THE CITIZENS' BAND

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 158, 10 May 1940, Page 5

THE CITIZENS' BAND

ANNUAL MEETING HELD FACING MANY DIFFICULTIES "With the loss of so many men who have left to go into camp, and the very poor prospects of gaining new members at the present time, I think the best we can do is tjo ca,rrj* on, and hold the band together, until such time as its ranks are again filled and Ave can hand over to a bandmaster who will' train it up to something resembling its old standard. The band is a distinct asset to the town and without it I feel many of our public gatherings would! be dead, therefore I think we should hold together and launch out again when times are more favourable." The above remarks wkorc made by the president of the Whakatane Citizens' Band Committee at the annual meeting held in the Band Room last Wednesday evening, and met with the warm endorsement of all present. The acting bandmaster, Mr W. Jarrett, pointed out that the band was composed of all of whom were keen to give their services, and although at the present time it was at a low ebb, he was confident if they held together they would expcricnce ultimate success. Mr Sutherland said that no one desired to see the band go out of existence. He congratulated Mr Jarrett on holding the fort during a very difficult period, and extended the compliments of the committee to Bandsmen Ken Jarrett and Len Broadmore on their excellent shoAving at the recent contests. All, he said were looking forAvard to the time Avhen they would be able to offer something attractive enough to bring a suitable bandmaster to the town, bu,t if they could in the meanwhile keep their intact, and maintain the nucleus of a band, better daj r s would come. The balance sheet Avhieh Avas read and adopted shoAved a small credit balance on the year's Avorking and assets valued at £550. Election of Officers. Officers for the incoming year were elected as under: — Patron: Mr B. S. Barry. President: Mr A. G. Sutherland. Vice-Presidents: Messrs A. J. Canning, A. Sheat, F. B. Cutler* C. E. Gibberd, W. Sullivan, W. Howat, C. A. Suckling, S. Armstrong, F. J. Reynolds, A. Hayter, L. Luke, A. G. Hultquist, M.P., G. Brabant, M. Broadmore, L. Bremmer. A. Hall and Mrs Broadmore. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr 13. L. Montgomery. Executive: Messrs W. Jarrett, E.> Chamberlain, A. J. Canning, Thompson and Ward. Conductor; Mr W. Jarrett. Anditor: Mr H. G. Warren. Young Players Wanted. Mr Broadmore asked the possibility of interesting youngnneA r members. Mr Jarrett: "Times are difficult now. Boys don't seem to haA r e the ambition to learn, and its very hard to get them to come along. After further discussion it was decided to do something in this connection by endeavouring to enlist the interest of the High School auth orities, to discoA'er young pupils Avho Avere Avilling to be taught >an instrument. .Mr Broadmore undertook to investigate the possibilities of his son being able to take a class of boys of his own nge. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair.