PIPE BANDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 77

PIPE BANDS.

DOMINION ASSOCIATION FORMED. A meeting called by the Exhibition Pipe Ran 3 Contest Committee was held in Me 11. Divers's board room on Wednesday, when 20 delegates were present, representing the Eltham, Waimate, New Plymouth, Waiw ganui, Dunedin, Hunterville, Hawera, Southland, Timarit, Mataura, Wyndham, Balclutha, and the three Christchurch Pipe Bands. Mr J. C. Rigby, in expressing pleasure at the large attendance said that his elec-* tion to the chair was a compliment to the committee. The idea of the meeting was to assist the pipe bands to form an asso> ciation of their own. If that were doiflf (he committee would feel that its efforts in bringing about a wonderful contest were more than crowned with success. It was entirely for the bands to decide whether they desired to control their own affairs or not. Mr J. McDonald said that if controlled by an association as suggested better bands and better contests would result lie asked them to forget the past and let the present be the commencement of a new era in the progress of pipe band music. The moment a man adopted a kilt he became adherent to the best traditions of the Scottish race, because it was the emblem of .a gentleman and a true Britisher.—(Applause.) Mr Rigby mentioned that the Hunter Cup was presented for competition subject to the formation of this association. Mr Campbell (Eltham) said that an association was as essential for pipe bands aS it was for other bodies. A council of bandsmen could control their affairs efficiently. Mr Clements (Eltham), who gave some valuable suggestions, pointed out that the heavy correspondence between the bands and the committee for this contest showed the need of an association. Mr E. J. Anderson gave an outline of the legal procedure required for the formation of the association and for its incorporation. . After general discussion, Mr Clement moved, and Mr Gilchrist seconded, that a New Zealand Highland Pipe Band Association be formed, and that file proposed rules be submitted for confirmation to all pipe bands throughout the Dominion. The motion was carried unaiimously, 11 delegates supporting it outright and four subject to approval by their bands. The following officers were elected:— Patron, Mr D. Ross (Palmerston); president, Sir J. C. Rigby (Dunedin); vicepresidents —Messrs John Hope (Dunedin), George Taylor (Invercargill), John Gold (Balclutha), C. S. Thomas (Christchurch), M'Kenzie Forbes (Wanganui), MLcan (Hunterville), and Campbell (Taranaki). South Island bands will be asked to elect an executive for this year in order to bring the organisation into operation. Mr D. Henderson (Dunedin) was appointed secretary. On the motion of Mr Clement, seconded by Mr Duncan (Wanganui), it was resolved to place on record the keen appreciation of New Zealand pipe bands of the services rendered by the Exhibition Pipe Band Contest Committee. Mr Buchanan (Mataura) asked that the association consider arranging for a B grade event in connection with the next contest.