There was only a small attendance at the meeting held at the Council Chambers on Friday to take steps to reorganize the Sale Brass Band.

 The Mayor (Cr. Stevens) presided and regretted there were not more present. The secretary of the provisional committee (Mr. Wasley) explained that the sub-committee appointed for the purpose had dealt with several applications and had decided to commend to the public meeting, that Mr. W. Mellor be appointed bandmaster at £2 a week.

The Mayor explained that out of the several applications received Mr. Mellor, on all points, was the most suitable. Some applications were out of all reason in regard to salary required. Mr. Mellor, being a resident in the town and most anxious to see the band established, the sub-committee decided to recommend him for this position. Mr. Wasley thought that it would be a wise plan if they considered ways and means of financing the band before appointing a bandmaster. The attendance that evening was very disappointing.

The band had got into deep water, but that was not to say it would always stay there. It would take three months before the band could be organised and got efficient, and money would be required to enable it to be started and kept going until it could finance itself. If the bandmaster were appointed, now it would mean that his salary of £8 a month would have to be found until the band would be fit to turn out. Practically all the instruments had been called in, and while many of the old ones were unfit for further use, and several required repairing, there were sufficient to form the nucleus of a good band. Most of the uniforms were in hand, but these would have to be cleaned, fumigated and got in order, before they could be handed to bandsmen. To get the uniforms cleaned, an offer had been received to carry out that work at 6/- for each uniform, repairing extra, if required.

Taking all things into consideration between £50 and £100 would be required to start the band, and if the services of a good collector could be obtained he felt the band would get a good start. Others considered that it would be unwise to appoint the bandmaster until it was ascertained if the public were prepared to see that the band was put on a good footing.

They did not consider that the whole responsibility of re-forming the band under such conditions, should be shouldered by ten citizens. Mr. Gabbett considered that if once the band was got going, it could be financed by subscriptions of 1/- a week by the townspeople, as was done before.

Mr. Les. Andrews suggested that the holding a big bazaar would be the best method of getting in the money to start the band. He thought that all societies or associations in the town might be asked to help by looking after a stall. The Returned Soldiers were ready to help and would take up one stall.

It was decided on the motion of Mr. Gabbett, seconded by Mr. A. Carter. That the different societies in the town, the business people, and the public, be circularized, asking if they would subscribe to enable the band to be reformed, and that the various societies send delegates, or forward suggestions as to the best means of raising funds, and that Mr. Frank Shepard, be appointed collector. Another meeting will be held early in August, when the result of the appeal will enable the meeting to decide as to whether the people desire a band or not.

A deputation from the sale Town Band committee waited on the Town Council on Monday evening urging the council to take over the Band. The Mayor, in introducing the deputation said the affairs of the Band had been most unsatisfactory. The committee had not met for a considerable time and matters were in a chaotic state.

 Mr A. T. Wasley, secretary of the committee said the object of the deputation was to ask the council to seriously consider the taking over of the band. The Band, from time to time had had its ups and downs-mostly the latter. After each effort had been made to improve its position the Band on the voluntary system had never been and never would be satisfactory. If the townspeople desired a Band the only thing was for it to be municipally controlled.

At present a few citizens contribute to its support, the big majority not supporting it. The voluntary contributions were in sufficient to finance the Band and they were decreasing. He was of the opinion that the council could finance the Band without imposing an extra rate. At present the council was subsidising it to the extent of £50 per annum. The Bandmaster's salary was £2 per week and it was considered the Band could be maintained on £156 a year, allowing a £1 a week to meet emergency expenditure such as repairs to uniforms purchase of music and new instruments that might be required.

As an offset a fair amount of revenue could be raised if an efficient Band was controlled by the council and fees set out for engagements, should bring in at least £30 per annum. The council would be contributing twice as much as it did at present but an efficient Band would be assured. He trusted that councillors would favourably consider the proponent but an efficient Band would be longer a mare's nest to the council.

In supporting the proposal, Mr. Thompson, Clerk of Courts, said Sale's experience in regard to the Band was the same as that of other towns. It was a case of the better the musician the worse the financier. A town the size of Sale warranted a Band to play at the various functions. It had been said that people who did not like flowers or music were not mentally normal. The Sale people appreciated music. An efficient Band could be able to derive a fair amount of revenue. Rate payers appreciated the fine work carried out by the council. Having the interests of ratepayers at heart, they no doubt would be prepared to add to their duties by controlling the Band.

Mr R. M. Holland supported the remarks of the previous speakers, pointing out that the Band had valuable assets and being able to derive revenue would not be a big drain on the council's funds.

The Mayor commended the deputation for the interest manifested in the Band and promised serious con sideration to their request by the council.

Five applications were received for the position of bandmaster to the Sale Town Band, three being local and two from distant towns. On Monday the Band Committee considered the applications and reduced them to three, all of whom reside in the town. Their names will be submitted to a full meeting of members of the band, who will be given an opportunity of making the final selection.

Makes a Good Start The newly formed Brass Band met for their first practice under Band master A. E. Matthews on Monday evening when 14 players attended and made good progress.

The Mayor (Cr. A. E. Brennan) Sergeant Tracey, Mr. J. E. Thomson and J Beaton (secretary) representing the citizens committee were in attendance. Mr. Payne was elected Band Sergeant failing Mr. A. Reeces' acceptance of the position. Mr. Stephenson was elected Librarian and Mr J. Stewart, Drum Major. A Disciplinarian committee was appointed comprising the Band-Sergeant, Drum Major and Mr. Noonan. Rules governing the band drawn up by the secretary were adopted.

It was decided to meet for practice every Monday evening. The Band will make an effort to attend the Hospital Carnival at Bairnsdale on Saturday next.