YEAR OF PROGRESS

Chronicle (Levin), 7 June 1947, Page 4

YEAR OF PROGRESS

Municipal Band's Activities Pleasure at the splendid attendance:' of bandsmen and others mterested in band work was expressed by Mr. H. B. Burdekin, chairman of the Citizens' Committee of the Levin Municipal Band at Thursday night's annual meeting of the band. Mr. Burdekin said that the band had progressed marvellously since i$ had come out of its war recess in May, 1946. He paid .high tribute.to the work of the conductor, Mr. G. R. Lester, in that regard. Mr. Burdekin extended special thanks to the ladies' committee, which had done so splendidly with a street and shop day appeal, raising the sum of £235 14s 7d. The financial position of the band would not have been as satisfactory had not that shop day been a success. He specially mentioned Mr. M. Spencer, who had been a tireless worker during the appeal. A pleasing feature of the meeting was' the attendance of five boys who were joining the learners' class, and Mr. Burdekin said that to maintain a senior band there had also to be a junior grade and third grade. Conductor's Report • In presenting the band's report, the conductor, Mr. G. R. Lester, said that the first practice had been held on May 1, 1946, -and that a class for learners had been started the same week. The first appearance of the band .in public had been on July 21, in the Public Gardens, when citizens had attended in large numbers. "As the younger players were drafted into the band some of the older ones, who had only joined on the understanding that they would be released when others were ready- to take their place, left, with the result that 11 of the present players have, by dint ' of hard practice, earned a place in the band. The membership of the band at present is 27 .players, while in the learners' class there are eight boys." -The band's seryices had been freely availed of during the year, continued Mr. Lester, and concerts had been given in the Public Gardens, as well as in Oxford Street on Friday nights, when the weather had permitted. The band had co-operated with other district bands and assisted the funds of the Levin Boys' Band. In conjunction with the Horo whenua Pipe Band, it had also rendered all assistance possible to the Horowhenua Marching Association, and had supplied the music for the competitions at the Horowhenua A. and P. Show and at the Wellington provincial championships. Visits had been paid to the Levin Farm, in Kimberley Road, and the Boys' Training Centre. Christmas carols had also been rendered throughout the town on Christmas morning, and it had been unfortunate that bad weather had caused the band to stop before. the whole town had been covered. "Practices have been well attended, and my thanks are extended to bandsmen for their co-operation during the year. In conclusion I think I am voicing the thoughts of all members when I assure you that the coming year will be one of progress." Officers Elected The election of officers then took place and resulted as follows:— Patron: Mr. H. B. Burdekin; president: Mr. C. H. Nelson* vice-presidents: Messrs. M. Spencer, J. W. Hayfield, C. Church, L. Trass and J. Allen; citizens' committee: Messrs. M. Kehoe and W. Strode-Penny, with power to add; secretary: Mr. R. a. Frederikson; treasurer: Mr. H. L. Jenkins. . It was decided that a recommendation be forwarded to the Levin Borough Council that Mr. G. R. Lester again be appointed conductor. The meeting resolved to hold a complimentary social evening for members of the ladies' committee early next month to show appreciation of their work in the band's apneal.