Historic Annual Reports

To the subscribers and general public Ladies and gentlemen, - I beg to submit my report for year ending June, 1913.

Your band has had occasion to meet on 102 occasions, 27 being charity and public performances, 17 engagements, 4 benefits, and 86 meetings and rehearsals.

For hospital benefits the band has assisted:- On August, 22 football match Sale v. Traralgon; September 10th, hospital concert (commercial travellers); November 7, hospital carnival (procession, sports and concert); December 20, Hospital Christmas tree; March 29, Hospital Saturday: March 30, Hospital Sunday. On March the 6th the band journeyed to Bairnsdale to assist in their hospital carnival, and played through the main streets and at the hall and concert. In Raymond street the band has played 13 programmes, on Victoria Square 7, and North Ward Reserve once.

During the Christmas holidays the band travelled to Cuninghame, and gave programmes during the week. The residents treated the band well, and collected enough to pay expenses, and wished the band to make an annual trip to the Lakes Entrance.

On the 16th of February (Sunday) the band gave a select sacred programme of music at Prospect. The campaigners were very pleased with our visit, and also wished the band to make an annual trip.

On May 22 we assisted at the Empire Day celebrations, and on May 23 the Empire Day picture show. The band also assisted at the flower show, dog and poultry show, Sale v. Maffra football match, and Sale Temperance Band bazaar.

We have fulfilled the following engagements successfully:- W. D. Leslie and Co., Sale Agricultural Show, St. Patrick's Day festival, Lytton's moving theatre, rowing club regatta, Volta steamboat excursions, Borough Council (Governor's visit), and Christmas Eve at Mr. Dinneen's. Two benefit picture shows were held, which gave a profit.

During the year the ladies of Sale held a ball and a bazaar, which was successful. The Band members gave the ladies great credit for their efforts. It is more by their good work (the ladies' than the good work of the secretary and committee) that the band has seen the year through, and the members, to show a slight appreciation of their services, chartered the s.s. Omeo for an afternoon and evening, and gave the ladies an invitation trip down the river, which turned out to be a very enjoyable outing.

The members also presented W. Herron (on the occasion of his marriage) and J. Richardson (prior to his visit to England) with suitable presents.

The band has lost five good bandsmen, who have left the district. Mr. J. Richardson (who has joined the Australian Navy), Mr. F. Boyle (who has gone to Tasmania). Mr. R. Fothergill (to St. Arnaud), Mr. E. Hyde and Mr. Loughnan (to Melbourne). We have also lost, through death, Mr. J. Wain, who was a good supporter, and at one time a member of the band.

During the year the council has had the gas laid on to the band platform at Victoria Square. This has been convenient to the band and with the new (jubilee) rotunda in view, it is possible the band will play there frequently during the summer months.

Mr. N. W. Morrey has offered a handsome prize for the best attendance of members at practice and parades for 12 months. This prize will not be won till Christmas Eve. At present W. Richardson is leading with 46, E. Hyde 43, and Master J. Apps, with 37.

We have to thank the ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the band benefits, also the Sale Lyric Orchestra and the Bairnsdale Brass Band.

To conclude I wish to thank all the ladies and gentlemen who have assisted the band in any form during the year, and hope that the band's efforts to please the public have been successful -Thanking you again for past favors,

I remain, yours faithfully,

Jas. Hobart Apps, bandmaster.

(Sale Borough Band)