PATEA BOROUGH BRASS BAND.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 26 June 1914, Page 2

PATEA BOROUGH BRASS BAND.

Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Pates Borough Brass Baud was held io the Druids’ Hall on Monday night, M 0. A. Larcombe presiding. The minutes of tbe last annua meeting were read and confirmed. The report dud balance sheet which was read and adopted showed a credi balance of nearly £2O. Report. _ Your committee have pleasure in presenting t heir annual report and balance sheet, and, on behalf of the officers of tbe Band, expressing satis* faction with tbe past years work. From tbe balance sheet it will be noticed that had it not been for the proceeds of a picnic and concert the Band wouid have been in debt. During the past year it has only been by the strictest economy that your committee have been able to make ends meet; and at the latter end of the year tbe funds beoame so straitened that it was necessary to invoke the aid of a number of talented people in producing a concert in aid of the funds. Thanks to the willing assistance received and the hearty support of the public on this occasion some £2O were raised and as yon will notice practically constitutes bur credit balance. Daring the summer season. Mr Tait gave an up-river picniojfor tbe Band which augumented the funds to the extent of £B. The Bands heartiest thanks are due to Mr Tait for the free use of his launch, as well as tbe trouble he and his friends went to in assisting the Band, In view of the fact that there seems to be no prospect of obtaining paid engagements locally, the committee strongly recommend that every reasonable means be used to build up tbe funds into a satisfactory condition. It must be borne in mind that as instruments deteroriate rapidly the Band should have funds to cover depreciation as well as actual working expenses With this in view the Committee intend as early as possible to bring forward suggessions for the improvement of the finances. The Baud gave several outdoor concerts during the year, and as customary also assisted several local institutions. It may be particularly mentioned that as a result of two Sunday concerts in the Town Hall, the Band were able to hand nearly £9 to the Hall Committee for the purpose of improving the grounds. Musically the Band has without doubt

maintained an excellent standard many favourable comments on their s performances having been heard. The knowledge that the playing is satisfactory should stimulate tbe members to practise assiduously both at home as well as in the practice room. The recent concert that was given for the Band funds was a groat success from every point of view, and the Band’s heartiest thanks are due to those who went to so much trouble in producing such a fine engagement. Thanks are also due to Bandsmen McComisky and Spooner for assistance rendered in printing posters, etc. lu conclusion, whilst expressing satisfaction with the past year’s work, the Committee beg to remind the members of the necessity of maintaining the present excellent standard of playing by constaut home practice as well as regular attendance at rehearsals as such will without doubt gain the approval and support of the public, which, considering the state of the finances, is of such vital importance to the Band.”

The Chairman congratulated the members of the Band on the satisfactory results of the years work.

The election of officers for the en* suing year resulted as follows : President, Mr A Christensen ; Chair, man of OiUzms Committee, Mr 0 A Larcombe ; Citizens Committee, Messrs A J Cooper and E E Wells ; Band Master, Mr A B Christensen ; Band Sergeant, Mr A Y Baxter ; Librarian Mr G Chatteris; Secretary, Mr W Spooner ; Treasurer, Mr A B Chris*, teneen ; Band Committee, Messrs W McComisky, F Spooner and F Ramsbottom, A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the retiring officers. A similar vote was passed to the chair and the. 'meeting terminated.