Whangarei Pipe Band Visits Bay Soots

Northern Advocate, 5 October 1948, Page 7

Whangarei Pipe Band Visits Bay Soots

KAIKOHE, Tue. (Sp.).—More than 50 people came with the Whangarei and County Pipe Band on its visit to the Bay of Islands Scottish Society on Saturday, when an ingleside was held in the Recreation Hall. Kaikohe. With them was Mr Macdonald, president of the band and of the North Auckland Piping and Dancing Association. Also as guest of honour was Mr H. T. Atkinson, Bay of Islands county chairman. After having been piped into the hall. Chief P. M. Williams welcomed the visitors. He stressed the value of visiting and mixing with other society members. Mr Macdonald congratulated the Bay of Islands Society on its growth and sturdy health. He paid particular tribute to the standard of the children’s dancing. The inglesides were a place “where the traditions of poetry and music of our Scottish forbears” could be handed on. Mr Atkinson thanked the chief for the invitation. He recognised the great value such gatherings must have especially to the young people, replacing as they did the old-fash-ioned musical evenings when everybody got together in friendly and happy manner. The part of him that was Scottish told him that he was enjoying himself; the part of him that was Yorkshire told him to be careful, he added. Yet he must confess that the Scots portion had gained the upper hand. Items by the pipe band were interspersed among the usual Scottish dances.

Thirty girls of the local society were on the floor for a Highland Fling and 24 were up for the Swords. An enjoyable supper was served with commendable speed and a pleasant evening ended with singing of “Auld Lang Syne.