CIVIC BAND SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 25795, 5 October 1945, Page 3

CIVIC BAND SOCIETY

Annual Social Function

More than 100 members and supporters of the Invercargill Civic Band Society were present at the annual social held in the bandroom last night. A number of members recently returned after service overseas were present. The chairman was Mr W. J. Thomas, the president of the society. The band had a fine war record, but notwithstanding this it had always had a full muster during the war years, said Mi- C. B. Broad, in proposing the toast of the band. This was largely due to the efforts of the conductor, Mr A. R. Wills. The ranks had been filled by young players from the junior class and both they and Mr Wills deserved praise for the way in which they had kept the band going. It had always fulfilled its engagements during the war. He believed that the Civic Band was Invercargill’s leading band and they all hoped it would continue to be that. Replying to the toast of “Members Returned Front Overseas,” Mr V. Durant said that the fact that the band had been kept going had meant much to them and he thought they were all anxious to rejoin its ranks. He wanted them to know how much servicemen appreciated bands overseas. After weeks and weeks without amusement it was a great thing to be able to hear- a band and he thought most servicemen would travel any distance to hear a band or an orchestra. Seeing the band at the station on their return meant niuch to them, he said.

After congratulating the band on its work during the year the Mayor, Mr A. Wachner, said that it was up to the people of the city to give it their support. What was a city without a band? asked Mr Wachner. Most persons were inclined to take it for granted, but life would be a poor thing without it. At any public occasion, community rejoicing or welcome home the band was in the front. Therefore, it was up to them to give full support to one of the most important civic amenities—the band.

The way in which bands were subsidized by the City Council was criticized by ,Mr Thomas, in replying to the toast of the City Council. He would like to see it put on a different basis. It was a bad thing that bands had to go cap in hand to the council each year. They played an important part in the community and they deserved better treatment. Once the city had had a volunteer fire brigade, but now it had a community one. He hoped it would not be long before the bands were placed on a similar basis.

The following toasts were honoured:—“The King”; “The Civic Band” (Mr C. B. Broad— Mr A. M. Wills); “Members Returned From Overseas” (Mr F. J. Forbes —Mr V. Durant);

“Kindred Bands” (Mr E. C. Kelly—Messrs C. C. Miller. M. Tait); “Associate Members and Supporters” (Mr G. King—Mr D. W. Stalker); “Ladies’ Committee” (Mr H. W. Boyer—Mrs A. Lee); “City Council” (Mr W. Graeve —Mr A. Wachner and Mr Thomas); “Collectors and Helpers” (Mr G. Humphrey— Mr G. Parry); Performers and Press (Mr A. Lee—Mr A. Wilson).