HIGHLAND DISPLAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27042, 29 March 1949, Page 3

HIGHLAND DISPLAY

LARGE CROWD PRESENT UNDETERRED BY WEATHER Wintry conditions did not point to a very successful day at the Show Grounds on Sunday for the Highhland Pipe Bands’ display, in which five bands participated. But before the programme got under way a crowd of a size rarely seen at any local function had assembled, and before the afternoon was through the grandstand was packed to capacity and cars lined the oval, two, and in some places, three deep. Nor was the enthusiasm of the pipers dampened, and those present were treated to a programme of intricate jnarching. Highland dancing, and pipe music of the highest order. The Mayor, Mr M. F| E. Cooney, congratulated the local band on arranging the function, which, he said, should encourage the public to support a band which did much for the benefit of the community. In extending a welcome to the visiting bands, Mr Cooney said the afternoon should do much to increase pipe band activity in Oamaru. A high standard of marching was exhibited by the Dunedin, Burns, and Timaru Bands, the Timaru Band having recently returned from New Plymouth, where it was placed second in the Drum Majors’ display. The Timaru Band gave a display over the course selected for the recent contest at New Plymouth. The capabilities of these bands in slow marching was prominently displayed during their items, and some ideas of the time spent in practising could be gleaned from the precision with which the movements were executed. The two B Grade bands in attendance, the Waimate and North Otago Highland, also staged first-class marching items and much credit must be given to these two bands which have only a limited number on which to draw-for their membership. The crowning item of the afternoon was the combined display of the five bands which took place in the centre of the oval. The contrasting uniforms made a vivid picture, while the blending of pipes and drums stirred many Scottish hearts. Drummers and Drum-majors marched in a circle around a four-pointed star while pipers within the circle marched along a star-shaped course. To complete the highly successful programme all the bands took part in a combined march past. Dancing items were contributed by. the pupils of Mrs Gladys Forte. As a result of the display the local band’s uniform fund will benefit by a considerable sum.