HAWERA PIPE BAND

Hawera Star, Volume L, 13 February 1931, Page 10

HAWERA PIPE BAND

annual meeting A SUCCESSFUL YEAR There was a, good attendance of members of the Hawera Highland Pipe Band last night in St. Joseph's Hall, Air J. B. Laurenson (president) being in the chair. The annual report of the president said, inter alia: ‘‘The year has been a most successful one, ffnance having remained sound and the general proficiency of tlie band increased. To-day finds the Hawera Highland Pipe Band in a proud position as one of the town’s most popular institutions. During the year the band paraded thirty times in uniform, although not as often as last vear. It is very satisfactory, considering the illness cl' _ Pipe-Major Henson for a long time during the season. Wo are pleased to see him back in the band again and ill good health. The band also paraded 38 times for practise, making a total of 68 parades during the year. The band’s services have "been made Available to many sports and other bodies and include appearances at the Patea sports-, Normaiibv show, Hawera gymkana, Alokoia sports and the Egmont A. and P. show.

“The band did very well individually at the Taranaki provincial sports; Piper I?. Haddow won the open inarch, the Petrie Cup, the Strathsrey, and the Reels. ■ Piper lan Campbell was second in the Strathsprey and the reels and third in the open march. Piper Hannah won the novice march.

“The annual competition for the Crudeu Cup was decided by four tests every three months, which has proved a very keen competition and was finally won by Piper lan Campbell with 305 points. Pipe-Alajor Henson ivas second with 291) points and Piper J. Hannah third with 287 points. The president’s medal for the best novice piper was- won by Piper A. Wards. This competition is valuable to pipers as sole players. “Wo are indeed fortunate in being able to retain the services of Air R. Haddow as band instructor and the steady improvement in the standard of play is a tribute to lii.s ability as a teacher and is a clear indication of the good work he is doing. The subsidy of £25 received from the Borough Council enables us to retain his services and we are keenly appreciative of the council’s great assistance. The president recorded that the subscription showed an increase once more and were the main source of revenue. The loyalty of honorary members had made it possible to dispense with street collections and shop days, while the annual ball was most- successful.

Ho referred to the strong position of tlie band as shown by the balance-sheet-and assets over liabilities and to the good policy of a cash reserve to meet replacement costs of uniforms, which he hoped would be followed. “The strength of the band,” lie said, “is nine pipers, four drummers, and a drum major,” and he referred ±q the loss of Pipers Lumberg and Forbes and the temporary absence of Piper Davidson, but added that several recruits were coming on to fill the vacant places. In conclusion he said: “The band’s thanks are due to all who assisted, to make the year the outstanding success it undoubtedly has- been, with special reference to the loyalty of the ladies’ committee and the honorary members. I hanks are also due to the Hawera Borough Council, "Winter Show, our honorary auditors (Alessrs Walkley and Cameron), the Scottish Society, Air McCormack and Co.. Air ami Airs AV G Simpson, and the Press, all of whom have rendered signal service during thei year. The consideration shown to employees in the matter of leave- granted to bandsmen on many occasions is keenly appreciated and recognised.” Air J. El. Campbell congratulated the band on its position and the honours won and the very healthy financial position. He said he doubted if any pipe band in New Zealand could; show a better position financially and he commended the committee for continuum the wise replacement policy. & Air A. li. Campbell expressed liis pleasure at being present to add his congratulations and assured members it was an honour to he associated with tlie m.

All D. Wards said it was good to see young bandsmen coming ou to fill vacancies and to see them loyally cooperating m musical taste and a healthy amusement, that was for their own benefit- and tlie advantage of the public, lie congratulated them on maintainjrfst 10 1 s^m^al °f conduct of the

Air C. Bowman referred to the pleasmo lie felt at having been associated uith the band since its inception and gave a warm welcome back to PipeMajor Cruden, m whom in the early days members depended very much I ipcr F. Quin, for the band, thanked kindle 01 ' ° i tlP c ? nln)itteei fQi- their kindly remarks and assured them the bandsmen would do everything possible tl€H ' c ° He referred a so to the way the president and committee had backed up the band.

FINANCE. I lie .statement of accounts .showed that the principal items *Ol revenue were subscriptions £36 15s, donations etc., £9 os_ 9d, ball £29 3s, borough subsidy £25, Aiokoia sports £3. The expenditure included sailary and expcases Mr Haddow £57 15s expenses ot ball £2l 12s 3d, Reeds £6 4s, drums skins £5 Is 3d, levy’ (New Plymouth sports), £3 6s tkl, honorarium £3 3s, affiliation fee £2 2s. Tlie assets included uniforms £21.7, cash in bank £207 16s 9d.

Ihe election of officers resulted: I resident, Air J. B. Laurenson (reelected)- vice-presidents, Alessrs A L C-a inp|id I, O. Bowman, J. E. Campbell] vt •* lm P son ; isecretary, Mr J. K. -Nairn; delegates to Caledonian Assoeintion, Alessrs Laurenson, N. Cruden and Nairn; auditors, Messrs Walkley and Cameron.

Tim election of band officers held last month resulted as follows; Drum Major, Mr J. R. Nairn; pipe major, M'-N. Cruden; pipe sergeant, Air A. , • Linn; pipe corporal, Air A. Wards; drum sergeant. Air F. Quin ; drum corporal, Mr B. F. Quin; custodian, Air J. Hannah. Pipe-Major Henson did not •seek nomination lor tlie incoming year owing io health reasons. Thanks are due to him for his good work he had dime during the years ho had been upe-major of the band. Air Bowman expressed keen regret that- Pipe-Major Henson had had to retire and paid a tribute to his good work.

GENERAL. An honorarium of £5 5s was granted to the secretary, who, in thanking members, acknowledged cordially the help of the president, without whom he said “1 do- not know how we- should get-on.’’ Ho also warmly! thanked the ladies, committee. “No one knows,” he added, “better than I what good v or.c they do and I feel sure they are one of the best committees in Taranaki.”

t had been intended, said the pre- 1 sidont, to present the Petrie Cun and immature, won at the sports by'Piper

Haddow and the CVuden Cun to Piper lan Campbell. These trophies were on the table and were much admired. The absence of one of the winners prevented the presentations. THE DANCE. Alter the meeting concluded a dancewas held, good music being contributed by Wills’ orchestra, and this was much en joyed by all present. An Irish j hornpipe quartette was danced by Misses Al. Thompson, Doreen Nairn, Norma Nixon and Junne Goodwin, to music supplied by Piper Hannah. This concluded a most interesting evening.