BATTALION BAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1922, Page 4

BATTALION BAND.

THE ANNUAL MEETING. PAST YEAR REVIEWED. The Fourth Battalion Wellington Regiment (Taranaki Rifles) Band held its annual meeting last night, Archdeacon F. G. Evans presiding over a small attendance. The chairman moved the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet (already published), saying that it was most disappointing that the public did not support by their presence what was a public institution—the band. There was not a , charitable object in which the band did i not willingly give its assistance. Referring to the balance sheet, the speaker said though there was a debit balance shown of £8 18s lid, there were subsidies since collected from the Agricultural Society, Male Choir, Kawaroa Park and the borough, which really placed the band with a credit balance of about £4O. The subscriptions for the year were not as large as they should be. A gratifying feature was the way the band had helped itself, the collections being very good. The band was fortunate in its conductor and the bandsmen. He had been on tour with the band, and the men’s conduct was exceedingly good. Mr. R. L. Lowe had the soul of music, and the welfare of the band at heart, and would do anything to bring the band to the highest point of excellence. (Applause.) The band was also fortunate in its deputy-conductor (Mr. J. Lowe). Eulogistic reference was made to the work of Mr. E. Sole (the chairman of the committee) anti Mr. H. R. Cattley (secretary). Mr. G. W. Browne seconded. Mr.’ A. Han.dley remarked that it was rather a surprising thing that no military officers were present, seeing that the band was now a military band. “Unfortunately, in military circles we cannot criticise our officers,” said the chairman, “otherwise we cpuld pas? a vote of censure.” In a few remerks Mr. bole said son' ■ of the public maintained that the collections should pay for the band, but forgot that the band cost £7 a week to run at the lowest estirhate. He stressed the importance of collecting the annual subscriptions. The band was no good with out the town and the town was no good without the band. The report and balance sheet were adopted. EFFICIENCY OF THE BAND. The conductor reported on the conduct and efficiency of the band from a musical point of view, for the year ending April 30, 1922. Since May 1, 1921, the band had played 61 programmes and had also played at four military and other functions, four funerals, and 124 rehearsals in the bandroom—a total of 193. The band had also attended two band contests— Thames and Wellington—in which they were very successful, having obtained first in hymn, second trombine trio, soloistshad seven firsts and two seconds, a total of 12 gold and silver medals, at the Thames. At Wellington the band was awarded third in first test, second in second test, and second prize in the aggregate, which makes th* band Senior B grade, and one first in soloists. “I think myself that this record speaks very well for a voluntary body, and* with these young members I have every confidence that they will be heard to better advantage in the near future.” Thanks were expressed to the secretary (Mr. Cattley), the committee, Mr. Frederic (accompanist), the members of the band generally for the attendance and discipline at rehearsals, engagements, etc. The report was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follow for the ensuing year: Patron, the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) ; president, Archdeacon F. G. Evans; vice-presidents, Mrs. A. Burgess, i Mrs. S. G. Smith, Mrs. E. J. Sole and Messrs. S. G. Smith, M.P., E. P. Cox, C. H. Weston, C. H. Burgess, W. J. Penn, E. J. Sole, A. S. Brooker, A. Alexander, L. A. Nolan, H. Brookman, G. W. Browne, A. Milne, A. Hooker, W. E. Bendall, P. J. H. White, P. E. Stainton, H. Derby, E. Whittle, W. G. Emeney, E. Heel, W. Horne, F. Faber, W. Graham, E. McGinty, R. Barlow, C. C. Ward, J. Barthorpe, H. Collier, T. C. List, W. Honeyfield, W. Ambury, J. R. Cruipkshank, C. Carter, L. Little, A. J. Richards, G. E. Roper, N. Fulton, R. Cock, junr., R. H. George, W. C. Weston, T. Smart, J. S. Connett, H. Sampson, C. E. Bellringer, and Drs. Leatham, Walker, Blackley, Home, Wade, Brewster, Fookes, Milroy and Thomson; committee, Messrs. C. Saddler and A. Hooker (representing citizens), J. Lowe, A. Handley, F. Coleman and Morris (band), The Borough Council have to nominate two representatives and the 11th Regiment two, whilst the citizens have to supply two more representatives. Mr. A. J. Tunbridge was re-elected hon. auditor, a hearty vote of thanks being accorded him. On behalf of the band, Mr. F. Coleman expressed thanks to the Citizens’ Committee. Mr. E. Sole was re-elected chairman of the committee. I Votes of thanks were accorded the preaidffnt (Archdeacon and the Press.