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George Munro the Piper
Agnes and the four children then travelled to Wellington on the New Zealand Shipping Company ship 'Rotorua', departing from London 23rd October 1910. Constable Robertson's wife and three young daughters were onboard too, so the two young wives and their families enjoying each others company on the six week sea voyage.
The Munro family resided in Wellington at Buckle Street only a short time before George was transferred to the Dunedin North Police Station and some years later to the Roslyn Police Station. George & Agnes other two children Georgina (Georgie) and Iain were born in Dunedin. George later became Arms Officer at the Dunedin Central Police Station and he retired from the Police Force in July 1935 .A report of his farewell reads as:- “Constable George Munro, arms officer at Dunedin, who retired at the end of last month after 25 years serving in the Police Force, was met by members of the local station and presented with a wallet and notes. The presentation was made by senior sergeant Parker and Constable Meikle-john, who referred to Constable Munro's long record in the force and to the happy associations that had existed between him and his colleagues.” Returning thanks for the gift, Constable Munro referred to the pleasant time he had spent in the force, and to the consideration he had at all times received from his superior and fellow officers. George said that during his service with the police in Scotland and New Zealand he had felt the benefit of his military career. The family moved a number of times before settling in Kaikorai where they remained until 1936. His daughter, Georgie, spoke of him being on duty one night during the depression in the early 30's when people were throwing rocks through the windows of Dunedin's largest grocery and food store, Wardell's, in George St.
George was a noted performer on the bagpipes and in his youth was a successful competitor in Scottish national competitions. His Henderson bagpipes were mounted with silver in South Africa for twenty seven pounds, this amount has come down through the generations. The Lawrie chanter ferrule is engraved silver and may have been a piping prize. His son Thomas and grandson George both played the same bagpipes with success .George won the New Zealand Piping Championship in Dunedin in 1911 and in Hokitika the following year. George and his elder son Tom competed in various competitions winning many championships. After George withdrew from active competition his services were in great demand as a judge, and he was recognised as one of the most capable officials in New Zealand.
George Munro was a foundation member of the Dunedin Scottish Society being elected Chieftain in 1928. He was the Official Piper of the Society for many years and the only President up to that time, holding the office at the time of his death. The Scottish Society of Dunedin (Inc.) Special Minute of a motion passed at Committee Meeting held in Mr W A Steele's Rooms, Cnr of St Andrew and King St's Dunedin on the evening of July 7th, 1932 reads "That in consideration of the services rendered to the Scottish Society of Dunedin Incorporated, by Mr George Munro, the first President, ably assisted by Mrs Munro and Family, the said society to hereby place on record in tangible form such services and adopt the Munro Tartan as the Badge of the aforesaid Society. Whenever the Tartan is available Rosettes will be made for the Office Bearers and as the years roll on, this mark of esteem will be a living Monument to the memory of Mr Munro." Moved by Colin McKenzie, seconded by Peter Duff and carried unanimously. This motion was presented framed to Mr G Munro and is now owned by his grandson, Iain Fletcher. Murray Matheson, a brother of George's son-in-law Percy Matheson was taught the bagpipes by George Munro. As a result the Munro family and the Matheson family from the Taieri, became very close friends with George's eldest daughter Mina marrying Percy.
George died in 1936 and from the number of people who attended the funeral, it was evident that he was held in high esteem by all sections of the community. A total of about 150 cars followed the cortege. The service at his home in 5 Hood Street, Kaikorai, was conducted by the Rev J.D. Smith. The pall bearers were members of the City Police Force. Pipers William Matheson and Norman McPherson led the cortege to the main street playing 'Lord Lovat's Lament." The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev J.D. Smith. Mr White, a former member of the Black Watch Regiment, dropped a Red Hackle on the casket, after which Mr John McDonald, patron of Scottish Society, of which Mr Munro was its first and only president, dropped a sprig of heather and he was followed in turn by each member of the Scottish Society's executive. The following societies were represented:- The Scottish Society of Dunedin, The Gaelic Society of New Zealand, the Caledonian Society of Otago, the Dunedin Burns Club, the Piping and Dancing Association, the St Andrew's Society of Otago, the late Irish Society, Imperial Ex-Servicemen's Association, Council of Dunedin Scottish Societies, Berwick Caledonian Society, Masonic brethren, and members and ex-members of the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band.
George and Agnes Munro are buried in Anderson's Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.
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