It probably is no news to our readers to be informed that there are two bands in Sale - a drum and fife, and a brass band; but it may be interesting to learn that the brass band which is under the leadership of Mr George Chapman Jun., promises to be a most efficient acquisition to the townhip of Sale.

The members meet twice a week for rehearsal at the remotest part of the town, which in itself has been most advantageous to themselves and the populace - they not being disturbed in their inititatory exercises and the inhabitants not having bored with dull unmeaning sounds. Such objections, however, have now been displaced, as the efficiency of the  performers have attained such a degree of perfection as to be listened to with pleasure, with every promise at no distant period of enlivening the habitutes of the botanical  gardens on Saturday afternoons, at least once a month, or adducing an additional attraction to our cricket or football field. Should the members of this band concede such a favour even at that interval, and it is as much as could be expected as the nature of their occupations in many cases would not permit of more, it wil. be well received.

On Friday evening last a bass drum having been added to the number of instruments, the following airs were rehearsed to marching time: -

• "Home, Sweet Home,"
• "British  Grenadiers"
• "Cheer Boys Cheer,"
• "Old   Folks at Home," and
• " God Save the Queen,"

Each player is the owner of his instrument at his own cost, the total value of the instruments being £65. One noticable thing is that the performers are all members of the temperance societies of Sale.  

A meeting, convened by advertisement, of persons desirous to aid in the formation and establishment of a public Band in Sale, was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday evening.

About 50 were present, including residents who, to the number of thirty three, have signified their wish to become members of such Band, on terms stated in the several resolutions subjoined. The Mayor, R Topping, Esq., occupied the chair.

The following, resolutions were carried:

Proposed by Mr. Coverdale, seconded by Mr. Gardner,- That it is desirable to establish a Band, to be called the Sale Borough Band.

(An amendment to the effect that the band should be styled the Sale Borough Brass Band was lost.)

Proposed by Mr. P. W. Wilson, seconded by Mr. S. Taylor,- That the thirty-three persons whose names are signed to the agreement produced by Mr. Gardner to pay one shilling and sixpence weekly for twelve months for instruction be recognised by this meeting as members of the Sale Borough Band.

Proposed by Mr. Newell, seconded by Mr. Wain, That the Mayor of the Borough (Mr. Topping), Messrs Law, Herbert, Saint, F. Williams Gardiner and Coverdale, be a committee to frame rules for the management of the band, and to take such other measures as are required for the establishment and equipment of the same.

Mr. Coverdale, in answer to questions, explained that the duties of the committee would consist in obtaining donations towards the cost of the instruments and, in drawing up a code of rules for the future management of the band, under which people would be invited to subscribe for its maintenance if necessary, to be, submitted for approval at a subsequent meeting. When the Band was thus fairly launched, the duty undertaken by the presente committee would cease and it would be for the subscribers toi appoint a new committee, or to take any other steps they might deem proper for the future. He had no doubt, for his own part, that an appeal for donations would be well responded to, and judging from the number and position of those persons who had intimated their readiness to form the Band, that in other respects the movement would prove successful. With respect to the immediate management of the Band, that of coarse would be left to the bandmaster, subject only to the general rules that night be adopted. Mr. Maynard had been spoken to on the subject and that gentleman would now be communicated with formally with the view of ascertaining whether he was willing to undertake the office of bandmaster, and upon what terms. Upon this, and all other matters, the Committee would do their best, and would convene another meeting as soon as possible, probably in, a fortnight or so, to report proceedings (applause).

Mr C. Stewart was then unanimously elected hon. secretary to the committee.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings.

At a meeting of the committee held yesterday, the following resolutions were carried:-

1.  That donations be solicited towards the cost of procuring instruments for the Band, to be paid in to the Sale Borough Band Fund account at the National Bank, Sale.
2.  That J. F. Law esq., manager of the National Bank, be appointed hon. treasurer of the fund to whom cheques may be made payable.
3.  That the hon. Secretary forward copy of the minutes of proceedings to Mr. Maynard and invite him to state, upon what terms he will undertake the mastership of the Sale Borough Band.

On Saturday afternoon the Sale Borough Brass Band gave their first formal public performance, choosing the Market Reserve as the scene of their debut.

Twenty members attended. It is precisely six months ago that Mr. Maynard, the band-master, received charge of his, pupils and by their appearance on Saturday he and they have kept faith with the public, by whose generous subscriptions what promises to become a very pleasant addition to our local sources of enjoyment has been called into existence. Not only in the matter of punctuality do the Band deserve credit they are entitled to equal praise for the proficiency they have acquired.

The programme of Saturday was short, but it was effectively played. It was as follows:-

1. Ring, Ring the Banjo
2. Minnie Clyde
3. Selection from Traviata
4. Sale Bandsmen's Quick Step (H. Maynard)
5. Gippsland Railway Polka (H. Maynard).
6. Finale. God Save the Queen

Two of the above pieces, it will be seen, are by the bandmaster; they are very pleasing compositions, and were faithfully rendered. As it was not generally known that the performance was to occur, not many persons were present to greet this first effort at the commencement, but to- wards the end of the programme a crowd had gathered, most of whom heard enough to make them wish for more - a wish which they will, doubtless, take care to gratify when next the Band appear in public.

There was a general expression of satisfaction among those who heard the programme, and warm commendations were bestowed upon it. We do not know what arrangements have been made for the future appearance of the band, but the hope was universally expressed that the market reserve would be frequently chosen as the place for giving their "concerts," as there is a possibility of enjoying a very agreeable promenade on the greensward while the music is being played. We heartily congratulate Mr. Maynard and the Band upon their very successful first appearance.

At the public meeting held last Tuesday evening in the interest of the Sale Borough Band, the Mayor in the chair.

Mr Coverdale introduced the business, by stating that when the Band was formed, some twelve months since, it was estimated that £150 would be required to carry them through the first year for the purchase of instruments, and the expenses of tuition.

The subscription then raised resulted in a sum of about £125, and it was just the difference between the original estimate and the present untoward fact that embarrassed the band, and deterred them from incurring the responsibility of making a fresh engagement with the bandmaster, Mr Maynard. They did not see their way clear to carry on the band as a public institution, working with property held in trust for the public, unless some guarantee were furnished as to being recouped absolute expenses. Numerically, the band had diminished, owing to members having left the town, or other causes; but a dozen had stuck manfully together and so assiduously practised that from raw material they were now breaking the shell as full fledged competent musicians, available for occasions of public moment, as well as for engagement for merely social gatherings. It was with great pleasure that he noted the large attendance, which was indicative of the interest felt by the towns people in the institution, more especially the juveniles, and of the pleasure they had derived from the sweet strains that they had just listened to.

Mr H. Crofton Staveley thought the practical outcome of the meeting would be the opening of a subscription list, to defray the present small liability, and give the band assurance and comfort for the future. It would be a disgrace to the town and a thundering pity to see the band die of inanition after reaching such excellence as they had. The public should show their appreciation of the band's past services, and encourage such a commend able institution. The advantages of its existence lay not only with the members in the tuition they received. Those pre sent had heard the band play, and it was really a lively and vitalising leavening of social life, which he for one would be sorry to see disappear. What was a pro. cession without music worthy of the title to lead it ?

Mr J. F. Law remarked that more players were wanted. It would not matter at all if they had a band of 40, the stronger the better. There was ample material in the town, and there ought at any rate be a serviceable band of 20. A little hard work had to be encountered at first; a little sacrifice of leisure time, and a little self denial for twelve months only were needed – be addressed himself to the younger members of the meeting, whom he was pleased to see in such force - and those who joined the ranks of the band would reap great pleasure in after life, not to mention the pecuniary advantages of instrumental proficiency, were that a factor to be counted. lie would like to see a half dozen join now.

Mr Sharman: Good windy young men! Where are they ? (Roars of laughter.)

Mr Coverdale: One cause of the present deficiency was the failure of the Lake Wellington steamer excursion, to which the public did not respond; hence the present impecuniosity.

The motion of Mr Staveley, as follows, was 'carried by acclamation - That a subscription list be started to defray the liabilities of the Sale Borough Band, and this meeting pledges itself to support the institution. Mr Slattery moved -That this meeting cordially recognises the efforts put forth by the members of the Sale Borough Band during the first year of its existence, and expresses the earnest hope that it will continue to exist and flourish among us. A good brass band was essential to the eclat of athletic sports. No person who had lived in older and more populous centres could have failed to note the good effect of such an institution, or would refuse to give according to his means. There was a fair prospect before the band. In a few weeks there would be a large assemblage of people on an occasion of national celebrity, and no doubt their services would I be called into requisition. Again, in March next, speaking from more personal know. ledge, the exercise of their abilities would 1 he greeted with welcome. He recollected on last St. Patrick's Day the feeling of - humiliation with which he marched to the tunes of "Garryowen" and "St. Patrick's Day in the Morning," murdered in a way they were never murdered in before. (Laughter, and hear.) He should have I liked to see some people present who might fittingly have taken a leading part in this meeting, but had no doubt of the result of a proper appeal to the public, many of whom would give for the asking.

Mr Thomas Trood seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Mr Slattery suggested a concert, and was sure the band could enlist the services of the leading vocalists, some of whom were in the room, if they were asked. Properly organised, an entertainment on behalf of the Borough Band should be a grand success, but this, however, was meant as a suggestion for the consideration of the committee.

The balance-sheet for the past year having been read by Mr C. Stewart, hon. sec. Mr Knapp moved - That lists be left at the various banks, and the managers be requested to draw attention to the same, and that a committee consisting of Messrs Trood, Knapp, Herberte, and the Secretary, be appointed to collect funds.

The motion was carried, and the band wound up the proceedings by playing two or three popular airs.