Historic Annual Reports

Ladies and Gentlemen. - I beg to submit my report for half-year ended December 3st, 1911.

We have been kept busy during the last six months, during which I may state that the land members have done their duty to the band with their attendance and each department shows musical improvement. The band has been called out on 56 occasions, 141 charity and public performances, 8 engagements, two benefits, the remainder being rehearsals and meetings. You will see that over again the charity calls are greater than engagements, and it is indeed surprising that our council do not grant the band a subsidy, or other than our usual subscribers no not subscribe to the band as there is a considerable deficiency to be made up. The public have every reason to be proud of their band, lately we played some exceptionally good programmes of music, and I must say have been congratulated by some patrons of the band.

We have to thank the ladies who assisted so well as to make our annual ball such a grand success, the children and others, who assisted at the Red Riding Hood entertainment which resulted in a credit balance, also the Sale Lyre Orchestra for their assistance.

We regret, I have to state, through lack of employment, we have lost a promising player in Mr. G. Hayes who has left the district. However, we have filled the vacancy with a new member, Mr. R Fothergill, who is of great assistance to the band.

The possible attendance for practice and parades is 56. J. Richardson and J. T. Laughlan are equal for first with 55 each, A. Carter being third with, E. Martin next with 50. The members as a body have turned out fairly regularly and on many occasions have had to neglect their own business to give assistance to the band. We have to thank the members of the Maffra Brass band, who have on many charitable occasions joined in with the Borough Band.

The gentlemen and societies who have engaged the band have our thanks. Also the ladies and gentlemen who have kindly entertained the band to refreshment, etc., during our programme and engagements. The band members gave the ladies who assisted at the recent band ball a boat trip to Holland's Landing, this outing was thoroughly enjoyed by both old and young, and the members say that it is their intention of holding this outing annually.

It has been suggested that a grand bazaar be held in aid of the band; this has been enquired into and favorable replies have been forthcoming from all parts so that the ladies may expect a meeting called to fix date and other arrangements during the first week in February next.

To conclude I wish to thank Messrs Wynd and Wain for their assistance to the band during my absence; also to the president, secretary and committee who have continued on the band under very adverse conditions.

J. H. Apps, bandmaster.