ALEXANDRA,

Otago Witness, Issue 2695, 8 November 1905, Page 35

ALEXANDRA,

November 4. — On Thursday evening last a. public social -was tendered to the members of the Alexandra Brass Band. His Worship the Mayor had, taken the initiative in the matter, and, being supported by a committee of ladies, His efforts to make the function a success were recognised by a large section of the public as being in a right direction. Hence the large gathering of the admirers of the band manifested enthusiastic pleasure in the Mayor's action, and showed their appreciation of the meritorious work of the band in the late- contest at Winton. Dui'ing the evening his Worship the Mayor complimented the bandmaster on. the very creditable work the band had done at the late contest; and as the band was a. municipal one, he deemed it fitting that the public should recognise in this way the good work done to the credit of the town. He also desired to state that much of the credit was due to the untiring efforts of the drum-major (Mr I/aidlaw) in bringing ijie men up to a high state of efficiency in their drill. It was the drill, and not the music, he thought, that had won the Quickstep. As there was no prize for the drum-major, a number of townsmen had subscribed towards a small presentation for Mr Laidlaw, and he felt satisfied that Mr Laidlaw would accept thft presentation in the same- spirit that it was offered in. He had much pleasure in presenting the drum-major (Mr Laktlaw) with a handsome gold medal, and he would request Mrs Schaumaim, the Mayoress, to pin the medal on Mr Laidlaw's breast. This being dome, rounds of applause were given for the band and the drum-major, who, in accepting the presentation, suitably replied, eulogising the men for their devotion to work and their quick response to every order. The bandmaster, Mr William Bringans, spoke, in high terms of the bandsmen's devotion to practice, and laid special stress on the excellent conduct ofc the men during the whole trip to Winton and back. After the prize quartet had been played by the winners of the prizes, Mr Closs, who was invited by the Mayor to give an address, spoke stirringly on the benefits derived from band contests, and m concluding was loudly applauded. Several ladies and gentlemen gave their services in singing, and by so doing assisted largely to make the evening a very sociable one indeed.

Methodist Church Social -and Sale of "Work. —In connection with the Methodist Church a successful social and sale of work iook place yesterday- evening in the local school. The ladies of the congregation deserve credit for working up for sale such a variety of useful and dainty articles o£ weai. Mrs Hendercon sung two Satck songs m her usual finished slyle, and Mesbrs ILislam and Arnett did yeonien service during the evening. Mis& K.

Nieper played an organ solo and the usual accompaniments. MeEdames Steeie and Edniond presided at the stalls, and disposed of their goods most readily. The ready sale can be understood when shoddy was not on view.

Fire Brigade. — This Ijody has been practising most assiduously for some time past, with the object of taking part in the Fire Brigades' demonstration at Lawrence next ■neck. This evening the several competition events were demonstrated, and, as 1 far as one can judge, the men showed really good form. A street collection was taken up in aid of the. brigade's expenses. In regard to street collections, the public feeling is becoming somewhat tense, and the grumbling is not just loud, but it is somewhat deep. One can condone public street collections in aid of a hospital, but for other institutions to take up the undignified position of street collectors is, to say the least, most reprehensible. Now, as the Fire -Brigade exists wholly for the benefit of ratepayers, it falls on the Borough Council to see that th-e brigade is properly equipped and the- necessary equipment provided for out of the borough rates. But to provide funds to meet the expenses incurred in attending brigade demonstrations is no part of the duties of the- council. This should be done by those most directly interested in the brigade's efficiency; and those persons are the fire insurance companies doing business in -Alexandra, as well as the shopkeepers who are directly interested in maintaining the brigade in a . high state of efficiency. For the credit of the brigade—i ndeed, for the credit of the town — it is most sincerely to be desired that there be no 'more street collections in aid _of _any institution the hospital or, perhaps, the Salvation Army.