(From C. H. Wilson.)

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 26, 10 September 1920, Page 3

(From C. H. Wilson.)

The pipe is one of the most ancient instrument of music. It was in use among the Greeks, by whom it was ltimed piovala, and its form, as represented in some ancient sculptures, was not unlike its modern appeaxance. That people probably derived it from the barbai'ians, i.e., the Celts, to whom they acknowledge themselves indebted for a .great part of their music. The instrument was also wellknown to the Romans, and the Itaiian peasant still continues to perform on a bag-pipe, of a construction rnuch in character with the modern rudeness of tlie people. Giraldus Cambrensis, who died in 1225, mentions the pipe as a British instrument, and it was used among his own countrymen in Wales, but gave place to the raore pacific and voluptuous harp. The last piper of whom we ever heard in the principality was "Shon ua Peepy," or John tho Piper. The ra is in the chapel of Roslyn the seulpture of a cherub playing on a bag-pipe, with a book spread before it, proving that in an early age, the bag-pipes were played, not by Ihe ear alone, bnt from musical notation. That chapel was erected by Wiiliam Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, as far back as 1446. But older instances of performers on the instrument might be addueed. The north. em nation were in the most early ages aequainted with the ba-g-pipes, which are a sort of mouth organ ; but whether the Gael derived the instrument from others, or invented it themselves, it seems impossible to ascertain, and the question is not perhaps of great importance. This much is incontestible, however simple it may originally frave appeared, it has been brought by the Highlanders to the utmost " perfection ; and its form and construction are as perculiarly their own, as the music to which it is so well calcuiated to give proper effect. The Irish freely admit that the bag-pipes were introduced to them by the Scots of Albany. The Piob Mhor, or Great Highland bagpipe, therefore, appears to be the only national instrument in Europo ; and it is eacred to Scotland, to whoso inhabitants it speaks alanguage which no others can appreciate, and excites a feeling in their breasts to which others are strangers. What a fine spectacle is beheld in the intrepid march of a man in advauce of his companions, and in the face of a wellappointed enemy, with no weapon in his hand, labouring enthusiastically with great physical exertion and musicai talent, to encourage his comi'ades to deeds oi hardihood and glory, pealing forth those mar-

tial strains which distant generations have heard with barning hearts— which are so congenial, so soul-stirring to every Highland er. The advantages which are derived from the strains of this noble retainer of a Highland chief, are manifold. He is to rouse the courage of his clansmen to battle, and alarm them when menaced. He is to collect them when scattered, solace them in their long and dreary marches, or solitary and painful bivouacs; to keep up in the time of peace, the memory oi their ancestors, and impart to the minds of the young the feelings and generosity which distinguished them — by music composed after memorable victories and well contested, but liapless fields ; or dissuade them from evii, by tunes which commemorate the distress produced by the indulgence of unbecoming passions. It was formerly tlie practice for gentlemen to send their pipers for instruciion to the celebratied masters, paying the cost of their boai'd and tiution ; but the performers now are chiefly educated at their own expense, which' induces them to attempt the accomplishment of much in as short a time as possible ; hence they play incorrectly, a residence of one or two years bemg altogether insufficient for their proper qualifieation. Formerly six to twelve years were devoted to the acquirement of Piobaireachds alone ; for the professors would not allow Reels or Quicksteps to be played in their establishments. The life of a piper in former days was one of comparative ease and dignity; he was allowed a servant or gilli.e to cai'ry his criosuim, or knapsack, and when he finished his part or tune, the instrument was returned to the servant. The most celebrated pipers were the MacCummens, who, under the liberal patl'onage of the Lairds of MacLeod, became famous all over tlie Highlands; and their ahititi es were so well appreciated, that students from all quarters resorted to them, or were placed by their respesctive chiefs under those famous masters, whose residence consequently became dignified with the name College. Here was imparted a knowledge of that particular class of music which cannot be acquired except by several years of assiduous study and practice; for the simple reels and strathspeys are far inferior in the estiniation of a Piobaireachd player. The first established of the MacCummens as hereditary pipers to MacLeod of MacLeod, is beyond traditional record. Their Oil-thigh or College was at Boreraig, eight miles north of Dunvegan Castle. The house occupied by the MacCummens still remains, displayihg thick walls, massy cabers or rafters, and and other characteristics of old Highland habitations. It was divided into two parts built at right-angles — one forming the class-room, and the other the sleeping apartments ; and MacDonald, the present tenant, points out to strangers the localities of many transactions handed down in oral tradition. About 1795 the last of this celebrated race of pipers left his ancient patrimony and John Dubh proceeded as far as Greenock with the intention of emigrating to America. He, however, altered his mind, and returned to his native Isle, where he spent the remainder of his life in quiet retiroment ; and when the infiirmities accompanying a protractod life, prevented him handling his favcurite Phiob Mhor, he would sit on the sunny braes, and run over ihe notes on the staff which assisted his feeble limbs in his lonely wanderings. He died in 1822 in the 91st yeai- of his age, and was buried with his fathers in the churchyard of Duninish.