BLUFF NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22067, 14 July 1933, Page 12

BLUFF NOTES

PRESENTATION. (From Our Correspondent). ’ On Monday afternoon a pleasant little function took place in the office of the > Shaw, Savill and Albion Company ’ when the staff to the number of about eighteen gathered to make a presentation to the manager, Mr P. Clark, who is leaving on Thursday to take over the management of the Port Chalmers branch of the company. Mr E. Parsons, who succeeds Mr Clark as manager at Bluff, made the presentation on behalf of the staff of a figured bronze electric table lamp suitably inscribed. In doing so Mr Parsons said that the news _ of- Mr Clark’s impending departure had been received with deep regret by the staff,’ to whom he had invariably been most considerate. His absence after years cf happy association would be felt by all, though their regret was tempered by the knowledge that Mr Clark had received well-earned promotion. Mr Parsons concluded by wishing the • guest health, happiness and prosperity in his new sphere. Mr J. Officer (representing Messrs F. A. Webb, accountants and auditors, Invercargill) endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks and said that relations between Mr Clark and his own firm had been always cordial. It was generally realized that J he Bluff branch of the Shaw, Savill Ccmpany was losing a conscientious and capable manager. He felt sure Mr Clark’s future career would be a most successful one. Mr C. P. Horne paid a tribute to the guest, both for the latter’s ability in the service of the company he had so ably represented in Bluff for thirteen years and his estimable qualities as a citizen. He also wished the guest a happy and prosperous future. In responding Mr Clark expressed regret at leaving Bluff and at separating from the company’s staff here which was a highly efficient one. At all times friendly relations had prevailed and the members of the staff had invariably given him loyal assistance. He felt sure the same loyalty would be extended to his successor, Mr ! Parsons, and he was confident also the latter would carry on the work with credit and success. Mr Clark sincerely thanked those present fo. their handsome gift and concluded with the hope they would all enjoy the good luck they had wished him. The function concluded with cheers for Mr and Mrs Clark and their son. Band Concert. A sacred concert was given on Sunday evening by the Watersiders’ Band and assisting artists and the attendance was probably a record for the season for an entertainment of this nature, the Town Hall being comfortably filled. Mr W. T. Walker (band secretary) was chairman. Under Conductor E. Bigwood the band gave an excellent account of itself, the playing emphasizing the fact that it is now a fine combination of instrumentalists and a decided asset to the town. Although the standard maintained throughout by both the individual artists and the band was a high one, the item probably making the most general appeal to the audience was the first appearance of the local boys’ band in public. Naturally in a first public performance of youthful musicians one would be prepared to overlook much; but on Sunday night, under the conductorship of Mr W. Newman and assisted by Mr Reg. Ashwell (comettist) the boys gave such a capital performance that it was difficult to realize they were making their initial bow to the public. Those in the band are. Masters E. White, B. Harland. J. Walker, C. Ashwell, C. Ball, O. Randle, If. Hawke, W. Couchman, E. Guynan, L. Rolinson In introducing them to the audience, Mr Walker paid a tribute to the work of Messrs E. Bigwood (bandmaster) and W. Newman (deputybandmaster). It would give an idea of how these gentlemen had given their time in the service of the band, the chairman said, when it was shown that in the past year they had attended ninety-two practices with the Water-

siders’ Band and seventy-two with the Boys’ Band, a hundred and sixty-four attendances in all. In addition to this they had been present at the bandroom on many other occasions in connection with band matters. Mr Newman had been very painstaking in coaching the boys and had obtained first class results in his effort to fit them for a place in the senior band. To Messrs Bigwood and Newman the thanks of all local band supporters were due. The hymn “Irwell Springs” was played by the boys and in response to a further demand by the audience “Lead Kindly Light” was given, both selections being played with remarkable balance and feeling. The fact that each of the items given by supporting artists was encored indicates that the audience found pleasure in the way the numbers were rendered. Two prominent vocalists in Miss D. Stalker and Mr L. Giles were responsible for songs which pleased listeners greatly, while violin solos by Mr B. Mehaffey and trombone solos by Mr T. Stalker were rendered with great artistry. Items by an instrumental trio, composed of Messrs N. Bradshaw (piano), Mehaffey (violin) and Stalker (flute) made an instant appeal to the audience. .Miss M. McKenzie, A.T.C.L., and Mr Bradshaw were the accompanists. In addition to the above, Mr Norman Bradshaw’s party, consisting of himself, the Misses K. Bradshaw, B. and I. West and Messrs H. Ryan and E. Rita delighted the audience with vocal and instrumental numbers of Maori melodies, given with such complete understanding and harmony that extra items were insistently demanded. The same flattering recognition was accorded melodies rendered by the West family (a very musical combination) and Mr H. Ryan’s party. The : band’s programme was: Hymn, “Abide With Me”; sacred selectic “The Conqueror’s Palm”; fantasias, “Rusticus,” “Helvetia”; marches, “Mount Hobson,” : “Freedom and Honour,” “Newtown”; National Anthem. Before the concert ; ended Mr Walker expressed the thanks of the band for the fine attendance and the excellent reception given ' throughout the evening. Watersiders’ Band. There was a very satisfactory attendance at the recently held annual meet- , ing of the Bluff Watersiders’ Band. > The president, Mi - W. K. Cameron, oc- | cupied the chair and in welcoming ■ those present expressed pleasure at > seeing such a number’ taking an interest in band matters. The annual report tabled by the hon. j secretary, Mr W. T. Walker, stated ,

that the band had passed through a very successful year considering present conditions. The balance carried forward from June 193? was £l4O 5/-, and a further’ £99 15/- earned this year brought the total to £240. Expenditure amounted tc £199 11/8, the principal item being £lOO paid to Bluff Watersiders’ Union as an instalment on the purchase of instruments. (After the closing of the books a further £l5 had been paid, leaving a balance of £3O still owing which it is hoped to pa l ' off ’ an early date). At the .'nd of June in the present year the band’s bank balance stood at £42 9/-. The membership of players at present stands at 22 including the conductor. In addition there are 12 young players who will shortly be drafted into the band. These have been in training for about nine months and thanks are due to the bandmaster (Mr E. Bigwood) and deputy-bandmaster (Mr W. Newman) for their untiring efforts on behalf of the boys and the band. We regret that Mr G. Valentine has resigned from the band owing to illness in his family. Mr Valentine has rendered valuable service over a

period of years and to him we tender our sincere thanks. The band has fulfilled all civic engagements throughout the year, appearing 28 times in that period. An excursion was made to Stewart Island during the Easter holidays and through the efforts of the band £l5 went to the Island R.S.A. funds. Thanks are due to Captain Hamilton of the s.s. Tamatea who conveyed the band free of charge for the trip and extended an assurance of free transport whenever the band wishes to go again. The officials of the band have carried out their duties in a very satisfactory manner. This applies particularly to Mr C. Hardy (librarian) and Lance-Corporal J. Johnston to whom the excellently kept records in the appearance book are due. It is pleasing to note that the assets of the band are valued at between £5OO and £6OO, so it will be seen the position is satisfactory. The report closed with an appreciation by the secretary of the unfailing courtesy of the officials and the co-operation extended at all times to him by the committee. The Mayor of Bluff (Mr T. F. Doyle) who is also patron of the band, congratulated the latter on its fine record and organization and the high standard of playing attained. The band, his Worship said, had served the community very well indeed and had always shown a readiness to co-operate in movements for the benefit of the town. The Mayor’s remarks were endorsed by the chairman and Mr J. Cameron. Mr Walker suitably replied and on behalf of the band thanked all who had assisted in making the past year a successful one. Tlie meeting was of a most cordial nature, the utmost harmony and enthusiasm prevailing throughout. The election of officers resulted as follows: Patron, Mr T. F. Doyle; president, Mr W. K. Cameron; hon. secretary, Mr W. T. Walker; bandmaster, Mr E. Bigwood; deputy-bandmaster, Mr W. Newman; committee, Messrs J. Cameron, T. Fowler, D. Wares, G. Valentine, C. Hardy. Pipe Band, A meeting of Bluff Pipe Band members and supporters was held in the band room on Wednesday evening and was largely attended, a number of ladies being amongst those present. The chair was occupied by the Mayor (Mr T. F. Doyle). Selections were played by the band, under Pipe-Major C. Parker who also contributed several solo numbers, and these were greatly appreciated. The meeting had been called, the chairman said, for the purpose of discussing the finances of the band and considering ways and means of raising the necessa - funds for the purchase of equipment. So far no appeal had been made to the public for support and its funds had come from members’ fees and voluntary subscriptions.

After a general discussion it was unanimously decided to hold a Scottish concert in the Town Hall on July 27 with first class local and Invercargill talent. It was further decided to appoint delegates to confer with the Chief of the St. Andrew’s Society with the object of getting his advice and assistance in the matter. All present were elected as a committee to make the necessary preparations for the concert. A proportion of the net proceeds from the Scottish night will be devoted to the local unemployment relief fund.