The minstrel and variety entertainment in aid of the Sale Borough Band funds, postponed from the previous week, came off last Thursday evening in the Victoria Hall, and on this occassion the committee were fortunate in getting just such weather conditions as were favorable to the venture.

The members and committee of the Sale Borough Band held their annual smoke night at the band room on Tuesday evening.

The President, Mr. J. O'Connor, presided. Apologies were received from Messrs J. E. Loder and Sayer.

Numerous toasts were honored, sound advice given to members of band, and the proceedings all through were of a most enjoyable nature. Mr. Apps, in speaking to the toast of the Committee, said that body had done their best in the interests of the band, though against great odds in the way of lack of support from the public.

Mr. O'Connor, in responding, confirmed the proposer's views. Certainly the committee did not get the support that might reasonably be expected from the public generally. Even the civic fathers, who should support them, did not do so. The band had been at them for some time for assistance, and only the day previous to this gathering they had written to the council pointing out the equity of the band's claim in that it was a public institution. The result was that the letter was held over until the framing of next year's estimates. The same thing was done last year. The council took up the position that they were not able, under the Local Government Act, to vote any municipal money to support the band. The committee expected that the council would do as many others did - vote a larger sum as Mayor's allowance with the object of devoting a portion of it to the band.

It was disappointing that in a town of the dimensions of Sale the same few should have to shoulder the burden of financing the band year after year; the citizens did not seem to realise that the band was their institution and did not support it as they should. However, the constant drop of water had the effect of wearing away the hardest stone, and they meant to keep on bringing the claims of the band forward until they got the support they were entitled to; and whatever the committee could do for the band they certainly would do.

Mr. Benussi, a newly elected member of committee, also acknowledged the toast, and expressed the hope that the hand would soon be relieved of its little liability, and that before long its funds would be in a flourishing condition.

Mr. Thornley spoke to the toast of the Band. He said he had been connected with the hand for 27 years; his heart and soul was music, and he was pleased to see some of his own amongst the players. He was one of the first to welcome Mr. Apps as bandmaster, and from the first he recognised that the band had got the right man to conduct them.

Mr. Apps responded, saying that the indications were that with the good working committee they had and the interest being taken by band members that they would have a successful year.

Messrs R. Wynd, T. Wain and W. Carmody also spoke on behalf of the playing members.

One of the most pleasing features of the evening was the presentation of a gold medal to the bandmaster. Mr. Apps. The presentation was made by Mr. H. Wynd, who said the presentation was made by the members of the band as a recognition of the painstaking manner in which Mr. Apps had prepared them for the contests in which they had taken part. He hoped it was only the first of many of its kind.

Mr. Apps thanked the members, but assured them he did not need such tokens to induce him to do his best for the band. He would teach them as much as he could. and as long as they worked together, as the majority of the members were doing, they would go straight ahead. He threw out a suggestion to the members, that if they would practise hard for about fifteen months, they might take a trip, perhaps to Tasmania, and take part in contests. There was no reason why they should not put up a good performance, and even if they were not successful at the first attempt the experience would be beneficial and the members would have an enjoyable trip. So long as his work in the band was successful he was repaid.

The President then presented trophies given by Messrs Gallagher and Roach for the best attendants at practices and parades. The first prize (set of brushes and comb in case, Mr. Gallagher's trophy) went to Mr. A. Carter, and the second (a razor, Mr. Roach's trophy) to Mr. Hec. Loughnan.

The toast, "Donors of Trophies," was proposed by Mr. Apps and acknowledged by Mr. Gallagher.

The Press toast was given by Mr. Benussi and responded to by a "Gippsland Times" representative. The shield, drum-major's staff and conductor's baton, won at the last Sale competitions, were presented by the President to Mr. Apps, who in turn handed them over to the band to be placed in the band room. Subsequently the bandsmen, through the President, asked Mr. Apps to accept the baton as a souvenir of the band's success at the competitions.

During the evening items were rendered by Messrs J. Morrison. W.V. Herron, Gallagher, Benussi, and the band played some selections, in the last two of which Mr. Carmody gave a taste of his prowess on the side-drum.

At a committee meeting of the Sale Brass Band held on Thursday evening last the Treasurer stated that the committee was £20 overdrawn at the Bank, as well as some outstanding accounts, and the bandmaster's salary had not been paid for last month.

 After considerable discussion as to what should be done it was decided that an appeal be made to the public for subscriptions, and Messrs O'Connor, Sayer, Trood and Benussi were appointed to solicit same, and as it will be impossible for them to call on all the townspeople they would be pleased to receive donations from any sympathisers who are anxious to see the band maintained in an efficient and up-to-date manner, for without better support from the public the committee do not feel justified in carrying the band on as at present.

The following is the report for the year ended June, 1912:- The band has had occasion to meet 103 times, 26 being charity and public performances, 14 engagements, 8 benefits, the remainder being meetings and rehearsals.

 You will see that again, as in the past four years; the charitable calls are greater than engagements, and the committee should again approach our council, and see if it is not possible for them to engage the band to play in the parks and gardens for the people. This last term the band has given 10 programmes for the people, as well as cadets' parade, Empire Day celebrations, five times for the Gippsland Hospital, and once for Bairnsdale Hospital. This should average two guineas per programme, and if the committee received this amount from the council, it would greatly help to maintain the band. At present we have eight instruments lying idle in the band room, on account of little repairs wanting doing to them. I have learners waiting to use them as soon as repairs are completed.

The band journeyed to Bairnsdale and assisted at their hospital carnival, which was successful. The band was again chosen by Chief Officer Marshall to represent the Gippsland Bands at the Country Fire Brigades demonstration, recently held at Ballarat. We played at the Eastern Oval, and in the torchlight procession. The Chief Officer was pleased with the band, and the members had an enjoyable trip, although short, as they had to get back for St. Patrick's Day carnival. The band members gave the ladies who assisted at the band ball an invitation boat trip to Holland's Landing. This outing was enjoyed by old and young, and the members say that it will be an annual fixture. We have fulfilled all engagements in a creditable manner, and have given the public as many outdoor programmes as possible.

At present the band is playing some difficult selections, and I believe their playing has been appreciated. The possible attendance for practice and parades is 103, J. Richardson is first with 94, J. T. Laughnan second with 80, and E. Martin next with 78.

We have to thank the ladies for their untiring efforts to maintain the band. A lot of work has fallen on their shoulders, and they have been successful. At present the ladies are at work on a bazaar for the band, to be held October 1st to 5th, 1912. As there is a tremendous amount of work in connection with this, it is hoped that the gentlemen supporters of the band will offer their assistance.

We have to thank the gentlemen who have assisted at our benefit functions, also all the subscribers to the band.

To conclude, I sincerely wish to thank the gentlemen and societies who have engaged the band. Hoping our incoming committee will see to the wants of the band.

Again thanking you for past favors,
I remain, yours faithfully,
J..H. Apps, bandmaster.