Historic Annual Reports

The annual meeting in connection with the Sale Borough Band was held in the skating rink at the Victoria Hall last night. The mayor (Mr Wise) presided.

The secretary, Mr Coverdale, read the following report and balance sheet, which were received and adopted : - Your committee beg to report that the financial statement submitted herewith embraces a period of 16 months, from, January 1, 1885 to April 30, 1886, it being thought more convenient to end the financial year at the latter date.

The income during that period from all sources has been £153 1s 11d and the expenditure £114 18s 7d, showing a balance of £l8 ls 4d, but there are liabilities amounting to £25 1s, leaving an actual deficit of £7 1s 3d; this may be considered as very satisfactory. A sum of £14 6s 5d has been expended in repairs and purchase of instruments, and £10 for four new uniforms, and the band is in a more efficient condition than at any former time, numbering 22 effective members, and a class of learners who will soon be proficient enough to take their places among the players.

The instruments are nearly all in good order and condition. There is a large stock of music and 18 uniforms. Great progress has been made during the past year under the able tuition of Mr F. Harper, the bandmaster, whose engagement for another year has just been completed.

We have every reason to believe that, having gained the appreciation and approval of the public, the band may now be considered as firmly established. Something, however, remains to be done, as the want of a set of portable stands for the men, and some receptacle for the safe keeping of unused instruments and other band property is much felt. The utmost harmony has existed amongst the men and between them and the bandmaster. And we find gratification in resigning our office under such favourable circumstances.

For the, committee, J. Coverdale, hon. sec.
Sheet-Receipts-

• Balance from 1884, £3 15s 8d;
• private contributions, £35 4s 6d;
• borough council, £15;
• concert, £16 1s 3d;
• nett proceeds three excursions, £22 4s;
• engagements £60 16s 6d.

Total £153 1s 11d.

Expenditure-

• Bandmaster's salary, £97 6s 8d;
• rent, £5 5s;
• repairs instruments, £14 6s 5d ;
• music stands, £1 4s;
• advertising, £1 14s;
• uniforms, £10;
• petty cash, £3 12s 6d;
• Smith, £1 10.

Total, £134 18s 7d.

Balance £18 3s 4d.

The following committee for the ensuing year was then appointed :-Messrs Reid, Davies, Jensen, Ross, Barry, Carruthers R. J. Cherry, Worthington, Clues, Gear, J. G. Pettit, and W. R. Cherry. On the motion of Mr Barry, seconded by Mr Davies a cordial vote of thanks was accorded Mr Coverdale for the energetic and efficient manner in which he had discharged the duties of secretary. The motion which was warmly supported by the chairman was carried with acclamation and suitably acknowledged by Mr Coverdale.

A number of subscriptions were collected in the room and the proceedings then terminated.