A HUNDRED PIPERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 28, 26 June 1939, Page 5

A HUNDRED PIPERS

RALLY AT ROTORUA

FIVE BANDS PARADE

'thousands in Rotorua last Saturday watched the greatest rally of pipe bands 111 the town's history.. The event which was most spectacular and included the bands from Ham ilton, Te Aroha, Tauran.ga, Whakatane and Rotorua, was without prece_ dent in South Auckland, where with, in the past five years no less than twelve Caledonian Societies have? been operating and three new bands have been formed. About 3 p.m. a grand parade of bands took place, the Hamilton band earning the warmest approbation; from the crowded onlookers for their particularly smart drill and Drummajor's display. Whakatane linked forces with Te Aroha for "-he march, the whole making a very creditable unit and winning warm applause. In front of the Sanatorium grounds where the demonstrations were given 0 * a number of patients were given the benefit of a full and unobstructed view of the proceedings, the line of invalid chairs illustrating the thoughtfulness of the management committee for their interests. Items were given' by all bands par., ticipating and at 4.30 -a massed band played the popular march 'Highland Laddie.' The whole effect was most striking and the crowd gave, full vent to their enthusiasm at its conclusion. GRAND INGLESI.DE A THOUSAND GUESTS As a preliminary to a grand Ingleside held in tin? Ritz Dance Hall, all bands took prrt in a street march, round the main business block. I'n- 4 fortunately, this item was marred to some extent by the heavy rain whicli started at this juncture and continued throughout the remainder of the evening. The proceedings in the hall how_ ever were not effected and over one thousand guests assembled. Chief McDowell presided and associated with him were the chiefs and chieftains of the Cambridge, Morrinsville, Matamata, Paeroa, Tnu ranga, Te Aroha and Whakatane Societies. The programme was one- of the finest ever presented in and included the .Full Haggis ceremonial, the piper being Pipe-major F/jber?son (Te Aroha) the -bearer Pipe.riiajor S. Clothier (Hamilton) and the Bard Chief Nimmo of the Otahuh'u Society. A feature was the drill display by the Hamilton Band which was repeated in answer to popular demand It is hoped to repeat the rally at Cambridge next month, the geneial idea being to visit all centres where bands exist affiliated to the South Auckland Centre.