SCOTTISH TRADITIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12197, 23 July 1925, Page 9

SCOTTISH TRADITIONS

LADIES’ BAND WELCOMED A UNIQUE TOUR. Confident predictions of the union of the hitherto divided Scotch community were voiced yesterday at the Town Hall, when a oivio reception was accorded the members of the Australian Ladies’ Pipe Band, who are at present on a world tour. There were present a large number of Scottish citizens, and the visitors were tendered an enthusiastic welcome. The Mayor (Mr 0. J. B, Norwood) assured the visitors that the hand Of friendship would ever be held out to them in Wellington. He understood that the members of this band had executed some very creditable work during the early stages of the war, when they set themselves out to cheer and encourage the troops who went overseas, UNION IN WELLINGTON "In their desire to keep up the old traditions, the Scottish people have been divided into two sections," added the Mayor. "I hope that through the force of your music you will appeal j:o them to such art extent that your visit will have the effect of welding these two factions together," "I speak to you os a fellow Scot," said Councillor G. A. Troup, in supplementing the remarks of the Mayor. "You have Scotland right here, for you have more Scotch folk in New Zealand than there are in the British Isles." Councillor B. G. H, Burn and Captain R. H. Nimmo also spoke, the latter expressing the conviction that in the course of a few days the long-desired amalgamation of Scotch interests in Wellington would be accomplished.' BAND GOING TO SCOTLAND In his response on behalf of the band, Pipe-Major W. Darwin expressed gratification at the spirit of the reception, and said he, too, looked forward to the day ; when the amalgamation of the two divisions would he nccomplishod; and he hoped that when that became a fact a demonstration worthy of the occasion would be staged. The band had embarked upon its world to.ur merely for educational purposes, believing * that travel was the most beneficial and comprehensive university. It was the first venture of its kind, and the band was representative of every State of the Commonwealth except South Australia. The members Were Austra-llan-born of Scottish descent, and they intended to visit Scotland to show the people there that in, the outlying parts of the Empire the trnditions of Jhe good old land were being upheld in an honourable manner,