MR MASSEY AND THE PIPERS.

Evening Star, Issue 17924, 21 March 1922, Page 7

MR MASSEY AND THE PIPERS.

The gathering of tho clans at Tekapo House, Lako Tekapo, last Friday on tho occasion of the Prime Minister's visit was a unique function. It suggested nothing less than "a slice of Auld Scotland" (remarks the ' Press '). There was plenty of 'tartan in evidence, and some of the Scottish pioneers of tho Mackenzie Country and many of their descendants were present in force. It was, of course, a rather amusing coincidence that the chief guest wasan Irishman, and that the gathering was held on St. Patrick's Day! The bagpipe music was an outstanding feature, and the surroundings were such that it was heard to the best advantage. In the course of his remarks in introducing the deputation, Mr T. D. Burnett, M.F., told Mr Massey that the combined Temuka and Mackenzie Pipe Bands were present as an indication that, as regards South Canterbury's wishes in respect to the Tekapo power scheme, there was to bo no aetreat—the Highlanders never turned their back on their foes!

"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 them. (Laughter.)- Personally, I may tell you," Mr Massey continued, " that I have a strain of Scottish in my own composition, and the pipes appeal to me! Still, I have to find someone like Mr Burnett to tell me the tunes!"