THE "FOURTH'S " PIANO.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 968, 8 November 1910, Page 6

THE "FOURTH'S " PIANO.

MR. E. J. HILL TELLS THE STORY. In reference to Mr. I*. W. Haybittle's remarks in the Opera House on Saturday evening having regard to the piano presented to the members of the Fourth i Contingent on leaving Wellington for South Africa by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brough, Mr. E. J. Hill writes :— "In Mr. Haybittle's speech at the Opera House on Saturday night, reported in this morning's issue of your valuable paper, he stated in connection with the lato Mr. Brough's presentation of a piano to tile men of the Fourth Contingent, that Mr. Brough called on Mr. Brookes, of the Dresden Piano Company, and asked him to send a piano down to the ship. What really occurred was this: I went down to the steamer to say good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Brough, having had pleasant, associations with them in the matineo given by them for the More Men Fund, which netted .£lB2 15s. 10Jd.,.a statement I have, by me giving receipts and' expenditure, made out by Mr. Allan Hamilton 1 (now connected with the PlimmerDenniston Company). Mr. Brough, in his cheery, kind-hearted manner, said: .'Hill, old chap, Mrs. Brough would liko to do something for these brave fellows going to Sjauth Africa. We have thought the matter out, and would like yon to select a piano (no mention being made of the cost). Send me a cable of the amount, and I will cable yon the money. Send it down to the boys with our kindest regards. When they arrive at their destination they can sell the instrument and purchase any little comforts for themselves with the money. We think a piano will help them to spend many a jolly evening on board ship.'. I carried but Mr. and Mrs. Brough's wishes, and selected a really good piano from the Dresden Piano Company, which I heard after was very much appreciated by. the men of the Fourth Contingent, who will never forget Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brough."