STRATFORD CITIZENS' BAND

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LVIII, Issue 20, 19 June 1926, Page 5

STRATFORD CITIZENS' BAND

ANNUAL MEETING. POOR ATTENDANCE OF PUBLIC. There was an attendance of about twenty-five at the postponed annual meeting of the Stratford Citizens' Band which took place in the Municipal Chambers last night. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. W. McMillan), R. Masters, A. E. Hunter, P. Thomson, P. Coe. ' Mr P. Skoglund presided, and regretted that the attendance of members of the general public was not larger. That could only be taken as an indication that the public were satisfied with the manner in which the affairs of the Band were being conducted, and with the endeavours of those responsible to form a firstclass band. Those members of the public who were present he thanked for their interest.

The annual report and balancesheet, already published, were then discussed, their adoption being moved by Mr P. Skoglund, who said they had been successful in p substantially reducing the overdraft, which was eminently satisfactory. Referring to the art union, the speaker spoke of the delay in commencing tie sale of tickets, and explained that delay, which was quite unavoidable. If present indications could be taken as a guide, there should be a profit from the art union. In conclusion, Mr Skoglund extended thanks to tfie bandsmen for the way in which they had stuck together and attended practices. Now that a Taranaki Bands* Union had been formed the intention was to hold a provincial contest probably in September or October. 'fi In seconding the adoption, Cogar spoke on the necessity ■■'_. pi lighting the bandstand on Victoria Park, •.- v- . - ,>. *l£':

Mr A. J. Barr spoke in support, ana congratulated the Band on the progress made during the year. 'The finances, he.said, would not permit of any sum being placed aside for depreciation on the uniforms, and fie thought that some provision should,; be made for any contingency which j might arise in this regard. !">■■ Mr S. Dunbar expressed the opinion that the asset provided to the town by the Band was one of the best. People would not realise that asset unless, like him, they had lived in a town Without a band; He regretted that there was not a larger attendance of the public, and.expressed the opinion that the Chamber pJT Commerce and Progress League, to say nothing of. some members of the Borough Council, should haye shown ! their : appreciation of the Band by their presence. v Mr H.S. Martin spoke in support, and expressed regret that the Band was not better supported by the puti-i lie. .;'.;; .'."'•..' '.'■■"',"- - ".' >-••_;- -y . In reply,, Mr Skoglund, pointed out that the Council would s go into tEe * matter of lighting the bandstand in the Park after the change-over had ! been completed. The Council, He thought, supported the Band in a satisfactory manner and gave a subsidy of £IOO per annum, which was, he thought, in excess Jof the amount paid by other Councils to other bands. , VICE-PRESIDENTS. On the motion of Mr H. Burmester, it was decided to increase the number of vice-presidents from one-16 Ave. ■- ■ ';*".;:'' ;•'■ ELECTION OF OFFICERS? fj * The election of Officers resulted as", follows: ,)' , ?^7;-...- ; '. '■. ; ,..yij ; : , Patron, Mr E. .Walter, MP.. , : President, Mr P. Thomson. Vice-presidents, His Worship tile Mayor (Mr J, W. McMillan), Messrs J. Orr, W. H. Kelly, S. Dunbar, A. pi Barr.i . ■ '•' ';•' ' .%■''•'' Secretary and Treasurer,' Mr 0. Moss. Mr Burmester declined nomination;' '" ; ■ - " ' Citizens' Representatives on the Executive, Messrs P. Skoglund, H. S.. Martin. Hon. Auditor, Mr R. Cogar. ;'| Mr A/Ji Barr, the retiring'auditor, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. for past services. VOTES OF THANKS. , <; ', A 'hearty vote of thanks was ac-:'■■ corded to Mr E. Walter, M.P., for his efforts in getting the date for closing of the art union extended. ? ; A vote of thanks was accorded tp'; the ladies' committee for the assist-; ance rendered in connection with various functions, and also to all those \ who had assisted the Band in the past. ;•...■.'; . ■•• ■ ';