KAIKORAI BRASS BAND

Evening Star, Issue 22454, 26 September 1936, Page 19

KAIKORAI BRASS BAND

ANNUAL REPORT The annual report of the Kaikorai Brass Band, to be presented at the annual meeting on Monday evening, states, inter alia; — During the past 55 years the Kaikorai Band has continued to maintain its reputation as being in the forefront among the brass bands of the Dominion, and this has been obtained through members devoting regular attendance at the practice sessions. For some considerable time these practices have been held on two nights each week._ It will thus be seen that an efficient bandsman has to devote a considerable amount of his leisure time to his band! The band has been under the charge and conductorship of Lieutenant H. J. Osborne during the past two years. The active strength on parade consists of 33 members, and.at the recent review in connection with the birthday of His Majesty King Edward VIII it had the honour of presenting a parade state placing it amongst the highest of bands parading for |he occasion. For the purpose of recruiting and preparing the youth of the city for places in the band, a junior class has been formed and is being trained by Mr J. Glen. In this direction the band is fortunate in possessing several enthusiastic executive officers, and the president (Mr E. T. Moller) and the vice-president (Mr W. _ T. Henaghan) presented several trophies for competition by the different class of instruments amongst the junior members. Competitions have been, held, and prizes will be presented at the annual meeting. An opportunity will be given during the evening for members to hear the respective winners in action. Owing to lack of finance prior to the last brass hands’ contest, held at New Plymouth, the Kaikorai Band was unable to take part in the dominion contest. Five members,_ however, entered for and competed in the individual championship contests. Congratulations are extended to Bandsman B. Redmond for his outstanding success in securing the championship for the G trombone with an qight-points margin, and to Bandsman R. Hall, who secured second place in the trombone solo. It is gratifying to know, however, that our old friendly rivals, St. Kilda, worthily upheld the reputation of Dunedin at the contest. It was with regret that the band received tho resignation of Mr H. Duncan (secretary) owing to ill-health. He will, however, continue as an active member of the band, and in the meantime Mr J. .S Douglas has consented to carry out the duties pending an appointment at the annual meeting. The financial position as disclosed by the balance-sheet is satisfactory, showing an increase of £l6 15s 6d in the credit balance over that of the previous year, and the current year, after providing for outstanding accounts, will be commenced with a surplus _of £l3 14s 9d. The financial problem is a difficult one in most instances with musical organisations, but it is ©specially_ so in relation to bands, which, in addition to providing a complete outfit and range of instruments costing several hundred pounds, have also to provide uniforms to be smartly and efficiently equipped. For this the band has to rely upon the generosity of supporters and subscribers to the band funds to augment the subsidy granted by the City Council. To the City Council, honorary subscribers, and the general public for past support in this direction the band expresses thanks and appreciation.