ST. KILDA BAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22632, 25 July 1935, Page 16

ST. KILDA BAND

ANNUAL MEETING The thirty-fourth annual meeting of the St. Kilda Municipal Band was held last evening, the president (Mr J. L. Gardiner) occupying the chair. The chairman referred to the death of Mr W. G. Griffin, the late town clerk of St. Kilda borough, who had always taken a keen interest in the band, and members stood in silence as a mark of respect. The president welcomed to the meeting the Mayor of Dunedin (the Rev. E. 1. Cox), saying he had always been a good friend to the band, Mr Gardiner also welcomed the new conductor, Mr A. W. E. Webb, of Wauganui. REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET. The annual report read as follows: — " The balance has been considerably reduced, due to the necessity of procuring a complete set of uniforms, but, notwithstanding the heavy expense of the .veai, the position at present must be regarded as very satisfactory. The membership of the band at present numbers 30, and it is fortunate in retaining practically the si.me personnel as the previous year. The attendance at rehearsals and engagements has been very satisfactory, but there is still room for improvement. An inducement for members to give added interest is the possibility of being selected to attend the South Australian centenary festival in 1936 should the band again secure the championship at New Plymouth. The outstanding feature of the year's activities was the band's participation in the contest held at Timaru in February last. The consistent practice produced a rich and well-earned reward, the band gaining first place in the test selections and quickstep. The final results placed the band on top, and it was acclaimed the champion band of New Zealand, securing the handsome gold cup competed for for the first time. It is only fitting at this stage specially to refer to the wonderful enthusiasm" of the gifted and loyal conductor, Mr James Dixon. It was due to him and his untiring efforts that such a success has been achieved, and members extend to him their hearty congratulations. In the quickstep competition the band once again secured first place. Mr Donaldson, drum major, has the bands hearty congratulations on again securing the drum major's medal, this being his seventh medal in succession for highest military points in the quickstep. The band offers its congratulations to members of the trombone trio, Messrs J. Marshall, R. Miller and R. Coughlan, who secured first place in this section, also to Messrs A. Winslade, J. Lees and W. Wallace, who obtained first place in the baritone and drum solos respectively. Messrs A. Harrod (bass) and R. Colvin (cornet) were placed second. It is regretted that Mr Dixon has found it necessary to sever his connection as conductor of the band. For the past 13 years the band has prospered • under his guidance, having attended every contest during that period, gaining New Zealand Championship honours on two occasions, and sharing in the prize money at each contest. Although retiring from the position, Mr Dixon will willingly give his wholehearted support to Mr E. Webb, who lias been annOinted in his stead. Members regret to learn of the illness' of Mr J. W. Cleavin, one of the vice-presidents, and express a hope for his speedy recoverv." Moving the adoption of the annual report, the chairman congratulated the band on its successful year. The achievement of providing new uniforms, paying the expenses of the band at the Timaru contest, securing new music, etc., and then coming out at the end of the year with n credit balance showed that in Mr Homer (the secretary) and Mr Paterson (the treasurer) and the committee there was a very efficient and energetic executive. The fact that the winning band at the next contest would be sent to Australia to compete practically demanded that the St. Kilda Band should go to the contest, and he trusted that, the incoming committee would enthusiastically explore every avenue to raise the necessary funds. While he very much regretted that Mr Dixon felt it necessary, to resign the leadership, at the same time lie felt' that they had a worthy successor in Mr Webb, and he heartily wished him and the band a continuation of success; The motion was seconded by. one of the vice-presidents, Mr G. J. Errington, who expressed the hope that the band would progress in ,the future as in the past. He paid a personal tribute to Mr Dixon and his servces to the band. The Mayor said he was glad to see that the band had done well not only in the competitions but had also progressed financiallv. He wished also to pay his personal tribute to Mr Dixon, who had brought the bond to a great stage of efficiency and was retiring with full honours. Mr Dixon's personality had won him the support of all sections of the community. Mr Cox remarked that the band was fortunate in securing the services of Mr Webb, who was from his old cityof Wanganui \*iiere he had shown considerable abilitv. Concluding, he said the band should go to Australia next year whether it won the contest or ndt, as it would do it a great deal of good. Several other speakers also expressed their congratulations to the band and their appreciation of Mr Dixon's work. The motion was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of officers resulted astfollovs: —President. Mr J. L. Gardiner, vice-presidents—Messrs J. C. H. Somerville, J. D. Hunter, K. Maxwell, A. Chambers. A. E. Moorhead. 0. G. Miller, C. E; Besg, J. Loudon. H. Turley, R. Dawson, R. M'Lellan. E. Longworth, J. A. Carman, A. H. Newall, W. Keith Cameron. G. J. Errington. J. T. Leech, F. Cieavin, A. Wardrop, Mr H. H. Leary (Mayor of St. Kilda), and members of the St. Kilda Council; conductor. Mr A. W. E. Webb; deputy-conductor. Mr C. Miller; drum major. Mr W. Donaldson; secretary, Mr A. G. Homer; Measurer. Mr L; Paterson; committee —Messrs T. Williams', Goort'e Christie, A. Winslade, A. Harood. C. Miller, R. Colvin; custodian and librarian, Mr W. Wallace; assistant custodian and librarian. Mr J. W. M'Cabe; auditor, Mr George Davidson. Mr James Dixon was elected a lifemember of the band. SOCIAL FUNCTION. At the close of the business of the meeting 6iipper was s.erved, and an enjoyable social function followed. Proposing the toast of "The President," Mr G. J. Errington presented Mr Gardiner with a handsome framed photograph of the band. The toast of "The Vice-presidents" was proposed by Mr A. G. Homer, who presented one of their number, Mr J. D. Hunter, with a framed photograph of the band. —Mr Hunter responded, and was followed by Messrs J. Loudon, G. Glue, W. J. Lovell. G. J. Errington, and W. Keith Cameron. ' Other toasts honoured were:—," The St. Kilda Borough Council" (Mr W. Keith Cameron—Mr 11. Hinton); "The New Conductor " (Mr James Dixon—Mr A. W. E. Webb); " Tho Ex-eonducto'r" (Mr G. Christie —M l ' James Dixon); " The Secretary" (Mr T. Williams— Mr A. G. Homer).