PIPERS’ ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 14184, 8 October 1909, Page 2

PIPERS’ ASSOCIATION

A meeting of the Otago branch of the Pipers and Dancers’ Association was held in the Excelsior Hotel last night, Mr A. Gray (president) in the chair. Th 6 Secretary reported that 350 copies of the following letter had been sent to various parts of the Dominion, and it was decided that copies also be sent to the Caledonian societies:

At a meeting of the Otago branch of the above Association the following motion was carried unanimously :—“ That this meeting of pipers and dancers pledge themselves to abstain from competing in piping and dancing at any gathering where these events are held, unless the said events are under the sole control of the Pipers and Dancers’ Association of New Zealandand that a copy of this resolution be sent to all pipers and dancers throughout the Dominion.” In introducing this matter to your notice, wo respectfully beg to place before you (ho following in connection therewith. The Pipers and Dancers’ Association have been formed by the pipers and dancers themselves for the advancement and encouragement of bagpipe music and dancing, and as a protest against the uncalled-for interference of such a body as the N.Z.A.U., which sprang into existence for the purpose of preventing “crook” running and keeping sport clean. There is no connection between “ crook ” running and bagpipe music and dancing, and there is the strongest objection amongst those who understand the ancient music and dances of Scotland—or even Ireland for that matter—against these events and those who compete therein being treated as if they contained the objectionable element which is generally said to be a difficulty in connection with handicap running. It is a matter of national pride that competitors in piping and dancing do not attempt to excel therein by any unfair or “ crook ” means. We are striving to retain and uphold the ancient traditions and privileges of our ancestors, and surely the pipers and dancers of New Zealand are as patriotic and honorable as their brethren at Horae, and do not require to be governed or be dictated to by such a body as an athletic union. In conclusion, we feel confident of your loyal support and sympathy in this matter, and respectfully ask you to support our efforts by introducing this circular to all those who love the tartan, thereby giving a powerful and stimulating impetus to the objects of our Association, which are : (a) To promote and conserve the interest of its members; (b) to encourage the practice and improvement of bagpipe music and dancing; (c) to provide means of securing uniformity and capability in the conduct and judgment of all contests at sports meetings, for prizes or championships, for bagpipe music, national dancing, and Highland dress events : (d) to hold or allot championships as considered advisable ; (e) to provide unifovmity of rules for the guidance of societies holding sports embracing Highland dancing, national dancing, bagpipe music, and Highland dress events.

Mr R. MTvenzio moved, and it was carried—“ That a deputation, consisting of the president, secretary, and Pipe-major M'Callmn, be appointed to wait on the Caledonian Society of Otago on the question of piping and dancing.” Pipe-major M'Callnm moved—“ That tho rule pertaining to subscriptions be amended, 2s 6d being substituted for ss, the secretary to notify tho various branches.”—Carried.

Mr Mackenzie Forbes wrote staling that the movement was getting good support in the North, and that a branch was being formed in Wanganui district. Every gentleman present took n member’s ticket for the year ending September 30, 1910. It was agreed that tho annual meeting be held on a date-to be decided upon, there not being time to hold it last night.