ST. ANDREW SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 August 1941, Page 7

ST. ANDREW SOCIETY

GATHERING ON SATURDAY NIGHT

SCOTS & OLD-TIME DANCING.

PIPE BAND'S DIFFICULTIES.

The Saint Andrew Pipe Band deserves all credit for the success that attended its conduct of the Saint Andrew Society’s monthly gathering on Saturday evening. The evening was a thoroughly enjoyable one, the long programme was carried through strictly to time-table and the attendance was larger than at any previous gathering this season. All the dancing, both Scots and oldtime, was entered into enthusiastically by those present. It was particularly pleasing to notice a number of beginners among the participants in the Scots dancing, a fact that testifies to the society's success in cultivating a taste for things Scottish. A number of entertainment items were interspersed among the dancing, and these were thoroughly enjoyed. Supper was provided. in which the crowning feature was the haggis supplied by Mrs Robt. Bell. It should be mentioned that Mrs Bell declined to accept any refund of the cost of the haggis ingredients, but preferred that the amount be paid into the band funds.

Among the performers was an instrumental quartette from the Masterton- Municipal Silver Band, consisting of Band-Sergeant R. Sayers (soprano cornet), and Bandsmen R. Cottle (second cornet), M. Parris (tenor horn), and A. Fairbrother (euphonium). Their contributions to the programme, “Restless Waters” and “Poor Old Joe.” were played with great taste and artistry, and fully deserved the vociferous applause that they earned. Little’ Betty Barnes (her father a piper of the band) created a most favourable impression with her songs, played to her own piano accompaniment. She is only 10, and has a charming voice and manner. Jack Ryan gave pleasing performances of the Sean Triubhais and the fling, and, like the other performers, was obliged to respond to encores. Music for the old-time dancing was supplied by the Saint Andrew Dance Orchestra, and was considered its most successful effort to date. For the Scots dancing, the music was 'furnished by the band itself, and by various individual members of it. The band played through the town before the gathering, and, in addition, gave a display of formation marching and playing as an entertainment item during the evening. To Drum-Major Stanton, in charge of the drill, and Pipe-Major Hounslow, in charge of the music, the greatest credit is due for the band's continued progress. Drum-Major Stanton, as senior officer of the band, explained the band’s difficulties in these times of war, in providing itself _ with uniforms and equipment. It was not considered proper, in these times, to launch a public appeal, but it was hinted that the band was willing to receive assistance from well-wishers. There had already been some contributions, in particular a promise of a large hair sporran suitable for the drum-major’s use. Mr H. Mackenzie Douglas, the chief, expressed a welcome to the president of the Caledonian Society, Mr H. E. Pither, who was present as a guest. He also referred to the appointment of Mr J. B. Kent-Johnston as secretary, and extended congratulations and thanks to the band on the success of its efforts that evening. He particularly drew attention to the fact that the next monthly gathering would be held on Saturday. August 30, instead of on the first Saturday in September. On that occasion, a party from the Masterton Savage Club would be the guests of the society, and would supply the concert programme.