PIPE BAND FORMED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 139, 16 May 1925, Page 7

PIPE BAND FORMED.

MEETING LAST NIGHT. A meeting of local enthusiasts Was held last night for the purpose of forming a pipe band in Palmerston North, Mr J. Balsillie presiding. The chairman, in addressing the meeting, said that for some.time it had been felt that such a band should be formed. His remarks, were endorsed by Mr D. iViunro who stated that, in his opinion, the town could support a band of pipers. Mr J. Hornblow mentioned that already a number of young men were practising under tho tuition of Mr C. Miller.

Mr R. Thomson, Wanganui, explained that he was prepared to come to Palmerston North once every fortnight and also provide music until such time as the band was in a position to purchase its own. Mr Miller mentioned that he had been engaged in p'iji but had lately come to New Zealand and was at present teaching a number. of pupils. He thought that Mr Thomson’s terms were most reasonable, and if that gentleman was engaged he himself would assist as much as possible.

It was mentioned that there were a number of enthusiasts in Feilding, Foxton and Longburn who would be willing to join the bard. It was only a matter of organisation. Mr Thomson said that when he first went to Wanganui there were only four or five pipers and now there were 80. Captain J. M. Stewart 6tated that a number of territorials who belonged to the company he commanded were members of the drum band and would only be too keen to join.

Mr Hornblow then moved that, with the consent of the Caledonian Society, a pipe band bo formed. Mr D. Buchanan seconded the motion Mr Munro thought that the band should be apart from the society and should have its own funds.

The question of a hall was then discussed, and the suggestion was made that, in return for the use of the hall, a free night could he given at one of the A. and P. Association’s shows. After some further discussion Mr Hornblow’s motion was put to the meeting and carried. It was jdecided that the band be known 03 the Manawatu Highland Pipe Band. Captain Stewart then moved that those present form themselves into a aommitteo and, on being put to the meeting, the motion was carried. Mr W. McKenzie (subject to his consent) was appointed secretary. The question of funds was then brought up. Mr Miller suggested that any pupils desiring tuition should pay a fee, and any money in excess of the pipe major’s salary be used for band purposes. Mr Buchanan thought that the sum of £BO be guaranteed to cover any possiblo loss on the first year’s working. The matter \yas left in the hands of the oommittoe to report on at the next meeting, to be held next Friday night, the names of all prospective pipers to be then handed in.