THE TEKAPO GATHERING.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17408, 20 March 1922, Page 7

THE TEKAPO GATHERING.

MR MASSEY AND THE PIPEES. The gathering of the clans at Tekapo House, Lake Teknpo, last Friday, on th© occasion of the Prim© Minister's visit, was a unique function. It suggested nothing less than "a slice of Auld Scotland." There was plenty of tartan in evidence, and some of tho Scottish, pioneers of the Mackenzie Country and many of their descendants were present | |in force. It was, of courjo, a rather amusing coincidence that the chief guest was an Irishman and that the B a tillering was held on St. Patrick's •ay! The bagpipe musio was an outstanding feature, find the surroundings were Such that it was heard to the beat advantage. _ . . In tho couts© of his remarks in introducing the deputation, Mr T. D. Burnett. M-Pm told Mr "Mnssey that the combined Teniuka and Mackenzie Pipe Bands were present as an indication that as regards South Canterbury's, wishes in respect of. the Tekapo power scheme there was to bo no retreat —tihe Highlanders never turned'their backs on their foesl "The reason is/' Mr Massey said later, when speaking at the luncheon, "that they always take the bagpipes with them; and they are victorious because I cannot imagine the enemy that would stand up to tihem. (Laughter.) Personally, I may tell you," Mr Mus&ey continued, "that I have a strain of Scottish in my own composition, and the pipes appeal to mo! Still, I have to find someone like Mr Burnett to ,tett me the tunes!" 1

To city dwellers it may appear a small matter to provide a luncheon for close on three hundred people, but it ia a big thing to do so in the heart of the Mackenzie Country. Mr and Mrs Burnett, with the assistance of Mr and Sirs Woods, who keep the Tekapo House, were (highly successful in solving tho many problems involved in providing for such a large number. The final scene, prior to the departure of Mr Massey and iiis party, was rather picturesque, and provided some amusing; incidents. Mr Massev's oar was standing on the road headed for Pu'kaki, and on etch" side of tho road in front of the car the Pipe Band was drawn up, PipeMajor Edgar, in full regimentals, being jt, striking figure. When not wearing the "garb of old Gaul" Mr Edgar follows the plough, and holds champion honours in South Canterbury as a ploughman. Mr Massey had a few words with the pipers before leaving. Indeed, he had a sly dig at Mr Burnett when one of the ''Highlanders" informed him that he was born in Mr M assay's native place in Ireland I The pipe-major seined tho occasion to make a brief speech to Mr Massey. Mr Massey, in acknowledging, remarked: "I hope to see you in Parliament some day"—a tribute to tho pipemajor's eloquence. "There's tho capacity thero, was the prompt rejoinder of Pipe-Major Edgar, "brains fc.low the plonghl" There was a general outburst of laughter at this apt retort. _ The tableau was the subject of a photograph, Mr Massey and the pipemajor standing at the head of the band. Finally, aa the Prime Minister's car was leaving, tho band struck up "A Man's a Man for a' lhat, n delicate, compliment that Mr Massey was quick to appreciate. It is safe to say that the Tekapo gathering will, from many Mints of view be long remembered in the- Mackenzie Country.