OTAKI BRASS BAND.

Otaki Mail, 13 July 1923, Page 3

OTAKI BRASS BAND.

1 PRESENTATION TO MR. J. FIELD | ING. | Members of the Otaki Brass Band as j sembled in full force last evening fo: the purpose of making a pre?entatioi to Mr. J. Fielding, who recently re j signed his position as secretary to tin Band. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J P. Brandon) presided, and in asking Mr Holding's acceptance of a fine enlarg ed pliotograpth of members of the Band. ! spoke in high terms of Mr. Fielding's ! capabilities and hoped he would accept I the present in the same spirit as it was given. Mr. Fielding, added Mr. Brandon. had taken great interest in the ! Pand and had been with it since its | inception, and it was gratifying to ■ know that his services would, at times. 1 still be available. He also extended ; the best wishes of the Band to Mrs. Fielding. (Applause, followed by “For J key Are dolly Good Fellows. M Mr. Fielding, on rising to reply, was greeted with a deal of applause. He thanked all for tlie very nice piesent which lie fully appreciated, and said there was nothing be disired more than a photograph of ihe Band nmmbeis. He admitted that his heart and soul bad been in the Bund since ils inception, he had done bis best, and at all times endeavoured to create harmony. It was now some do years since be had taken | lip an instrument, and be hoped to still ! be of assistance to the Otaki Band. He desired to give a helping hand and not tell members what to do. (Applause). In the new .secretary (Mr. Synionds) they had a splendid man and he bad no doubt but that Jine work would be accomplished. He asked all to heartily support Mr. Symonds and bo guided l.»v him, especially as he had nil matters at his lingers’ ends. Any grievances should be placed before. t)m secretary, who he knew would work quietly to right matters. Mr. Fielding said the , Band had been forunate in having the backing of the public, and in return lie j hoped bandsmen, including learners,, would practice. H«- also spoke highly of Mr. Wise, conductor, and in conclusion wished the Band every success. Mr. J. S. Pole said" it gave him pleasure to be present at such a function. Mr. Fielding, lie maintained, had done much for tin* Bum], he had devoted his time ungrudgingly, while he felt »ure the new secretary would im a guml man. They aNo hud a good conductor, and he hoped members wnuld always do their best-—they could rely upon i support from the public. Mr. Kupa Hawea said he was pleased to see members make a presentation t<» their late secretary —it wa? well d*- » served, and lie knew ii would he appreciated. Mr. Field'sng. he said, had been the mainstay »>f the Basel. Mr. Hawea also -poke highly of Air. Wise and Mr. Syimmds. and knew that both gentlemen had the i»ileie>t> of the Band at heart. The toast. ‘‘The Conduct or. “ wa * then honoured. Mr- Wise. In replying, said he was quite aware that lie was not perfect? he had his I'milai i**n-. When lie was appoint’d conductor inset out In attain a high nbj.-.-t. Imp he wished all tc remember th;i> the work of bringing the Band r** perfection was not a one-man job* While regretting the jo.-s of Mr. Fielding felt that the new secretary would do good work. He asked all young players to recognise thwir responsibility, practice well, and Hike a keen interest in the Baud. Mr. Pole, in proposing the toasi of the new secretary, mi id all would recognise Mr. Symonds a* a capable awl energetic young man. and lie felt convinced that the Band had been fortunate in its choice. (Applause). Mr. Symonds said he had a kindly feeling for tlie Bawd, and that he ha* been in bunds since a child. As secretary hr- would do his best and hom'd f„ r the support of all members. He advised that the young members be given everv encouragement. Mr. Symonds mad** t reference to the tact that the Wnikanae ' Athletic Club bar! beer, very unfortunate over last meeting ami sanf Le would like »'< sec the tmmt-men ioreg.. all fees due u* them. (Applause). A motion was afterwards carried agreeing to do so. Other toast* were proposed a? follow*: —‘*The Ladies.*’ Mr. J. McGill — Mr. P. Tahiwi: ‘ •' The Press.” -'Jr. Wise —Mr. H. Nicolson: • * Trm Maori Race. 7 * The Chairman —Mr. P. Tahiwi. Refreshments were served during the