DINNER AND PRESENTATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1012, 3 August 1883, Page 2

DINNER AND PRESENTATION.

Luy niyht a mu«». enjoyable festiv took place in the Somerset Hotel, where Mr Geo. Hoskins, Bandmaster ef the Ashburton Brass Band, was entertained at dinner by the members. The table did honor to Host Hill, and ample justice was done to his viands by the guests. Mr J. Mac Leah Dunn, Secretary of the local Orchestral Society, was Chairman, and after the cloth was removed gave the usaal loyal and patriotic toasts, which, as all present had at one time or other been in Her Majesty’s service as Volunteers and taken the oath of loyalty, were enthusiastically received. The Chairman then gave the toast of the evening—“ The health of the Bandmaster, Mr George Hoskins.” In doing so the speaker paid a high compliment to Mr Hoskins’ ability as a musician, and attributed much cf the Band’s present efficiency to this, and to his genial tact—which exercised a gentle and kindly but at the same time effective discipline. He (the Chairman) was glad to learn that the very best feeling pervaded the members of the band towards each other, and while such a state of things existed, the work of a band-master was comparatively easy. He was not at all surprised to fir d the good foeling of the members towards their chief taking the form of expression which the meeting that night .. represented, for during the five years he had known Mr Hoaken he had over found him an enthusiastic lover of music, willing to make any sacrifice to popularise the’ art he loved .with the people among whom he resided, and withal a genial and kindhearted citizen, student of music who came to Mr Hoskins There wa« no young would-be player or asking- musical aid or instruction who aver yent away disappointed. (Hear, hear).’ > Mr Hoskins had had, as all masters of a young band had, much to contend aganst. But thinks to his own energy, talent and perseverance, and the same j£obd qualities in the members, the bapdwat *now quite as good for its opportunities, as any brass band in the colony. (Applause). The Chairman then asked Band-Ser-geant Hyde to perform the task that had been allotted to him.

Sergeant Hyde said that task was one he was very proud at having been selected to perform, and the task itself was, he was sure, the most pleasant that had fallen to the lot of any present that night. - It was to present to Mr Hoskins a handsome black marble clock, bearing a suitable inscription, a purse containing fifteen sovereigns, and an address to Mr Hoskins by the members of the band, and bearing the signature of each member. He would not with any words of his own forstalle- that address but would read it as 't stood, bsing as it was ihe whole band’s expression of good will towards the recipient. Sergeant Hyde then read the address as follows : T 6 Mr George Hoskins, Bandmaster of the Ashburton Brass Band. Sir, —The undersigned members of the Ashburton Brass Band desire you to accept their assurances of gratitude towards you for the zeal you have displayed, in cultivating such mus ; cal ability as they possess, during the three years you" have been their bandmaster. The progress the Band has made under your care has been trost marked, arid the acknowledged high position attained is undoubtedly owing in a very great measure to your ability. Desirous of acknowledging in some tangible form your disinterested labors in their behalf, they request you to accept at their hands the accompanying time-piece and purse of- sovereigns; not that they look upon these as any recompense at all for your labo A, but that the members desire you to accept them as tokens of the respect they entertain for yourself, and of recognition of the many sacrifices you cannot but have made in their interest.—[Signed by all the members of the Band].’ To that address Sergeant Hyde would add nothing. He had known Mr Hoskins for many years, and. had found him an enthusiastic musician, well fitted for the position he held as bandmaster, and, what was quite as good a thing to say of him, also a kind and .faithful friend, not only to him (Sergeant Hyde) but to all who enjoyed his intimacy. (Loud applause). He hoped the bandmaster would accept those presents in the spirit in which they were given, and trusted that he would enjoy long lifo and happiness. (Great applause.) - The toast was then drunk with enthusiasm. Mr Hoskins felt that the most difficult task of the evening had fallen to himself. It may have perhaps been very pleasant to the chairman and to Sergeant Hyde to speak in the kindly and complimentary way they had done, but to himself it was not so pleasant, because ha knew within himself that the complimentary things had not been wholly deserved. He knew his shortcomings too well, and his only regret in connection with the band was that it had not a better master. So long as he had only his own cornet to attend to he fancied he could get along with comparative ease, but the larger duties of bandmaster he was afraid were not fulfilled as they ought to be, and as the band deserved. Had there been other than the most complete harmony in the band —he meant without the instruments (laughter) he would never have been able to get along at all. But he was glad to say that every member’s feeling seamed to be to further the band’s interests, and to do nothing that would In any way hinder its progress or mar the good feeling that obtained. He had on several occasions found it necessary, for the sake of strengthening weak points, to ask first players to go back to second. The changes had always been accepted by them.with promptitude, and a recognition that they were made for the good of the band, and he never heard even a murmur of displeasure. (Bear, hear.) With a band composed of men of such a kindly nature, it was easy to see in what direction the credit should go. He accepted their handsome tokens of good will towards him, and was quite sure that every time his eye rested on the face of that time-piece he would be reminded of the friends he possessed among the members of the band. (Cheers.) Mr Harry Funge gave “ The Borough Council,” coupling with the toast the name of Mr Richard Jenkins. The toast was heartily drunk. Mr Jenkins didn’t know what they had coupled his name with the toast for. He had nothing to do with the Ceunoil at all —unless in the way of laying their street channelling. So long as they did plenty of that ho would always be happy to respond to their health. (laughter.) But the Council had been very kind to the band, and thanks to the energy of Cr St Hill, who had brought the matter before the Council, the City Fathers had erected a nice platform in Baring square for the band to play on. In consequence of this the Saturday evening performances which would soon be renewed again, could now be given with the least discomfort to the players. He was quite sure the Baud fully appreciated the Council’s kindness. Amongst the other toasts given were “ Kindred Institutions," by Mr Maynard, who flatteringly noticed the Orchestral Society, th# Excelsior Band, the Flute Band, and the Timaru Band, a member of the last-named being that night present and would no doubt join them in the Band if he resided in Ashburton permanently ; “ The Officers,” by Mr Lcitoh ; “ The Landlord of the Somerset,” by Mr U. Hoskins, who gratefully mentioned Mr Hill’s kindness in allowing the use of his sample room for practice ; “ The Ladies,” etc. Songs were given at intervals, and greatly tended to the happiness of the evening. The deck is of black marble, and has what is technically called an. exposed escapement, part of the works being displayed in front, and acting on jewels.

The striking work is on an improved principle, not being liable to get out of order, and sounding on a gong; it tells both hours and half hours. It. is a fifteen day timepiece and highly ornate ; on a silver gilt plate in front of the pedestal it bears the following inscription :—“ Presented by the members of the Ashburton Brass Band to Mr George Hoskins, in recognition of his services as Bandmaster. Aug. 2, 1883.” The clock will remain for some days on view at Mr Murray’s shop, from whose establishment it was supplied.