CITY SILVER BAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 259, 30 September 1936, Page 2

CITY SILVER BAND.

PRESENTATION TO MR C. GREENING. On Thursday night last, the executive and members of the Palmerston North City Silver Band held a small social evening in the bandroom in honour of Mr C. Greening, who was deputy conductor at the time of his retirement from active membership. About 30 members were present, apologies being received from a number of those unable to attend. The band sergeant (Mr J. Cosgrove) explained that the function had been arranged so that tlie members of the executive and the band could show, in a small measure, their appreciation of Mr Greening’s work and enthusiasm as a bandsman, and of Mrs Greening’s assistance and self-sacrifice. He pointed out that the band had already elected Mr Greening a life member, the highest honour that a band could bestow upon its members—but it was felt that it would be fitting, and would express more fully the hancTs appreciation towards Mr and Mrs Greening, for their recognition to take some more tangible form. Mr Cosgrove then asked Mr P. Burns (chairman of the executive) to make the presentation. Mr Burns expressed his appreciation of being able to participate in what was one of the hand's most important occasions. Having known Mr Greening for over 12$ years, he knew the value of his work, not only in connection with the bands throughout New Zealand, but also in other directions. The speaker pointed out that it was over 42 years since Mr Greening joined his first band, and during that time he had worked heart and soul for the progress of the various hands with which he had been associated. Mr ■Greening had been in the Citv Band for over four years, and had contributed in no small measure to the success and progress achieved by this band. All were very sorry that Mr Greening had retired from active membership, hut he agreed that a well-earned rest was certainly due to Mr Greening. However, lie was glad to have Mr Greening's wise counsel on the general executive. Mr Burns also mentioned that the new constitution stipulated that only members of a band were eligible for life-member-ship, and that Mr Greening was the first life member to be so elected. In paying tribute to Mrs Greening, Mr Burns said that Mr Greening’s long and active association with hand work had been made possible only by great co-operation and self-sacrifice on the part of Mrs Greening, and 60 it was felt that, in honouring Mr Greening, Mrs Greening was deserving of equal consideration. Mr Burns then asked Mr and Mrs Greening to accept two fireside chairs, as an expression of appreciation and goodwill from the executive and the bandsmen, hoping that both would be able to sit back and enjoy their future life in comfort by the fireside. > The chairman’s remarks were supplemented by Mr Buckley, who mentioned that fully 60 per cent, of the bandsmen in New Zealand knew Mr Greening. The conductor (Mr O’Hara) paid a tribute to Mr Greening’s assistance in doing his utmost to help and assist the band. Mr Greening, he said, was a model bandsman, and he hoped that both would have a long and enjoyable retirement. Mr Greening, in replying, said that words could not express his appreciation of the beautiful gift, and especially for including Mrs Greening in the presentation. He quite realised that the wife of a bandsman had to sacrifice a great deal, and that Mrs Greening had missed some homely comforts on this account. However, the fireside chairs would go a long way towards enabling them to enjoy their retirement. Mr Greening then gave a brief outline of his career as a bandsman, from when he joined up in Napier in 1894. Since then Mr Greening has been a member of 10 bands, and conductor of two. In solo competitions at contests he has won twice, been placed second three times, third twice, and fifth once, and he won the Auckland Exhibition gold medal in 1914. Mv Greening again expressed his and Mrs Greening’s thanks for the gift.