PIPING AND DANCING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23883, 10 August 1939, Page 7

PIPING AND DANCING

A YEAR OF PROGRESS The twenty-eighth annual meeting of the 'Otago Centre of the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand was held in the YM.C.A. last; evening, the president (Mr Albert' Wheeler) presiding over an excellent attendance of members. -' 'V . ' • "I feel sure that you will agree .with me that the centre has achieved much, during the past.'year and that, success lias attended all our functions," said.the chairman in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet. He stated that as a result of the conscientious work carried out by, the executive, the marked increased public interest in the centre during the year and the talent revealed at the different competitions, he felt justified in believing that' the coming year would be even more successful. During the year, the" : chairman continued, the membership had increased by 40 ..per cent., and there was a keen inquiry from new members wishing to join for the'coming year. Continuing the policy for the encouragement of the younger -iipers and dancers, the centre had conducted three small competitions during the year. These competitions had been the means of bringing forward a greater number, of young competition, and the entries in a single, event had been as high as 27. These small gatherings had been endorsed by the public and competitors as ah unqualified: sup* cess, and they would be continued. -At the present time arrangements were complete for another competition. on Saturday evening. and a further competition, was to be held at Milton on September 9. • " ~.;'.''' Dealing with the annual competition the speaker said that all would, agree that the last festival was the most successful that the centre had ever conducted. There had been an increased number of visitors \to the gathering, and all were loud in praise of the friendly spirit which prevailed throughout. In at least five events the entries had exceeded ' 30, and m the under .eight section all records .were broken when 19 tiny tots entered. The presence of so many young competitors was very encouraging for the future. The judging in bothpiping and dancing had been all that could be desired. Mention was also made to the renewed interest being taken in piping, and, dancing in the Milton district. . Dealing with the financial, statements he said that although the prize money had been increased, the year's .-workings revealed a very satisfactory, position. A word of thanks was due to the many good friends and societies who continued to assist the .centre financially and a special word of thanks was due to the Ross family, of Palmerston, who continued . to. give the " David Ross Memorial prizes.. _in conclusion he reminded members that while it had been shown .that much had been achieved during the year, there was always ample room to broaden the scope of the centre s activities. ' ■•■; ■:■ T r Seconding the motion, Mr J. h. Thomson complimented the secretary on the comprehensive report and referred especially to the prestige the centre had gained during the year. Mr S. Stewart stated that there was now far more interest taken -in the centre than previously. - „ ; The Dominion. president (Mr Ken-, neth . Cameron) congratulated the officers for the fine' results shown. T'.-o motion was carried unanimously. •- • ' " ' ,-' ' '■' : . . It was decided that the financial year in future should' end on June 30. instead of July 31 as at present, . Various matters for the good pi. piping "and dancing in ;the; Otago district were discussed, and manv.pqims of interest were recommended tp:;the incoming committee, for . consideEation, ' '■ ' ■ "•'. .-' ' .'■■ 1., .■-', The election of- officers resulted as follows:--Patrons, Dr D. G. McMillan, MP. and Mr Alex. Stewart; president, Mr Albert Wheeler; vice-presidents—■ Messrs Roderick Cameron (Palmerston). David Millar '.Oamaru), C. Neil, sen. (Ch'ristchurch)VA. - WarnOck (Mil-' burn), J. Gibson (Onslow Downs). C. Neil, jun. (Christchurch). W. H. Baxter< KG. Berney, T. Stuart and A. Macdonald; committee—Messrs A. Stuart, A. R. Harris, C. Brown, H, Marshall, E. Garland; W. -' Robertson, D W. Galvin and A. McAuslin; official pipers—Messrs . Angus. MacMillan. W* Milne, J. McGrouther ..'and N. MaCPherson; North Otago .representative, Mr David Millar (Oamaru);. delegates to Dominion Council—Messrs Angus MacMillan, J. .L. : Thomson : and ;.T. Stuart; delegates to Council of Dunedin ' Scottish Societies.. Messrs ■ A.. Wheeler and K. Cameron; honorary auditor. Mr L. McLean; honorary treasurer, Mr J D. RosC; honorary secretary, Mr J. L. W. Ge'rken. '.'• ~ ~,: