KAIKORAI BAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19248, 12 August 1924, Page 8

KAIKORAI BAND.

ANNUAL MEETING. The forty-third annual meeting of the Kaikorai Band was held in the bandroom, Dowling street, last night. Mr J. A. Haggili presided over a goal attendance. The annual report, stated, infer alia, that the band had completed 43 refers of continuous activities and was entitled to bo classed as one of the oldest bands in the dominion. In spite of a hard year the financial .position shoved a slight improvement over last year. The collections showed a slight increase over last year as did the contributions. In addition, the band received £6O from the tion this year instead of fot), having fulfilled an extra engagement in lieu of one omitted last year. That the band still commanded a fair share of public support was evidenced by the success which attended its concert on June 28, when it played to a large and appreciative audience in His Majesty’s Theatre. Thanks were due to the artists a.nd others who came to its assistance on that occasion. The net profit from that venture was £4l 16s. Several changes had taken place in the personnel of the band, some players having left the city, others having given up playing, while two or three had gone to other bands. It was with regret that the resignation of two very old and valued performers—Mr Boyd and Mr Kerr—was reported. In the early stages of the year the band had been for a month or two at a very low ebb, so low, in fact, that it was unable to comply with all requests for playing. A special meeting was held and the discussion resulted in renewed energy among the members. Prior to that meeting there seemed a lack of enthusiasm, no doubt due to the fact that the baud was unable to compete in the Christchurch contest. Since then, however, it had had better practices and had improved considerably. The next contest was to be held in Auckland in February, and it was the intention of the executive to make the trip if possible. In order to qualify, the executive wished to impress on all members the urgent need for constant home practice and regular attendance at rehearsals. Strict attention to Mr Davie (the conductor) was also required. He had proved himself a capable and kindly officer, and it was felt that given the necessary attention, he would bring the old hand back to the position it held in past years. The band had got over the worst of the financial crisis and there was no reason why it should not go ahead The thanks of the executive were due to all those officers of the band who worked so well during the year, and in particular to Mr Goughian and hie wife. The executive wished the band success in its efforts and trusted that the coming year would enable it to take its place among the foremost bands of (he dominion! In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, the Chairman said that the band was in a more satisfactory position than was the case last vear, . and that was a gratifying fact. With reference to the Auckland contest, he said everything possible would lie done to send the band, but he stressed the necessity of practice and attention to the conductor. In conclusion, he wished the band every success, and hoped that before long it would regain its former position. Mr W. Goughian seconded ■ the motion, which was carried unanimously. The election of officers far the ensuing year icsnlted as follows:—President, Mr Arthur Barnett; vice-presidents, the Mavor (Mr H. L. Tapley) and 43 others; conductor, Mr H. F. Davie; deputy-conductor, Mr W. Goughian; band sergeant, Mr A. Adamson; secretary, Mr J. F. Pr'aer; treasurer, Mr g'. Mi!wa.rd; General Committee—Messrs R.’ Shannon, R. Farquharson, 11. A. Osten W. Clarkson, J. Harbutt, and R. Butler; auditors, Messrs R. M'Donald and T. Tyrrellcustodians, S. Boatwood and I. Goughian. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair and the retiring officials.