SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1935, Page 11

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

NEW PLYMOUTH PIPE BAND.

RAPID IMPROVEMENT MADE.

A successful year’s operations, in which reorganisation last December was followed by an improvement from an apparently hopeless position to an excellent combination is reviewed in the annual report of the New Plymouth Pipe Band to be presented at the annual meeting on Tuesday. In playing and finance, the report comments, the band improved considerably during the year, and with a little added strength it would be hard to beat.

The membership of the band stands at 10 pipers and four drummers, a total of five below full strength. Several learners were engaged and it is hoped during the coming year to stimulate interest among boys and youths with a view to their becoming active members. Two new members, Messrs. G. Purvis and E. S. Cameron, arrived at New Plymouth. The former was well known for his excellent playing and the latter proved a decided asset to the strength of the band. The income for the year totalled £B7 Is 4d, and payments £B7 14s 3d, leaving a debit of 12s lid. The result is extremely gratifying. The band paraded on 30 occasions at parades, concerts and inglesides, among other things. Parades included Anzac Day, St. Andrew’s Day, and concerts included a wireless performance, park recitals, Fitzroy and Ngamotu gala days, Fitzroy church, Girls’ High School, New Zealand surf life-saving championships and West End school. The Hogmanay parade collection totalled . £5 16s 7d.

The band attended the annual sports at Manaia, Corporal A. Black gaining third place in the B grade and . Piper C. Robertson gaining first place in the novice event. The band also attended the Stratford annual contest, but it was not up to the standard required at the time. Special mention is made of the smart appearance of the band at all parades and the members’ willingness to work with the Pipe-Major in all things leading towards that smartness. Praise is accorded Drum-Sergeant R. Canning for the splendid condition of all drum parts. He spent hours in painting hoops, as well as in teaching, and writing music. Uniforms are, however, gradually going into a state of disrepair, though it is hoped to renew parts and to procure new tunics. A sum or £2(k will have to be aimed at.

About June Mrs. D. M. Quay offered her house for flag five hundred evenings, and £l5 0s 5d was collected. ‘ Mrs. J. S. Wilson and Mrs. Kirkland provided food, while the chief, Mr. W. W. Thomson, provided about £7 worth of timber for tables and forms. Thanks are due to the Hawera Pipe Band members and the Press. The report records the death of Mrs. P. McKenzie, wife of the ex-drum major, who as a champion Highland dancer was often a judge at gatherings at New Plymouth. She was keenly, interested in the work of the pipe band. Drum-Major McKenzie resigned early in the year after a term in which he showed efficiency and smartness. Mr. W. B. Williamson succeeded him but resigned shortly afterwards, and none has acted since. It is hoped, to overcome the difficulty soon. Mr. N. Cruden in November resigned the pipe majorship owing to transfer and Mr. A. S. Kirkland was appointed in his place.