FOXTON SILVER BAND

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3619, 29 March 1927, Page 2

FOXTON SILVER BAND

COMMITTEE MEETING. A committee meeting of the Foxton Silver Rand was held in the bnndroom last night, presided over by the president (Mr. Yeo). The chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to discuss band matters generally and to arrange about the Anzac Day service. He suggested that in order to stimulate a keener interest in the band that the social side should be given attention. This would provide a pleasant break from the monotony of practice. A sub-committee should also be set up to meet regularly and attend to the business side of the band. Regularity at practice was another important matter as there was nothing so disheartening to a conductor than irregular attendance. It was desirable that the band should participate in the Ansae services next month to co-oper-ate with the returned men and assist at the service. Mr. Osborne (conductor) said that it was almost impossible for the hand to keep up to its full strength, as many of the members were unable to find continuous employnient in the town. The band was fully equipped as to instruments and uniforms but more support was needed from local public institutions. On two occasions the band had been turned down by local sports bodies and outside bands engaged. The band looked for financial support from local sports bodies to enable them to carry on and to lie .'turned down disheartened mem hers. The bandsmen did not receive any payment for their services and although he had received £25 for conducting, he had refunded this to the band. Some time ago he had invited the Levin Band to give a performance in the town in conjunction with the band and a collection had been taken up which resulted in the sum of 7/5 being collected. There was a lack of public sympathy yet, he said, the band had freely given its services when required to assist local functions. He said a regular attendance at practice was essential to proficiency, and in this respect there was cause for complaint. He instanced the example of one bandsman, who had rarely missed an attendance at practice and had to travel some distance from his home. It was resolved to take part in the Anzac Day parade and service and to ask for the co-operation of the Salvation Army Band. Attention was called to the necessity for improvements to the band practice room. It was stated.that when the hand room was enlarged to serve the purpose of a temporary hall, the bandsmen's lockers and other conveniences had been removed. It was decided to write to the Borough Council on the subject and ask that the conveniences be re-insta-ted. It was decided to hold the annual meeting at the end of April and in the meantime to collect all instruments, etc. The conductor raised the question of insurance on band property and it was agreed to have this matter attended to. Accounts totalling £3 were passed for payment and the usual vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.