ELTHAM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 July 1924, Page 8

ELTHAM.

PIPE, BAND

(From Our Own Correspondent). Hie annual meeting of the above band was held last night. There was a good attendance of members. Mr A. A. Stewart (president; presided, ami presented the following report: The fii'.li...\Oiu of. the band’s existence has been difficult and the hand is to be con<iatulated on the i-irasure of success attained. Although, handicapped in in.t ,v ways, and in particula.K by the removal of some members -and the irregular attendances of others, thanks to the loyalty and enthusiasm of a few, the affairs of the band have been successfully carried on. The great difficulty that had to be faced was in securing full atendanees, .this being especially owing to the fact that members were scattered ever a considerable airea. However, as the band’s services have not been greatly in demand, all engagements were met, except in one. or two cases where circumstances arose which absolutely precluded the band’s attendance. Owing to some- new members joining up, the band is now on a. better footing numerically than for some time past. From a playing point of view great strides have been made, and individual niping has, improved immensely.

On the unanimous wish of the band, Piper Cirawford assumed the position of pipe-major rendered vacant by the departure from the district of Pipe-Major Macdonald. As usual, he has put his heart and soul into the work, giving up a great deal of time to tuition of students. Meiftion must he made of the enthusiasm of one member who travels a distance of over 50 miles weekly to attend practices, hat-mg on occasions done, the journey twice in the one week. A much appreciated 1 gift in the shape of a Scottish Standard was received from Mr \Y. J-.inline, of Dumfries. A photograph of the band was secured to send to Mr Jai rline in recognition of the gift. Referring to finance: No remuneration was received from engagements during the year, the total revenue amounting to .£lO 11s 6d. On.the other hand expanses have been heavy, and the band’s funds' have somewhat diminished. Commencing the year wtih credit balance of £74 18s 4d, expenditure amounted to £37 11s, leaving a credit balance of £47 18s lOd. It is hoped the forthcoming year will show an increase in receipts. ‘"While on this subject it might be mentioned for the ‘benefit of the uninitiated .that all pipers have to purchase their own instruments, which means an outlav of anything from £ls to £35. The hand supplies reeds, a fairly heavy item, hut, it must be admitted, only a fair one.

Owing to the difficulty of securing a.full meeting at short notice, tfte advisability of electing a small management committee might advantageously be considered.

One of the most enjoyable events in the band’s history was the dinner at the conclusion of last annual meeting, "hen members and friends were the guests of the president, Mr A. A. Stew art. The fact of some of the participants stating it was the most enjoyable evening they had spent. in New Zealand is an indication of how gieatiy Mr Stewart’s hosnitalitv was appreciated. * ' ‘

Once again the hand is greatly indebted to Mr Tristram for the use of the Athenaeum Hall, a service which cannot be too highly appreciated._l hanks are due to Drum-Maior Campbell aiid Air ,T. Crabtree, whose support and assistance members fully recognise ; and a special word of praise is due to Pipe-Alaior Crawford for the untiring and ungrudging service he has rendered in furthering the interests of the band.