WELL DONE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1940, Page 6

WELL DONE

WAIRARAPA COLLEGE PIPE BAND WINNERS OF B GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. I A brief though impressive ceremony took place in the Wairarapa College Assembly Hall yesterday afternoon, ■when the trophies won at the New Zealand Centennial Pipe Band Contest were presented by Mr. J. D. Cameron, vice-president of the New Zealand Pipe Rands' Society, to the Wairarapa College Pipe Band, which won the B grade championship. The Assembly Hall was well filled .with'pupils, teachers and visitors. Among those present wore Mr. W. R, Nicol (chairman of the Wairarapa College Board of Governors) and Mrs. Nicol, besides representatives from the St. Andrew Society and the Caledonian Society. The Army was represented by Colonel J. H. Irving, and Mrs. Irving was also present. Apologies for absence-were received from Mr. and Mrs. T. Jordan. Mr. J. Robertson, M.P., and Mrs. Robertson. Mrs. J. L. Hair and Mr. E. Hanley (College Board of Governors). The proceedings commenced with a stirring march by the College Band, in its usual able fashion. Congratulations were read by the Principal. Mr. G. G. Hancox, who presided, from the College Board of Governors, St. Andrew

Society. Caledonian Society. Trust Lands Trust and Scottish societies and bands throughout the Dominion. Mr. Nicol, in extending congratulations to the band, stated that it was the first occasion he knew of in which a College band had won the B grade contest, which had brought Wairarapa College to the forefront. Ho mentioned the question of the band being entered in the A grade competition, and expressed Mr Jordan's regret at not being able to attend. Mr. Nicol staled that Mr. Jordan had asked him to convey congratulations to the band and 1.0 thank them for the times thoj' had turned out io play the troops away. It was a groat sacrifice, which was appreciated. “We were all thrilled when wo realised what the boys had. done, but there is a big hurdle in front of them yet," added Mr. Nicol. They were, however, he observed, game enough for anything. He wished them good luck, and stated that under the able leadership of Major J. W. Bird and Pipe-Major Murdo McKenzie, they would carry on to oven greater

achievements. Mr. Cameron stated that the executive members of the New Zealand Pipe Band's Association felt very proud of the College Band. It had been considered highly improbable that a college band would be able to win the B grade, a feat which marie the achievement all. the more meritorious. Mr Cameron referred to lhe high points won by the band, and stated that the band was very fortunate in possessing a man of Major Bird’s calibre and "the world's best pipe-major in Murdo McKenzie." Mr. Cameron then presented the trophies won al the Dominion contest to Major Bird (Drum Major) on behalf of the band, as follows: —Alasdair Macdonald Challenge Cup for B grade I quickstep; Timaru Challenge Cup for highest aggregate points in B grade contest; Robert Thompson Trophy for deportment in test selection. Mr. Cameron expressed regret that the Wellington centre, which controlled the contest, had decided not to present each member of the winning B grade band with a medal, but had awarded two. which he presented to Major Bird and to Pipe-Major Murdo McKenzie. In reply. Major Bird stated that it was a happy day for the band, as they had been rewarded for work well done. He pointed out that the band had possessed what, he was always urging on the parade ground—that little extra polish. No one was more pleased than himself, as he knew more than anyone the work the boys had put into the band. • In answer to a point raised by Mr. Nicol, he stated that a message had been received from the Pipe Bands' .Association concerning the band entering in the A grade. The following answer was sent. "In consultation with Mr. G. G. Haneox 1 have to inform you that the band is like any school—it has its high and its low periods. The band would, under ordinary conditions be misplaced to bo put in A grade competition. However, under existing circumstances. it would not be fair for the band Io stay in the B grade, as ot>r bands were losing their best men for the Forces. The band would be much happier to come last in A grade than remain in B grade under protest."

Major Bird stated in conclusion that the band would endeavour to keep up its work. The gathering concluded with the singing of lhe National Anthem. Afternoon tea, prepared by lhe girls, was served to the visitors. The following were the members of the band which achieved distinction at the contest: —Major'J. W. Bird (drummajor). Pipe-Major Murdo McKenzie. Pipe-Sergeant A. IVI. Douglas, PipeCorporal R. J. Stewart. Drum-Sergeant T. C. Taylor, Drum-Corporal W. T. Marchbank. Pipers H. L. Pither. W. D. Stuart. N. G. Dick-el. W. M. Douglas. H. Bond. P. G. Whyte. A. B. McKenzie. Drummers A. .1. Simpson. B. 1,. Rogers and D F Gordon