Historic Annual Reports

by B. Flat

When, a few years back, some bold individuals connected with the temperance organisations of Sale conceived the idea of raising a brass band, pessimists smiled, and even optimists looked askance at the project. Past experiences had proved that it was a difficult matter to keep a band going in Sale; and if the public would not support a town or borough band, how could the temperance people expect to secure the needed financial help? However, the band was formed and, contrary to expectations became a recognised institution; and for some four years or more was of much value to the town. But keeping the concern going proved to be uphill work and the time came, after the war broke out, when it was clearly seen that it would be impossible to obtain sufficient monetary assistance, owing to the great number of calls upon the public purse for donations to War funds. The secretary and officers had worked hard (especially Mr H. Thomas, (the first secretary); a number of instruments had been purchased; some twenty players were willing to go on playing; and it seemed a pity that those instruments should be hung up, and gradually deteriorate in value. as is so often the case. At this stage the bandmaster (Mr. W. Herron) kindly offered to go on conducting the band gratuitously until the termination of the war. The offer was accepted with avidity, and a further suggestion that members of the defunct Sale Borough Band be invited to co-operate was brought to a successful issue, and, under. the name of the Patriotic Band, these musicians commended their good work of rendering assistance to patriotic efforts, free of charge. The subjoined secretary as report will show the result of their efforts in this direction. When the Temperance Band decided to wind up, they owed some £30, which Mr H. Archibald the indefatigable honorary secretary of the Patriotic Band - a though a very busy man - found time to collect, and all the debts have practically been paid. The first annual meeting of the band was held recently when I am sorry to say, there was a poor at tendance of the public - a fact which was strongly commented upon by the chairman and others. Being interested in band matters, and considering those players deserve some recognition, for their valuable services, I have gone to sole trouble to glean the following information for "The Gippsland Mercury"

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

 In the absence of Cr Kelsey (President) Cr Lyon was voted to the chair. The secretary read the following report. and balance-sheet: "Your committee have pleasure in presenting their first annual report. The band was formed for the purpose. of assisting all patriotic causes free, which has been done to the present. When the band was formed we were put to a considerable amount of expense at the commencement. The Mayor (Cr. Lyon) came to our assistance with £1 donation, and the President and secretary. canvassed the hotels and streets, and succeeded in collecting about £5, this giving us a good start. Since the band commenced operations there have, been 114 performances and practices, made up as follows: 30 performances for patriotic and charitable purposes, 32 for picture shows, and 32 band practices. We were fortunate in securing an engagement from Mr Gordon Green, of the Empire Pictures, which has enabled the band to earn, £16/16/. The band assisted at the following functions: Professor Osborn's lecture in aid of the Gippsland Hospital; ladies' Garden Fete in Victoria Park, also in aid of hospital; A.N.A. recruiting meeting; Gippsland Hospital annual demonstration; Church of England sale of gifts; Sale swimming matches; railway boat trip; rowing matches; Red Cross effort in Victoria Park; Signaller Thos. Skeyhill's lecture; Bairnsdale Hospital Carnival; Easter Sunday effort in aid of Red Cross and Gippsland Hospital: Easter regatta: visit of Maffra Platoon to Sale; St. Patrick's Day celebration; patriotic jumble fair at The Heart Estate; recruiting meeting; Presbyterian Gar den Fete: Commercial Travellers' Concert. The band also gave three performances at the hospital grounds, collecting £7 7/; two in aid of patriotic funds at Victoria Park, and several in the parks free to the public. Seven members have retired, three having enlisted, viz, E. Sheehan, W. A. Gibbs and M. Harvey, two having gone away to work, and two for other reasons. The bandmaster (Mr W Herron) has rendered splendid service, and with the exception of a well-earned and brief holiday away from Sale, he was at every practice and public performance, which must have meant considerable loss to him. The success of the band is due to his able, untiring and enthusiastic efforts, and the band is fortunate in having such a capable head. During the bandmaster's absence Mr Robt. Wynd kindly took command. We have a credit balance at the State Savings Bank of £21/12/6, and take this opportunity of thanking all who have assisted by donations and otherwise; also the Mayor (Cr Lyon), who kindly placed the Mayor's room at the Council Chambers at the committee's disposal. We trust succeeding Mayors will follow the good example of Cr. Lyon. We feel that the public have appreciated the band, and that the success associated with our first year's work will be continued." Balance Sheet Receipts. Picture shows, £ 1/16; St. Patrick's Day celebration, £8/8; railway boat trip £4/4; Sale Rowing Club, £ 3/3: hospital demonstration, £ 1/1: swimming matches £ 2/2; Presbyterian Church, £1/1: Bairnsdale Hospital carnival, £8/0/4; Mr and Mrs W Lyon £2; Mr W. T. Thornley, 10s: Mr Levey, 10s; Mr Jas. Matthews. 10/6; Mr R. Dowd, 10/; Mr F. E. Benussi, 5/: Mr Wertheim, 5/; Mr Jas. Smith, 5/; Mr Cusa, 5/; Mrs Stichling. 2/6: Harold Smyth, 2/; Mr Felmingham 2/6; Mr Beale, 2/6: Mr J. R. Glenn 2/6: Mrs Jas. Skehan 2/6: Mr Lomax 2/6; Mrs J. Johns, 2/6; donations of 2, and 1/ each, £2/ 6: interest, 3/4. Total £53/5/2. Expenditure: Repairs, etc., to instruments £6/13/7; music £ 2/3: lighting arrangements and kerosene, -':,-; 11: canvassing expenses, 12/; £2/5/11; railway boat trip £1/18/; train fares to Bairnsdale £8/0/4; J. Clark (fare from Traralgon) 3/4; luncheon St. Patrick's Day, 14/; donations given, £5/5: rent band room, £2/12: Treloar and Son. 9/3: postage and stationery, 8/9; advertising, 7/6; balance in bank £21/12/6. Total, £53/5/2.

Geo KELSEY President. H ARCHIBALD, hon. Sec. The books and accounts were audited by Mr J. J. Cleary. The Mayor (Cr Lyon), before moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet referred to the good work the band had done during the year. The band was a necessary as well as a desirable institution. The balance-sheet showed what it costs to run a band. This balance-sheet showed an expenditure of £31/12/8 and add a bandmaster's salary (say, £2 a week to that, and rent of band room (and it was not always possible to get a room at the nominal rent of 1/ per week), a good idea is obtained of the necessity for liberal donations from the public. He (the Mayor) would always try to find a pound or two to support a band. One thing that convinced him more than anything that a band was necessary was the visit of the Maffra Platoon to Sale. If we had had no band in Sale on that day it would have been the biggest blank in the history of Sale. It was moved by Mr N. M'Lean and seconded by Mr .L M'Phail, "that a hearty vote of thanks be passed to the secretary (Mr H. Archibald) for the interest he had taken in the band. He (Mr M'Lean)) had noticed that whenever the band turned out they always had a good number of players, which showed the secretary did not forget to look the bandsmen up, and let them know what was on. The motion was supported by the Mayor, and carried with acclamation. On Mr Robert Wynd moving that the bandmaster be voted £10/10/ out of the band funds, Mr Herron was-re quested to leave the room while the matter was discussed. After some discussion the motion was seconded by Mr Guy, supported by the Mayor, Mr N. M'Lean and Mr Archibald. The Mayor said the secretary had not in any way "painted the lily" in his report, as Mr Herron had put in a lot of time, and £10/10/ would not a quarter repay him for what he had done; as he had not missed one parade during the year when he was in Sale. Mr Herron. was then called in, and when informing him of the result of the motion, the chairman said they did not want Mr Herron to take the money as payment for his ser vices but as a small mark of appreciation of his labours. Mr Herron, in responding, expressed thanks for the gift. He had not expected payment for what he had done and was willing to keep the band going till the war was over without remuneration. He also expressed the hope that the bandsmen would be kept together and the instruments in good order, so that the public could put the hand on a good footing, and get a good bandmaster. The Mayor: We know where to get a good man when we want one! A vote of thanks to the chairman. moved by Mr M'Phail and seconded by Mr Geo. Wain, brought the meeting to a close.