GORE PIPE BAND

Southland Times, Issue 20539, 16 July 1928, Page 4

GORE PIPE BAND

ANNUAL MEETING AND SMOKE SOCIAL. The annual meeting and social of the Gore Pipe Band was held in the Town Hall on Saturday evening, the Mayor, Mr D. McDougall, presiding over a large attendance of members, visiting pipers and supporters of the band. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated that the financial position of the band was very satisfactory indeed. During the past 12 months the revenue had amounted to £BB 0/1 while the expenses had been £26 17/3, leaving a credit balance of £6l 2/10. For the first 12 months in which the fund had been in operation, the result was very gratifying. The thanks of the band were due to the Gore Borough Council for its donation towards the band funds and also to Mr A. D. Crawford and the Browns Pipe Band, who had also assisted the band financially. The attendance of members at band practices had been very regular and the progress made from a playing point of view had been very gratifying. It was hoped that during the coming year members would continue to take the same interest and that its membership would be further strengthened. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the chairman stated that the members had every reason to feel pleased with the season’s operations. The band had now a very satisfactory credit balance, but in view of its requirements in the way of new uniforms, it should endeavour to still further increase its revenue. With Mr Learmont, the president of the Pipers’ and Dancers’ Club, he had been responsible for the Borough Council’s subsidy to the band being granted again this year. He would be in favour of having the subsidy increased as he recognized that the band was an asset to the town and had always given its services very willingly when asked and voluntarily. The motion was seconded by Mr M. J. Sexton and carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected:— Drum-major, Mr E. McGregor; Pipe Major, Mr M. J. Sexton; Pipe Sergeant, Mr M. Parker; Pipe corporal, Mr R. Graham; Drum sergeant, Mr J. Broom; Drill Instructor, Mr A. H. W. Aitken. SOCIAL GATHERING. Following on the annual meeting a very successful smoke concert was held during which a number of appropriate toasts were honoured. The toast of the “Band” was proposed by Mr W. L. McGoldrick, who stated that in the past the band had held a very high reputation, but he was sure it would do even better in the future. At the recent piping competition held at Gore the local bandsmen had earned very high praise from visiting competitors both in regard to their playing and to their hospitality. At one time Invercargill had the finest pipe band in the Dominion, and he could see no reason why in time to come the Gore band should not be in as high a position. All that was required was for members to take an interest in their work, to attend practices regularly and to receive the support of the public. It was gratifying to find the band in such a fine position financially, but the purchase of new uniforms would be an expensive item. The Gore Gala Committee was under a debt of gratitude to the band for its excellent support during gala week. If it was decided to hold a gala again this year he would suggest that one day and evening be set aside as a means of increasing its revenue. The toast was responded to by Pipe-Major Sexton who thanked the proposer for his appreciative references to the work of the band. The toast of the patron, Mr McDougall, was proposed by Mr A. H. W. Aitken who referred to the keen interest taken in the band by the patron and to the assistance he had given the band financially. Mr D. McDougall in reply, said he desired to see the band progress and any application from the band for an increased subsidy would receive his support. Other toasts honoured were: “Visiting Pipers,” proposed by Mr C. Matthews responded to by Messrs J. Archibald, Wyndham, and Murdoch Watson, Browns; “Band Supporters” proposed by Mr J. B. Kerr and responded to by Mr J. Spark; “Kindred Societies,” proposed by Mr W. L. McGoldrick and responded to by Mr 8. Learmont, president of the Gore Pipers and Dancers’ Club and Mr A. H. W. Aitken. During the evening an interesting programme of musical and elocutionary items was given.