The newly appointed bandmaster, Mr. Frank Foran, was given an enthusiastic welcome by the band committee and ladies' committee and also the players at the Foster street hall on Tuesday night. Mr. Foran has been conductor of the Leeton (N.S.W.) Band, and travelled 500 miles from that centre to pay a formal visit here before relinquishing his charge of the Leeton Band. He was introduced by Mr. Fidler, and after this brief formality, the bandsmen struck up the popular march, "Sons of the Brave."

Thanking those present, Mr. Foran expressed his pleasure at the warm welcome extended to him. To the 'bandsmen he said' he did not come 500 miles just to criticise them. He was pleased to see so many enthusiastic young lads in the Sale Band. A 'band was a big asset to a town, and he hoped they realised what a big. part they played in the community. As well as gaining musical experience, they were playing an important part in the social sphere. It meant a certain amount of self-sacrifice, but their efforts would be appreciated by their fellow townsmen and women.

Mr. W. Bramwell, on behalf of the committee, welcomed their guest and expressed the hope that when Mr. Foran did take up duties as bandmaster at Sale, the boys would give him their full co-operation. If they did this they would build their band up to the status of A grade and that objective was one of which they would be justly proud.

Mr. H. Trimble also supported the remarks of the previous speaker and thanked Mr. Foran for coming along. When he did take up the baton, he urged the bandsmen to attend regularly and build up the band to such a pitch that they would be proud to be associated with it.

Mr. Foran took the opportunity of congratulating the band on having such an energetic ladies' auxiliary.

On behalf of the bandsmen, Mr. Max Sahlstrom, assured their guest that the boys were pleased at his coming along and felt sure they would give him their full support.

Mr. Foran then put the bandsmen "through their paces" an a few selections that they had been practicing since the retirement of the former bandmaster, Mr. McLean. Credit is due to Messrs Max. Sahlstrom and Frank James for keeping the band together during the past few months, and under their guidance the boys have maintained a good standard of efficiency.

Mr. Foran expects to take over early in the new year.

{Note: It appears that Mr Foran did not take up the Bandmaster position and deputy Bandmaster, Frank James took uo the role in February 1950}

On Saturday afternoon last the band journeyed, to Bairnsdale at the invitation of the Bairnsdale Fire Brigade, to take part in the torchlight procession in connecction with the fire brigades demonstration. The band boys were pleased to see two of the younger boys, namely Geo. Sturgess and Allan Glover, and during the trip up the president (Mr. Trimble) took occasion to hand the boys a small token in remembrance of days spent with the band and wished them all the luck in their new spheres in the metropolis. The boys will be practising hard now for the massed bands recital here next month and, under the leadership of Acting Bandmaster James, they will give a good account of themselves. It is hoped that a metropolitan band will visit Sale.    

Community singing to commence on Sunday.

The ladies have been having a particularly busy time lately with the object in view of procuring new uniforms for the members of the band, in anticipation of them competing at Ballarat in October. All ladies are reminded of the monthly meeting on Wednesday evening at Mrs. Glover's, and they appeal again to any parents of the boys to coming along and join up as many hands make light work. Members hope to see a good rally at the annual meeting of the band in the A.N.A. Hall next week.

Placings in South Street Competitions

The Sale City Band and its members secured highest honors in its history to date. After months of hard work, Bandmaster F. James had his, players in excellent form, and they left for South Street, Ballarat, confident of doing well.   The confidence was well rewarded because the band finished third in the test piece and second in own choice. The band tied with Horsham for third place in the aggregate only five points behind the winners. The sextet also gained a place.

Australian Championship Brass Band Contest, D Grade.

Test Piece:

• Hamilton City Band, 77 points, 1;
• Colac Town Band, 76, 2;
• Sale City Band, 74; 3.

Own Choice:

• Colac, 78, 1;
• Sale, 77, 2;
• Horsham City Band, 76, 3.

Quickstep:

• Hamilton,
• Colac and Horsham, equal first

Aggregate:

• Colac, 314, 1;
• Hamilton, 312; 2;
• Sale and Horsham, 309, equal 3.

Septet, any instruments:

• Sydney, 85, 1;
• West Coburg, 78, 2;
• Sale (G. Gourley, L. Skeen, H. Newman, R. Rebbechi, J. Trimble, K. Best, F. Glover, F. James), 77, 3.