A MOMENTOUS YEAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 111, 10 April 1934, Page 5

A MOMENTOUS YEAR

GARRISON BAND’S REPORT. “Lieutenant C. Pike continues to hold, the position of conductor to the band with entire satisfaction to all and his untiring efforts have improved the band to a very high standard indeed from a musical point of view, as can bo seen from the groat sucoess attained at tho contest at Wellington in 1934,” says the annual report of tho chairman of tho Garrison Band (Colonel J. H. Whyte). “Tho committee desire to place on record their hearty congratulations to Lieu tenant Pike, the success proving him to be a musician and conductor of outstanding ability. To the band, also, the committee desire to express congratulations, and trust that every effort will be made to retain this honour. In the hymn and quickstep the band was placed 10th. and 7th respectively and it is pleasing to note that in the latter they obtained the highest points in the military section. Altogether the bandsmen proved themselves in every way and were a credit not only to the organisation to which they belonged, but to the city. “It is with pleasure,” the report continues, “that the committee have to report that the band fulfilled to the letter its engagements to the city authorities. It also rendered programmes in various quarters of the city, while its services were requisitioned on many occasions by local institutions.

“The finances of the band are not in. the soundest of positions owing to the heavy drain on them for new instruments, the recent contest and numerous other calls. In view of such facts and the period through which we are passing wc have held our end up very well. Great cave will have to bo shown in the future, however, and some hard work done by all to increase tire revenue. The year ended with a credit balance of £3 Os 10d in the general account and £35 2s 6d in the instrument account. Four new basses had to be procured as the old ones were thoroughly worn out and useless. The present instruments used by the band are very old, having been used in France, where every care was not given them, and they are now greatly delapidated, and in some cases cannot bo used. So it behoves the incoming committee to do their utmost to procure new instruments.

“With heavy liabilities to meet, some strenuous efforts will have to be made to raise funds. The band has never been musically stronger. Now is the time to enlist the support of the public, and in this respect the outlook is most promising. From a playing point of view no difficulties in the future should be presented, with the many young players coining on. The committee wish to place on record their appreciation of the excellent work done by the social committee ; to Mrs Barlow, our official accompanist, whose untiring efforts and devotion of. time to the band were greatly appreciated; to tho Press for the publicity they have always given tho band; and also to those ladies and gentlemen who so generously assisted the band at concerts. Our thanks are also due to Mr A. J. Graham, our lion, auditor.