and our special thanks are due to him. Neither must, we forget our collectors, who also helped magnificently to place the band on such a sure foundation. The band led the memorial service at the Cobden Gymnasium on Anzac Day, and also services in the Presbyterian Church on Anzac Sunday, and Armistice Sunday, and members acquitted

themselves well. Visits were also made to Kumara and Ros s for caroling, the support given again being very generous. We were also fortunate in obtaining such engagements as the Railway Picnic, Karoro Sports, and Kumara Jockey Club’s Meeting, the band coming through these in a very satisfactory manner. Perhaps two of the most enjoyable trips of the year were those made to Waiuta on two occasions to assist the Queen Carnival, indeed the officials and residents were all very kind, and a good time was spent by all members, and we are assured that we need not at any time* look to them fcr support, and look in vain. The total play-outs for the year were 48, and included visits to the Grey River Hospital, Ikaniatua, Ahaura, broadcastings from Stations 3ZR and 3ZE, which speaks volumes for the attainments reached by .the band.

Honorary Members.—We are pleased to report that the numbers of honorary members is steadily increasing, and to date numbers 75. Numerous friends have signified their intention of joining up in .the New Year, and we are confident that the present number will more than double itself as time goes on. Three honorary members’ concerts were presented in the Town Hall during .the year, the band showing a marked improvement on each occasion, and the programmes given were well received by the. large audiences present. We were very fortunate in obtaining, the services of the best local talent. to assist our concerts, their work being very high, and greatly appreciated by all. Our sincere thanks are also due to the Bristol Piano Company for .the free use of a piano during the concerts. The class of selection provided by the band in these concerts has been criticised as being first-class, and we are sure,, under the able conductorship of Mr A. McMaster, the standard must, even be higher.

Band Hall.—The Oddfellows’ Lodge approached the committee in July, with a view of taking over a lease of the Oddfellows’ Hall, for the purpose of holding practices and meetings, and other functions required.. After negotiations were completed it was agreed to take a lease of the hall for two nights (practice) per week for a period of 12 month with a right of renewal, the band takng over in August. Since doing so everything has been going on very smoothly, the hall being more spacious than the former hall, with other advantages. Several additions were made to the hall for the property of the band, for which we are greatly indebted to Messrs J. McMaster and W. Sundbye.

Social Evenings.—With a view to assisting our finance, social evenings were organised in September, and are held weekly proving a great success. Our special thanks are due to Messrs J. McMasters, J. Smith, W. Sundbye, E. McHugh, and E. Dewar, for their ready help in this respect, also to our patrons for their support. Band Instrumentation.—During the year w*e were unfortunate to lose the services of Mr 11. Anderson, who left in April to take up a position in Westport. Mr E. Dewar was unanimously elected to fiill .the vacancy thus caused in the committee, and he has very ably and conscientiously carried out his duties. We also lost the services of Mr H. Dunshea, who left for Wellington in August, and needless, .to add hi s services have been greatly missed. It was decided to carry on until the end of the year without filling the vacancy .thus brought about in the committee. We regret that during the year we had the misfortune to lose one of our brass instruments, which was stolen from the side-chair of a motor bicycle owned by one of ourmember*. Op to the present, the police have not been successful in locating the missing instrument or the perpetrator of such a mean action. Librarian. — We must espeeially thank our librarian, Mr W. Garner,

who has excellently carried out his duties throughout, the year in keeping the room spotlessly clean, and music up-to-date, and his work has been outstanding.

Drum Major.—A word of praise Is also due to our Drum Major (Mr T. Tarrant who has fulfillel his duties throughout the year in a most efficient manner, not only his leadership whilst on the march, bu,t his presence on all occasions, proving of great assistance as well as an inspiration to the band members. Mr Tarrant has also ably and conscientiously carried out the duties of chairman of the Band Committee.

Secretary.—Our Hearty thanks are also due to our worthy Secretary, Mr W t Gunn, who has very faithfully carried out his duties during the year, his untiring zeal having earned for him the sincere appreciation of all the members.

In conclusion, we thank all friends and supporters who have helped the band so magnificently since its inception, and wc are confident that with the united efforts and continued loyalty of all members in the future, aided by our supporters, greater things are ye.t in store for the Greymouth Civic Band.