CIVIC BAND

Southland Times, Issue 19897, 16 June 1926, Page 9

CIVIC BAND

GENERAL MEETING. INITIAL APPEARANCE DECIDED ON. The first general meeting of the Invercargill Civic Band was held in the Y.M.C.A. last evening Mr W. Macalister presiding over a large attendance of active and associate members. In his explanatory remarks the chairman referred to the successful career of the late Hibernian Band under the conductorship of Mr A. R. Wills. The Hibernian Band, said the speaker, had been an excellent one, and although it had been every bit as much a 'civic band at it was hoped to make the present organisation, it was regarded in softie quarters in a totally different light and it consequently languished for want of public support. However, the old band had been wound up, and now a new organisation had been formed, called the Invercargill Civic Band Society, consisting of playing and associate members. At the present time the list of associate members totalled 40, these being persons who were interested in band music and who were anxious to see the band a success. It was hoped that the number of honorary members would be increased three or four fold in the near future for by this means the band would enjoy a much more substantial financial foundation, while it would be established on a much more broader basis than was the Hibernian Band, for instance. Proceeding Mr Macalister recounted the initial steps taken to form and register the new society. While awaiting the completion of registration, he added, the various office-bearers and officials had been elected and it would be the business of the meeting to confirm these appointments. Assets aggregating roughly from £BOO to £lOOO had been taken over from the Hibernian Band by the Civic Band Society and the liabilities amounted only to about £l5O. Thus the new band was starting off on a very satisfactory footing which was made all the more promising by the facilities afforded for honorary membership. Concluding Mr Macalister explained that a senior band of 22 members, a learners class of 36 beginners, in addition to the honorary members brought the total membership up to 98. APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED. The following appointments, made prior to the registration of the society, were confirmed:— Patron, the Mayor of Invercargill) ; president, Mr W. Macalister; vice-presidents, Messrs R. A. Anderson and D. W. McKay; conductor, Mr A. R. Wills; drum-major, Mr E. C. Kelly; bandmaster, Mr S. P. Hudson; secretary, Mr P. J. Fotheringham; Executive Committee, Messrs W. Macalister, R. A. Anderson, D. W. McKay, S. P. Hudson, R. A. Wills and E. C. Kelly. INITIAL CONCERT The chairman, in broaching the matter of the band’s first public performance, stated that members had been practising assiduously for some time now, and it was considered that the band had attained a position which made it eligible to play out. The only point to be decided now was the date. Mr Wills stated that the matter had been discussed by the band and it was considered that the most satisfactory method of introduction to the Invercargill public would be by means of a concert in the Municipal Theatre. The band, of course, would not provide the whole programme, and it would be a matter for the executive to arrange the items and enlist the support of other sections of the community in regard to filling the programme. The band itself would be prepared to perform by the end of the month and June 30 was considered to be the most propitious date. It was carried as a recommendation to the executive that the prices of admission be 2s and Is. BAND UNIFORM. Mr Macalister next referred to the question of a uniform for the band, remarking that in the meantime it was advisable to hold the matter over, as the society was not in a position to purchase a new outfit. Mr J. Stevenson remarked that the cost of procuring a new set of uniforms would at least be £250. He agreed that the matter should be left in abeyance for a month or two. Mr Kelly: We want to know if you think it advisable to appear in the uniform of the old Hibernian Band or whether the band should play in mufti. Mr Macalister stated that there should be no objection at all to the band appearing in the uniform of the defunct organisation. Even as far as the latter was concerned the caption “Hibernian” had been a complete misnomer and as far as the new band was concerned there should be no objection to the wearing of the old uniform until such time as the society could finally decide what would be the permanent uniform. As far as he personally was concerned he regarded the green uniform of the Hibernian Band as a most attractive and a smart one and if they had been in a position to order a new one he would be inclined to suggest that it be of the same colour. Mr R. J. Gilmour agreed that the society could not possibly undertake the expenditure involved in the purchase of a’ new uniform. The band would not look well in mufti. On the motion of Messrs Gilmour and H. F. Drewe the following motion was thereafter carried:— “It is the opinion of this meeting that the band should wear the uniform of the defunct band, with the necessary alterations to the badge, until such time as the society is in a position to consider the purchase of a new uniform.” GENERAL MATTERS. A committee as follows was appointed to undertake the arranging of a concert:— Messrs E. C. Kelly, A. R. Wills, P. J. Fotheringham, Galloway and P. Shaw. Mr D. Cuthbertson was appointed auditor. Mr Macalister briefly expressed satisfaction at the successful establishment of the band and his confidence in its career, bespeaking the enthusiastic support of both active and associate members. Mr. Wills thanked the president and associate members for the assistance accorded in placing the band on such a satisfactory footing.