Sunday Morning Reverie

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 20, 25 January 1937, Page 11

Sunday Morning Reverie

AA STUDY IN CONTRASTS. TRIUMPH OP TONAL SCALE. Gazing through windows fastened against the onslaughts of the wind and rain that have been our daily portion for long enough; watching heavy clouds scudding across leaden skies, one’s heart filled with pity for the beautifuu trees and flowers mercilessly thrashed in the Square gardens, there could be no joy in one’s thoughts for the day new-born. As Sunday morning advanced came a few elderly folk seeking shelter from the wind, their only desire to snatch what warmth there might be from a few fitful gleams of sunshine, a few loiterers on tho pavements—nothing more. Suddenly, a new sound was borne on the wind, the stirring sound of drums and marching feet, then the skirl of the pipes and into view came a picturesque band. Immediately the streets were filled with colour, with life and hope, for there was a challenge in the music of the tonal scale, and appeal in the rhythmic movement of the pipers, the swing of the kilts, the twirling sticks of the rod-coated drummers. Old faces lit up with gladness; unconsciously the loiterers squared their shoulders and fell into step—there was magic in the music of the pipes. But soon a deeper note came to one’s ears and immediately cornets, trombones and euphoniums made their contribution to Sunday morning sounds in a martial air, strangely in keeping with the sombre uniforms of the bandsmen. As the strains of the military march died away, came again the sound of the pipers and glamorous marching, stimulating thoughts back over the ages to the romantic days of Scotland. Once more the music faded away in the distance and then Church bells proclaimed the hour of worship, the call to service —banished were all gloomy thoughts of wind and rain.