HEROISM OF PIPERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24464, 23 December 1942, Page 4

HEROISM OF PIPERS

SCOTTISH REGIMENTS NEW ZEALANDERS I TRIBUTE (0.C.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Tuesday Butt of countless jokes, yet acknowledged as a powerful stimulant in battle, the bagpipes and their players received high tribute from a New Zealand soldier overseas when writing to his parents at Stratford. "These men have not died in vain, their deeds go on in the memories of men," the soldier -wrote after describing the exploits of the pipers of two Scottish regiments. "I am sure that what our 'Scojjties' did that night will live for ever." • When the New Zealanders went into action the night the writer was wounded they were supported on the right by the Black Watch and on the left by the Sutherland Highlanders, both of which were piped into battle by pipers at the head of each company. '"As I lay wounded throughout the night in the midst of the battle;" he wrote, "after I had taken off my load ot Mills bombs and other ammunition and the noise of battle had died down, I could hear the pipes still being played, . but growing fainter until they ceased. In the morning, when the ambulances came, some of these pipers were picked up. still clutching their pipes.".. Other references in the letter were highly appreciative of the stirrii.g qualities of martial pipe music and the heroism and devotion to du£v of the Highlanders who played theii instruments throughout the battle, regard- . less of danger to themselves in maintaining the traditions of the famous Scottish regiments. SAILORS' HOME BUSINESS MEN'S INTEREST Interest in the Auckland, Sailors' Home has been aroused in a group of business men following.an address at a recent Rotary Club meeting by Captain A. S. Dalgliesh. secretary of the Auckland Merchant Service Guild. A scheme for the greater assistance for the home, which includes the suggestion that it might be run on the lines, of a modern comfortable club, will be. considered.Mr. F. A. Smith, president of the Auckland Provincial Drapers and Retailers' Association, which is concerned in the scheme, said yesterday that the main proposals were in abeyance, but that in the meantime linen and other urgent needs were being provided. Sailors were not making the Sailors' Home their headquarters and, although the council of the home was doing its best with the means at its disposal, it was felt that the premises might not" now suffice for the needs of merchant seamen. A meeting of the group of interested business men would be held in the new year, when a large scheme w r ould be considered. It was reported at a meeting of the council of the home that a circular appeal had resulted in donations totalling £2SO being received. The president, Mr. C. J. Carrington, said that it was planned to send a deputation to wait 011 the Mayor regarding the rates on • the home property. City rates amounted to £lB7 last year, and it was hoped that some r.ew arrangement could be reached.