PATEA MUNICIPAL BAND

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1934, Page 5

PATEA MUNICIPAL BAND

REPORT OF YEAR’S ACTIVITIES. EAGERNESS FOR IMPROVEMENT. A desire to give Patea a -better service was shown by members of the Patea Municipal Band at the annual meeting on Monday. The necessity fpr stricter discipline was admitted and the training of young players, it was said, had not been along progressive lines. Discussion revealed the band’s inability to produce from its own personnel a conductor with the qualifications required to direct and encourage its . efforts in order that its standard of service would merit the support of the public. It was hoped the offering of a small salary would induce someone to take the conductorship to inculcate a higher standard of discipline and musical attainment. With the help of the borough council’s subsidy and the credit balance it was resolved to advertise the position vacated by the retirement of Mr. P. S. Finlayson.

The report stated that attendances at practices were not as consistent as was desired, although the playing strength was fairly well maintained, despite the loss of several useful players. Parades outside had been held on 13 occasions, the band playing at the hospital, beach and assisting at several public events, including the Turi memorial celebrations, Anzac Day parade and service. The band was indebted to Mr. R. W. Haddow for the use of the band room and other assistance. Additions were made to the stock of music. The greatest handicap to good results was the old and worn state of many of the instruments. Until they were replaced the best results could not be obtained, the report concluded. A credit balance of £33 was reported. The chairman, Mr. F. Ramsbottom. congratulated the band on its creditable performance on Anzac Day and at the Turi memorial ceremonies. It rendered the town excellent service, of which it should be proud. The failure to receive help from the Hunter Shaw estate was regretted, but possibly a share of art union proceeds would help in the purchase of new instruments. Councillor Scott said greater co-op-eration among members would merit greater support. He thought more frequent and better advertised Sunday afternoon performances in the domain would prove attractive to the public and provide revenue. Band-Sergeant Carey said shortness of notice of engagements militated against good performances. Organisations advertised the band’s attendance sometimes a month'before the secretary was notified of the fixture.

Other speakers complimented the band on its performance and satisfactory financial position, the report and balancesheets being adopted. The election of officers resulted:— President, the Mayor (Mr. F. Ramsbottom); vice-presidents, re-elected without change; bandmaster, Sergeant A. A. Carey; secretary, Bandsman N. Coad; corporal, Bandsman R. Willis; Lancecorporal, Bandsman F. Stanford; librarians, Bandsmen D. Adams and J. Reid; committee, officers and Mr. C. H. Carey; honorary auditor, Mr. L. W. Austin. Mr. J. Reid was enrolled a bandsman. It was decided to invite applications for the position of conductor. Appreciation of the borough council’s continued interest and of the work of Mr. P. C. Finlayson, who expects to leave Patea soon, was expressed by members.

Visitors were entertained to supper at the close of the meeting, during which Mr. L. P. Clark on behalf of the Patea R.S.A. congratulated the band on the Anzac Day performance. PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. T. Burgess left Patea yesterday for Auckland, where he will spend his annual holiday. Mr. O’Hatloran, Woodville, will take his place for the next three weeks on the staff of the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. J. Bates, Rangititaua, has been appointed to take Mr. W. T. Armstrong’s position as headmaster at the Patea school, and will commence his duties at the beginning of June. The Rev. Aker, Norsewood, former Methodist minister at Patea. visited Patea early in the week.