DUNEDIN’S SCOTTISH CHARACTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26413, 18 March 1947, Page 7

DUNEDIN’S SCOTTISH CHARACTER

Sir, I—There 1 —There was a time when New Zealand Scots looked for a lead from their brother Scots in Dunedin when preparing for a function in which the Scots had to play a prominent part—such as the pipe band contest held a week ago at Wanganui, but we Scots of the north fear that that time has passed into history and that no longer can we expect a lead from Dunedin. * Christchurch, which has always been regarded as an English city, sent four pipe bands to the contest at Wanganui and Dunedin, which is regarded as the Scottish city of New Zealand, sent one pipe band only. It would appear that the Scots of Dunedin are losing their musical instinct and Scottish character. This it is generally believed, is due to the fact that the best and most progressive brains of that city have been drifting north for a considerable time, ana to-day many of the cities and towns in the North Island are more Scottish, musical, and progressive, than the city which is' often called “ the Edinburgh of the South.” The reception and Patronage given by the people of Wanganui Jo the pipe bands, and the hospitality of that people were more like what would have taken place in Dunedin over 40 years ago.—l am, etc., Lochinvar. South Canterbury, March 15.