PIPERS AND DANCERS' ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16405, 9 June 1915, Page 7

PIPERS AND DANCERS' ASSOCIATION.

FORTHCOMING WELLINGTON CONFERENCE.

CONVENING PROCEDURE QUESTIONED.

A meeting of the committee of the Dtmedjn Branch of the New Zeakud Pipers and iJauoci's xissociation took place last eveni present—Messrs Ji. (presiL M&ckcozKi and ft Cameron (vicepresidents), G. Livingstone, H. Patcison, F. (Jlapton, P. Wilson, Cj. Anderson, X). Mathesoii, and the secretary. The Ohaarman, referring to the recei.., collection for returned Otago woonded soldiers, congratulated members and friends on creditable success of the effort made. Ar a result the sum of at least £30 would ,be added to the fund. •

V *sccr e tary IMr H. Macdonald) reported that he had not received a reply to his communication to Mr Gillespie, who, it was understood, was acting as secretary to a conference to be held this in connection with the formation of a governing body for New Zealand for piping and dancing. He mentioned that there were certain features in regard to the method of calling the conference which suggested that the association was being ignored, and that an attempt was being made to hand the control over solely to Caledonian societies. Such a step would be retrograde In support of his contention he mentioned that Mr Gillespie made no deJ ;, VT equest for representation of the Pipers a j p&ncers Association at the conference, and he had not given sufficient notice. It appeared that Mr Gillespie sought general information regarding the association's roles etc., indirectly through the Caledonian society, the different branches of which had rrnf 11 wnt^ n *° ky the conference secretary, ihe circular advised that it was proposed to hold a conference of all interested in the formation of a controlling body for piping m Kew Zealand, to be held on the 23rd inst. at Wellington. It invited representation and information likely to be nsej u rmal conferences bad been held and it had been unanimously decided that a, governing body be appointed for the oonJ ? p ,'p ln £ 11111 dancing in New Zealand and further, that each Caledonian and similar society bo asked to draw up rules by expert pipers anct dancers, to be submitted as a baas of discussion at the conference. A discussion ensued, in which members expressed the opinion that Mr Gillespie was not carrying out his instructions. aleo stated that the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Athletio Union was in lavour of the association having a practical part m the government of piping aod dancing, and it was believed that the union as a whole took that attitude. The oondition laid down by the New Zealand Union was that tne association should be represented on the union m which proposal the association heartily concurred.

Members were strongly of opinion that there was strong objection to Mr Gillespie adopting- an attitude to further the interests of the Wairarapa Caledonian Society, adversely to the New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union and the association, which promoted the sport during seve-

Cameron 885(1 tha * Mr Gillespie was x oon 7 ene . a conference of "all inj as - h ? wa « not doing this, the union and association should taito steps to have the matter rectified. % The Chairman said that no doubt if the Caledonian Society here received such a cirk"l J u 7'*2 d P rob ? b he referred to thfe b anch of the association. fina! . J y. resolved to appoint a oomr. CO ing J ? f tbe President and Messrs Cameron and MacdonaJd. to meet and discuss the matter with the Otago Centre Union 6 Zealand Athletic and Cycling