GORE BAND

Southland Times, Issue 21773, 30 July 1932, Page 7

GORE BAND

ANNUAL MEETING.

A SATISFACTORY YEAR.

The annual meeting of the Gore Brass Band was held last evening, the president, Mr F. S. Graham, presiding over a large attendance of members. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report states:—The past year has witnessed many changes in 'the personnel of the band, the most outstanding one being the change of conductor. After serving the band for many years in this capacity, Mr E. J. McDowall, in view of business and private reasons, resigned his office and Mr G. H. Mitchell was appointed in his stead. A complimentary social was tendered Mr McDowall on the eve of his retirement. As regards the financial position, we commenced the year with a debit of £9 11/6, and finished with a debit of £4l 3/2, which, considering all circumstances (loss of engagements, etc.), must be considered very satisfactory. The alarming financial item, however, is the urgent need of new instruments and uniforms, and in view of this a citizens’ committee has been set up to assist in keeping the finances in a sound position in the meantime. The Sunday evening concerts which were started last year have been continued, and have helped to maintain a good playing standard, as well as assisting the finances. To the artists who have come forward so willingly to assist on these occasions, to Mr Holmes for the continued use of the Regent Theatre, to Mrs Richardson for the use of her piano, and to Mr A. T. Newman and others for their practical assistance we feel deeply indebted, and trust that they will see fit to assist us again in the future. The full quota of open-air concerts has also been given; in fact more public appearances were made last year than has been the case for a considerable period. The number of active members has fluctuated very much during the year, at times going as high as 25 and as low as 17; however, we hope to get some of the old players back and this will improve the playing standard considerably. _ A learners’ class has been started during the winter months; some of the beginners have made rapid progress and should be taking their place at _ the stands. In conclusion, the committee Has to thank all those who have assisted financially and otherwise during the past year, and appeals to all active members to give of their very best in order to make the coming term a memorable one in the history of the band. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the president said that in common with many other institutions in the town, the band had a trying time and had made a loss of £3O on the year’s working. When it was considered, however, that the board had lost a number of paying engagements and had also purchased instruments to the value of £5O, the position was not a serious one. The assets of the band amounted to a considerable sum and he considered that there was no need for concern in regard to its finance.

The band had recently decided to issue membership tickets and this . had brought in a fair amount of additional revenue. In the town there were many ex-band members and would be of great assistance to the band if they took a keener interest in it. The motion was seconded by Mr A. T. Newman, who stated that although there had been a feeling among band members that they had not received a sufficient measure of support from the public, he was sure that if the bandsmen continued to be enthusiastic the band would receive greater encouragement when times became normal. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The following office-bearers were elected: Patrons, Messrs D. McDougall, M.P., and :he Mayor (Mr A. T. Newman); president, Mr F. S. Graham; vice-presidents, Messrs G. Whittingham and N. Robson; secretary, Mr G. Brown; treasurer, Mr G. Garrick; auditor, Mr W. D. Shelton; drummajor, Mr A. Taylor; librarians, Messrs L. Giles and A. Browning; custodian, Mr _A. Wilson; committee, Messrs A. Anderson, R. Thomson, A. Martin, A. Robertson and J. Thomson.

The Mayor presented the Smith Cup, donated for the most enthusiastic bandsman during the year, to Mr L. S. Turnbull and congratulated him upon the fact that it had been the third occasion on which he had gained this distinction.