PIPE BAND’S GOOD YEAR

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1931, Page 12

PIPE BAND’S GOOD YEAR

FINANCES AND PROFICIENCY, ANNUAL MEETING AT HAWERA. Tho itniiiifil tiiccting of tho Hawera Highland Pipe Bund was held last night. Mr. J. B. LiturciiHon presided. The year had been a most successful one, fliuinco having remained sound and tho general proficiency of tho band having increased, stated tho report. The bund was now a most popular institution. The band’s services hud been made available to many sports and other bodies and included appearances at the Batea sports, Normanby show, Hawera gymkana, Mokoia sports and tho Egmont A. and P. Show. The band had performed well individually at the Taranaki provincial sports. Piper R. Haddown won tho open march, tho Petrie Cup tho stratlisprey, and tho reels; Piper lan Campbell was second in the strathspey and tho reels and third in the open march; Piper Hannah won the novice march.

Tho Cruden Cup was won by Piper lan Campbell with 305 points. PipeMajor Hennson was second with 2914 points and Piper J. Hannah third with 287 points. The president’s medal for the best novice piper was won by Piper A. Wards. They were fortunate in being able to retain the services of Mr. R. Haddow as instructor. The steady improvement in the standard, of play was a tribute to his ability. The subsidy of £25 received from the Hawera Borough Council enabled them to retain his services. They were appreciative of the council’s assistance. The honorary and playing members subscriptions, £36 15s, again showed an increase and were the main source of revenue. So loyal had the honorary members been that they had been able to dispense absolutely with the street collection and had had no shop day that year. The annual ball had proved aim outstanding success and yielded a net profit of £8 3s 9d. The excess of assets over liabilities was £420 14s. While the value of uniforms decreased the uniform replacement fund correspondingly increased and to-day they had actual cash amount of £176 18s (including interest £l6 8s) set aside expressly for uniform replacements. The strength of the band at present was nine pipers, four drummers, and a drum major. Thanks were extended to all who had rendered services to the band.

“I doubt whether there is another pipe band in New Zealand, especially in a town of this size, that is in a good a position as we are,” said Mr. J. E. Campbell. The band had won honours, kept up its numbers and been successful financially. He paid tribute to the work of the secretary and president. Messrs. J. L. Campbell, D. Wards and C. H. Bowman endorsed these remarks, all referring to the spirit of the bandsmen. Regret was expressed at the resignation of Pipe-Major Henson. Mr. F. Quin on behalf of the band expressed appreciation of the services of the band officers.

The election of officers ' resulted: President, Mr. J. B. Laurenson; vicepresident, Messrs. C. H. Bowman, W. G. Simpson, A. L. and J. E. Campbell; secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. R. Nairn; representatives on the Caledonian Sports Association, Messrs. Laurenson, N. Cruden and Nairn. The secretary’s honorarium was increased to £5 ss.

After the meeting a dance was held at St. Joseph’s Hall. There was a large attendance and as a result the earthquake relief funds will benefit considerably. Music was supplied by Wills’ Melody Makers Orchestra. Mr. R. W. Haddow was master of ceremonies. Supper was provided by a ladies’ committee. /