Historic Annual Reports

To the subscribers and general public.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The Committee have much pleasure in presenting to you their first annual report andbalance sheet, of the transactions of the band for the past year. In March 1904, a_public meeting was held in the old Mechanics Institute, and it was then decided to form a band to be called the Sale Brass Band, and at an adjourned meeting, held on March the 10th, the following Officers were appointed: -

President, The Mayor, (Cr.W. Lyon)
Treasurer: Mr. B. K. Taylor,
Secretary: Mr. A. Allan;
Committee: Messrs. J. O'Connor, H.A. Luke; E.C. Gallagher; S. Bolitho; J.L. Reece; T. Wain; G. Wain; and R. Biggs; the three latter representing the Band Members, Trustees: the Committee for the time being.

With the object of raising funds to purchase instruments etc., a meeting of ladies was held on Wednesday, March 16th, when it was unanimously resolved to carry out a bazaar for the purpose mentioned. The bazaar was held during the month of May, and thanks to the energy displayed by the ladies and others resulted in the handsome profit of £457.17.6d.  and the best thanks of all are due to those who so ably carried out the whole affair. ·

APPLICATIONS were then called for Bandmaster, and Mr. T. E. Bulch, of Ballarat, was elected to the position at a salary of 30/- per week.

With the view of securing the very best instruments procurable, the secretary obtained prices and lists of the various makers of the instruments from Melbourne, and a cable was forwarded to England on the same matter. After careful consideration the committee unanimously, after having received expert advice, decided to purchase a complete set of Besson's instruments, thus being done at a cost of £204.14.2d. The committee also decided that it was advisable to tum the men out in complete uniform, consisting of hat, coat and trousers, and prices were obtained from the various tradesmen for them. The tender of Mr. W. Puttick for uniforms was accepted, and the tender of Messrs. Lincoln, Stuart and Co. for hats was also accepted. The total cost for uniforms amounted to £105. 2s. 0. and it is generally admitted that the bandsmen look extremely well in their new turn-out.

A lease of the BANDROOM was taken from Messrs. L. Jensen & Co., at a rental of 13. per annum, and the sum of £10.7s. 6d, was expended in painting, gas fittings and furniture in connection with the room.

As some of the old instruments were thought good enough to be repaired, a sum of £5.4s.6d was expended in that direction: and the instruments are now being used by beginners in the band, and are very serviceable.

In September, the hon secretary, Mr. A. Allan, tendered his resignation as secretary, in consequence of his leaving Sale. A hearty vote of thanks was recorded on the minutes to him for his active services, and Mr. H. A Luke was appointed Hon. Sec., in his stead.

On October 24th, the Bandmaster, Mr. T. E. Bulch sent in his resignation as Bandmaster, and the committee then appointed Mr. Alex Paul as Bandmaster. In February, 1905 Mr. B.K. Taylor resigned his position as Treasurer, and Mr. A.G. Holt was appointed to fill the vacancy.

On October 18th, 1904, Messrs. Holt and Trood were appointed to fill vacancies on the committee.

The band earned during the year the sum of £40.15s. 0. and in addition raised £12. by collection for the Gippsland Hospital. The band took part in the competitions at Bairnsdale and secured second place, thus getting the sum of £15. After deducting expenses etc., it was decided to hand the balance of the prize money to the members of the band to.be invested and used for the purpose of band competitions.

The band during the year have assisted in loyal and charitable projects, and their efforts have been thoroughly appreciated, and their playing under the tuition of Mr. Paul has been of a very high character, and reflects credit on themselves and their bandmaster. The band at present consists of 23 playing members, and 5 recruits.

The committee in presenting this report feel that although they have had considerable disadvantages to contend with, the first year’s work of the band has been very satisfactory, and what with a good set of instruments, uniforms and music, a prosperous time is in store for the band. The balance sheet and asset and liability statements will show that the band is in a highly satisfactory condition, having assets representing over £400/0/0 and a credit balance at the bank of £71/0/ 0.