HIGHLAND PIPE BAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23219, 17 June 1937, Page 11

HIGHLAND PIPE BAND

A SUCCESSFUL REUNION There was a very large attendance at the annual reunion of the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band last night. The president (Mr John Hope) was in the chair. ' Among the guests were Mr John M'Donald (patron of the Scottish Society). Mr J. Cameron (ex-chief of the South Auckland Caledonian Society), Mr A. Wheeler (Council of Scottish Societies), Mr J. A. Johnson (Caledonian Society) and representatives of the Gaelic Society, Returned Soldiers* Association, Burns Club and the Taieri. Palmerston and Balclutha Pipe Bands. Extending a welcome to those present, the president expressed gratification at the large attendance. He said the band to-day was in a strong position, due mainly to the recent efforts to raise money for new uniforms. The sum of £4OO had been collected, which was a highly satisfactory result. Some of the northern bands could beat the Dunedin Pipe Band in some ways, but it was seldom that they could beat it in music. It was monstrous to think, he said, that an English city like Christchurch had three Highland pipe bands, while Dunedin had only one. Before long, however, it was hoped to establish a fund by means of which it was expected to bring the Dunedin band to the forefront.

Proposing the toast °f the "Navy, Army and Air Force," Mr M‘Donald said that the young men of this generation should realise the necessity for military training. The band, and the kilt in particular, were closely associated with the army.

Sergeant-majors J. Bowman, S. M'Kenzie and A. Johnson replied. The band was 40 years old this year, Mr J. R. Fairbairn announced when proposing the toast of the “ Dunedin Pipe Band.” He expressed pleasure at (he presence of some of the band’s original members—Messrs Kenneth Cameron, L. M’Kenzie, A. Chisholm, T. Gibb, J. Robertson and J. Hames—and a representative of the Dunedin Highland Rifles. Mr W. M’Kinlay.— (Applause.) The proud position the band found itself in to-day, he continued, was due in a large measure to the valuable service rendered by Pipemajor Gray, who was responsible for founding the first Dunedin Highland Pipe Band. Through long years the band had never lacked support. At the end of the present year it was expected that members of the band would be wearing their new uniforms. Pipe-major C. B. Walker briefly responded. Other toasts honoured were: “ Returned Soldiers,” proposed by Ser-geant-major Bowman, and replied to by Mr Keith Cameron: ‘‘Kindred Societies,” Mr T. Gilchrist —Mr J. A. Johnson (Caledonian Society). Mr Keith Cameron (Gaelic Society). Mr A. Wheeler (Pipers and Dancers’ Association), Drum-major Pearson (Palmerston Pipe Band). Mr A. Campbell (Momona Pipe Band), and Mr W. Smith (Scottish Society): “Ex-members and Honorary Members.” Drum-major C. G. Maher —responded to by several members and ex-members. The Thompson Cups, which arc awarded for regular attendance, were presented by the president to Pipers S. Waldie and Corporal I. Fraser, who were equal in points. The Hope Cup was won by Drummer H. Bennett. Hems were given by the following:— Piper S. Waldie (bagpipe selections), Mr J. Paterson (songs). Mr G. Paterson (recitation). Mr H. Wilson (national dance), A. Snell (songs), Piper Kenneth Cameron (bagpipe selections). A. Storry (accordion solos). The accompanist was Mr J. Roberta.