TRIBUTE TO A KINDLY SCOT

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 January 1948, Page 4

TRIBUTE TO A KINDLY SCOT

(Contributed). I liked him. Scotia produced a worthy son in this dour and rugged Scot, who, when medical advice warned him to seek another clime, forsook his native shores for a new home in the Antipodes. It was a far cry from the mines of Scotland to a big sheep station on the Parapara, but he took his family and employment there, and set about learning all there was to know about the land. There were many smiley among the station hands when, on being given a dog that had been classed as hopeless to train, he called it “Joe,” and set about trying where others had failed Within a few months he had a dog that was the envy of all the musterers, the faithful animal repaying in full the unorthodox but kindly measures used by the greenhorn shepherd The look of consternation when “Joe” presented him with a litter of pups is still the subject of much banter when memories of the first days on the farm are being recalled. A fatal illness robbed him of his file’s partner at an early age and he moved to the city where skilled medical treatment was available.

The Garrison Band has had no keener member. He literally lived for it, and as he marched with that famous combination and carried the big double bass, few there were who knew of the tremendous physical handicap, the result of a mining accident in his younger days, under winch he laboured. When he realised that his lips would no longer play the tricky notes lie made his decision to retire immediately and make way for the younger men. He put the big instrument down and his decision was irrevocable.

He turned to bowls, and here again he gave of his best. Many an umpire would oe happy to have his decisions accepted as unquestioningly as his were. As square as they make them, his services were keenly sought after, almost at times to the point of imposition, but despite an occasional growl about “gieing some other fellow a go,” he was always there. Independent almost to the point of stubborness, he refused his family’s offer to live with them, saying: "Ye hae your own life tae live and I will noo be a burden on anyone.” Only when desperately ill would he consent to being nursed by his daughter, and it was indeed ironical that just when he seemed to have made an excellent recovery his gallant heart gave out under the strain. No, they don't breed them better! Bands For The Races. The Queen Alexandra's Band wil. provide patrons with a programme of music at the first day of the Wanga nui Jockey Club's centennial meeting on February 7. On the second day, on February 14, the music will be provided by the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band.