FAIRLIE PIPE BAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22831, 2 March 1944, Page 3

FAIRLIE PIPE BAND

A Successful Year Mr P. A. McAteer presided at the thirty-first. annual meeting of the Mackenzie Highland Pipe Band. The chairman referred to the tragic death of Second-Lieutenant Alan Robertson, D.C.M., lost at sea when returning on furlough. He had been a piper in the band for many years, eventually becoming pipe-major. His return had been looked forward to by members and the news of his death was received with regret. Mr McAteer asked all to stand in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of their late comrade, and in sympathy with his relatives.

A motion of sympathy was also passed with the relatives of the late Mrs W. Snushall, and Mr Geo. Murray. Both were patrons of the band and Mr Snushall had been president for many years. The balance-sheet, which showed a credit balance of £4l/14/2, was read by the secretary. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr McAteer for his continued interest in and support of the band. The secretary (Mr J. A. Fraser) was also thanked for his services. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr P. A. McAteer; patrons, Mrs H. C. Manaton, Messrs a. Grant, K. Anderson and D. C. Kidd, M.P.; vice-presidents, Messrs Jas. Innes, F. Creighton, S. Braddick, W. J. Don, T. Ellem, J. Macdonald and D. Ross; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. A. Fraser; drum-major, Mr G. M. Collins; pipe-major, Mr G. Cowan; sergeant, Mr H. Cogar; corporal, Mr C. Cowan: side-drum corporal, Mr C. Surridge; custodian, Mr G. Cowan; executive, the president, secretary, drum-major, pipe-major and Mr S. Braddick. Mr T. Clarke was unanimously elected a member of the band. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr D. Ross for valued assistance, and Mrs G. Cowan was thanked for her services in caring for the uniforms. The secretary reported that parcels had been sent to band members serving overseas. It was agreed that band practice be held each Monday night In preparation for the Easter Monday Show. A welcome was extended to Drummer C. Surridge, who had been invalided home after service in the Middle East. Pipe-Major Cowan expressed a hope that he would soon be completely restored to health. Drummer Surridge was suitably entertained, and congratulated by all on his safe return.

More Rain The rain which fell during Saturday afternoon and Sunday was far from being welcomed by farmers, who are experiencing great difficulty in getting in the harvest. The copious rainfall of the last month has been the cause of much growth, and the countryside, which had been dry and parched, has now taken on a spring-like appearance. There will be an abundance of winter feed for stock, but farmers would welcome a dry spell. Patriotic Committee At the annual meeting of the Chamberlain and Mt. Nessing Patriotic Committee keen interest was shown by residents. Mr Kidd, before vacating the chair, thanked the collectors for the work done and also the residents of the district for their splendid response in the past year. The quota had been raised for the All Purposes Appeal. The following were elected as the committee:—Messrs Muir and Coffey (for Chamberlain), Mesdames W. Simpson, Glass, J. C. Macaulay and Collacott, and Messrs Richards, C. Brown, Kidd and Norton (Mt. Nessing).

It was unanimously agreed that Messrs P. Kidd and C. Norton continue a chairman and secretary respectviely. It was also agreed that the same collectors work in their respective areas, that the canvass be made in the near future, and that a more concerted effort be made through the collection of stock.

At the conclusion of the meeting a further meeting was held to consider the running of a gymkhana for patriotic purposes on Saturday. April 8. An enthusiastic committee was elected with Mr W. Simpson as secretary. Given fine weather the meeting should prove successful.