The need of a Brass Band in Sale has been long felt. Deploring the absence of a band will not create a new one. Talk is cheap-cheaper than music! What is wanted is practical interest demonstrated in the launching of a new band, which is on the tapis. and in furtherance of which the Mayor has convened a public meeting at the Council Chambers this evening.

It is highly desirable that the gathering will be well attended, so that a strong committee may be elected for the first year - a "working" committee that will devote time and energy to the establishment of a band on a sound basis. It is proposed that the committee of management consist of 12 members - three elected by the playing members of the band, and nine elected at to-night's meeting. Various suggestions have been put forward to provide the "sinews of want" including the running of picture shows by the band, as is done in some other towns.

 In view of the approaching A.N.A. conference at Sale, the Motor Cycle Carnival and other important impending events, it is hoped that no time will be lost in the launching of the new band. If those having the interest of the town at heart will at tend to-night's -meting and-get the band going, the general public will not be lacking in financial support.

A meeting of the Sale Brass Band committee was held at the Council Chambers on Thursday night, when there were also present his Worship the Mayor, and a number of bandsmen.

Mr. Overend (President) reported having received a telegram from Mr. James Watson, whom they had appointed bandmaster, asking for particulars. He had written him giving all particulars he would be likely to want and encouraged him, on facts to come. No answer, however, had yet been received from him. It was decided to let the matter stand over for a week, the President saying that failing an answer by Saturday he would wire him for his answer.

The secretary and band members of the committee submitted the following report: "We have collected the band instruments, and have placed these that were out in the band room. There are 2 in the band room. These are in fairly good order. There are also 18 instruments in the Mayor's Room. These are all in need of repairs. There are also 4 instruments out of the town at present, making altogether 44 instruments belonging to the town. There are nine of the bandsmen having privately owned instruments which brings the total up to 53 instruments.

The secretary has interviewed the following bandsmen during the week, and with about two exceptions have signified their willingness to join - Messrs. H. Herron, W. Herron, J. Richardson, G. Huckell, D. Minihan, R Wynd, E. Thornley, E. Luxford, R. Guy, E. Guy, F. Guy, Percy Wain, G. Wain, F. Adamson, D. Lougluan, W. Neil, Geo. Page, W. Skeen, L. Carter, A. Carter, C. Cattran, R. Winsor, R. Biggs, W. Carmody, H. Sharp. -. Morrison, Gus. Gibbs, A. McDonald. L. Lacey, H. Archibald, E. B. Watson, A. E. Eames, E. Hyde.

There are three or four bandsmen we have not been able to see yet, and one is returning from the war in a day or two in the person of J. Griffiths."

The election of Messrs. W. Herron, P. Wain, and C. Cattran as band representatives on the committee was endorsed.

The President reported that Mrs. Mills would take up her duties as collector in about a fortnight's time.

On the motion of Mr. England, the band members of the committee were requested to have the instruments that were out of repair, and were necessary to the band, repaired immediately.

The President and secretary were requested to interview Mr. Joe Shankly in reference to the renting of a band room at his premises in York street. At a subsequent interview, Mr. Shankly met the band generously, and offered to let the room for two nights a week, including gas, for 9/ a month. He thought that all they now raised a donation of £1/1/- towards the funds.

Cr. Brennan (Mayor) congratulated the committee upon the excellent start that had been made towards establishing a band. At one time he was inclined to despair of having a band in Sale, but now he saw a considerable amount of enthusiasm in the movement. He thought that all they now needed was a good bandmaster and funds, and towards the latter he would give £3/3/-.

Mr. Overend thanked the Mayor for his encouraging remarks, and for his generous donation to their funds. From various sources they had been promised various amounts. which now amounted to over £40. It was to a large extent due to the initiative work of the Mayor and Mr. L. C. Treloar, who interviewed townspeople, that the present enthusiasm in respect to the band was due. He thought that there was a good deal of unselfishness about a band. A good many people would want to play the melody, but in a band they found men who were pre pared to take the minor parts, and give them earnest attention, and by concerted effort a pleasing result was produced. As an organisation he hoped that the same concerted effort would obtain, and that they would soon have a band worthy of the town.

The committee of the above met at the Mechanics' Institute on Thursday. Vice-President Firmin in the chair.

On Tuesday week the conference will commence business in the Victoria Hall, and at night a "smoke night" will be held in the Victoria Hall, which will probably be the record function of its kind held in Sale. In order to show the visitors around Sale from 4 p.m. that day motor cars are being sought for the purpose, and already several have promised their cars. The committee will meet again on Wednesday evening, when a confer cnce with the ladies' committee will take place. An endeavour is to be made to get the Sale Brass Band to greet the delegates on arrival.

The allotment of accommodation was discussed and arrangements made for securing further support from the people of Sale to help the committee out of a difficulty. Promises of beds and bedding were made to the meeting and these are to be handed over to those requiring them. There are 240 so far placed, and about 30 more to be billetted.

It was decided to allow the lady visitors to participate in the boat trip to Lakes Entrance on the Friday. The Premier (Mr. Lawson) and the Ieader of the Opposition (Mr. Prendergast) will represent the State Par liament, and probably Mr. Watt will take the trip on behalf of the Prime Minister (Mr. W. M. Hughes), Sir Alexander Peacock will be present with the other members of the Board of Directors, including the Hon. G. H. Wise, Postmaster-General, who is also one of the delegates representing the Sale Branch, with Hon. G. M. Davis, (M.L.C. President). The officers of the Board will be in attendance, and other notable A N.A. workers. This meeting of delegates will be a record in numbers, and some keen debates are anticipated. The conference is open to the public, who are given a cordial welcome.

Upwards of thirty-five ladies are making the trip, and will be entertained by the members of the A.W.A. during their stay in Sale.

Sale Brass Band Mr. Arthur F. H. Taylor, of East Kew, has been appointed bandmaster to the Sale Brass Band, and will take up his duties shortly after Easter. Mr. Taylor, prior to the war, was a very successful bandmaster at Castlemaine for seven years. He matriculated at the Melbourne University, and then took up music as a profession, passing University examinations in piano and violin. Mr. Taylor paid a short visit to Sale last week, and it would seem that the band committee is fortunate in its choice.

At present a number of the band instruments are in Melbourne undergoing repairs, but it is hoped that they will be returned next week, and that practice will commence immediately.