The Sale Borough Band

At the public meeting held last Tuesday evening in the interest of the Sale Borough Band, the Mayor in the chair.

Mr Coverdale introduced the business, by stating that when the Band was formed, some twelve months since, it was estimated that £150 would be required to carry them through the first year for the purchase of instruments, and the expenses of tuition.

The subscription then raised resulted in a sum of about £125, and it was just the difference between the original estimate and the present untoward fact that embarrassed the band, and deterred them from incurring the responsibility of making a fresh engagement with the bandmaster, Mr Maynard. They did not see their way clear to carry on the band as a public institution, working with property held in trust for the public, unless some guarantee were furnished as to being recouped absolute expenses. Numerically, the band had diminished, owing to members having left the town, or other causes; but a dozen had stuck manfully together and so assiduously practised that from raw material they were now breaking the shell as full fledged competent musicians, available for occasions of public moment, as well as for engagement for merely social gatherings. It was with great pleasure that he noted the large attendance, which was indicative of the interest felt by the towns people in the institution, more especially the juveniles, and of the pleasure they had derived from the sweet strains that they had just listened to.

Mr H. Crofton Staveley thought the practical outcome of the meeting would be the opening of a subscription list, to defray the present small liability, and give the band assurance and comfort for the future. It would be a disgrace to the town and a thundering pity to see the band die of inanition after reaching such excellence as they had. The public should show their appreciation of the band's past services, and encourage such a commend able institution. The advantages of its existence lay not only with the members in the tuition they received. Those pre sent had heard the band play, and it was really a lively and vitalising leavening of social life, which he for one would be sorry to see disappear. What was a pro. cession without music worthy of the title to lead it ?

Mr J. F. Law remarked that more players were wanted. It would not matter at all if they had a band of 40, the stronger the better. There was ample material in the town, and there ought at any rate be a serviceable band of 20. A little hard work had to be encountered at first; a little sacrifice of leisure time, and a little self denial for twelve months only were needed – be addressed himself to the younger members of the meeting, whom he was pleased to see in such force - and those who joined the ranks of the band would reap great pleasure in after life, not to mention the pecuniary advantages of instrumental proficiency, were that a factor to be counted. lie would like to see a half dozen join now.

Mr Sharman: Good windy young men! Where are they ? (Roars of laughter.)

Mr Coverdale: One cause of the present deficiency was the failure of the Lake Wellington steamer excursion, to which the public did not respond; hence the present impecuniosity.

The motion of Mr Staveley, as follows, was 'carried by acclamation - That a subscription list be started to defray the liabilities of the Sale Borough Band, and this meeting pledges itself to support the institution. Mr Slattery moved -That this meeting cordially recognises the efforts put forth by the members of the Sale Borough Band during the first year of its existence, and expresses the earnest hope that it will continue to exist and flourish among us. A good brass band was essential to the eclat of athletic sports. No person who had lived in older and more populous centres could have failed to note the good effect of such an institution, or would refuse to give according to his means. There was a fair prospect before the band. In a few weeks there would be a large assemblage of people on an occasion of national celebrity, and no doubt their services would I be called into requisition. Again, in March next, speaking from more personal know. ledge, the exercise of their abilities would 1 he greeted with welcome. He recollected on last St. Patrick's Day the feeling of - humiliation with which he marched to the tunes of "Garryowen" and "St. Patrick's Day in the Morning," murdered in a way they were never murdered in before. (Laughter, and hear.) He should have I liked to see some people present who might fittingly have taken a leading part in this meeting, but had no doubt of the result of a proper appeal to the public, many of whom would give for the asking.

Mr Thomas Trood seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Mr Slattery suggested a concert, and was sure the band could enlist the services of the leading vocalists, some of whom were in the room, if they were asked. Properly organised, an entertainment on behalf of the Borough Band should be a grand success, but this, however, was meant as a suggestion for the consideration of the committee.

The balance-sheet for the past year having been read by Mr C. Stewart, hon. sec. Mr Knapp moved - That lists be left at the various banks, and the managers be requested to draw attention to the same, and that a committee consisting of Messrs Trood, Knapp, Herberte, and the Secretary, be appointed to collect funds.

The motion was carried, and the band wound up the proceedings by playing two or three popular airs.