The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1821-08-07 00:00:00

COMPETITION OF PIPERS.

AUGUST 3.
The Annual Competition for Prises given by the
Highland Society of London to the live best per-
formers on the. ireat Hikhltlnd Bagpipe, was held
in the Theatre Royal here on Tuesday lest. The
following members of the Highland Society of
Scotland were Judges at this competition, viz.—
Lord Viscount Arbuilmot, Liesiteimat-Geseral the Hots.
A. Duff, G. M•Pheratio Grant, Esq. of Rallied&Ruch and
Imremold, M.P.; Colonel Williamson, of Marlefield ; Gilbert
loots, E 4. of Stow ' • AreMbsld Campbell, Esq. of Melfort ;
J. Graben Dalyell, Req. Advocate; Charles Campbell, Eeq,
of Combie; Lientesmat-Colosiel I).alanitioald, late 92d regi-
ment; Col. Maodoriatti, Esq. Delouse; James Giant, Esq.
W. A. • George Ruboitson, Esq.; Captain R. Meednoeld,
late 92J regiment; and Captain G. Macdonald, late Royal
Stmts.

The competition was advertised to commence at
twelve o'clock at won, and precisely at that hour
the Judges entered the box. The curtain was im-
mediately riti.ed, and the numerous and fashionable
company assembled had an opportunity of seeing
that no fewer then iffty.fico Highlanders, pipers
and danced, had come forward to this competition
appropriately dressed in their native costume. They
were formed in regular order round the stage, sad
remained so until after the first tune had been
played upon the Prize Pipe, with which the per.
formatted began. The effect of the premiums
which have of late years been given for dress was
particularly conspicuous at this time, when all the
competitors were thus assembled, each handsomely
equipped in the appropriate tartan of his chief or
clan. The variety of pattern in the particuliar
dresses, and general uniformity of the whole cos-
tume, had a very pleasing effect.
The competition continued till after three o'clock.
When the last competitor had done playing the
Judges retired to determine the prizes. They re-
mained in deliberation a considerubie time, end
upon their return, the whole competitors were again
called upon the stage, and the decision of the prizes
was announced by Lord Arbuthnot, Presses of the
Committee, as follows :-..
The lit Prise—A handsome Pipe, of superior tone soil
workmanship, ornamented with a flag bearing the national
emblem of the Thistle, sad a silver plate, upon which a
suitable inacriptiou has since bees eag►aved, with forty
(vats in nioney, was adjodsed to Adam Grabs., Isla
Piper-major to the Roawabire Militia, now Piper to the
Caithness Meeting, who bad formerly gained the second
and subordinate Prises.

The MI Prize—To Donald Mackay, piper to R. G. Mac-
donald, Esq. of CI Id.
The 3d— ro John Mackenzie, piper to Mr. Davidson of
Tollich7 _ _

The 4th—To John Cameros), piper to the Sish Lanarkshire
Local Militia; and
The blh—To Doaald Macdonald, son of Donald Mac-
donald, pipe-maker, Edinburgh.

By the liberality of Mrs. H. siddons in declining
any allowance for the use of the Theatre, a very
elegant and superbly mounted Highland dirk was
placed at the disposal of the Committee, as an ex-
tra prize. This prize, the Preset; stated, was UPI'.
ally given to candidates who had previously gained
the second prize. and coeld now compete only for
the first; that the performer who, in the opinion
of the Committee, merited it on the present occa-
sion, was Duncan M'Tsvish, Piper-major to the
4211 regiment, to whom it was voted accordingly.
Before announcing the decision of the prizes for
dress, the Proses mentioned that the Judges were
anxious to encourage the ancient Highland dress
in its native simplicity. and were of opinion that its
peculiar elegance and gracefulness were not improv-
ed by lace, or superfluous o►nament.
The Committee had oce:tsioi► particularly to re-
mark the great improvement lately made by the
performers in consequence of these compet.tions.
From the number of excellent pipers who came for-
ward this year, the Judges had the greatest diffi-
culty in dete►mining the prizes ; and in delivering
the second prize to Donald Mackay, Lord Arbuth-
not bestowed high commendation on his perform-
ance.

The whole of the fighting men who officiated in
keeping order during and after the coronation cere-
monies ►n Westminster Hall, had a dinner given to
them yesterday at the champion Cams's, as a
mark of their steady conduct when on duty.
There was no lack of good things, and the ntilkrs
were in rare order to do justice to the feast.
The boxing match between Cooper, the Gipsy,
end O'Leary, will take place this day eighteen
miles from London. A gallant fight is expected,
and betting is eveu.

Eleven men belonging to the East Devon Militia,
did not attend the late training, and ■re therefore
declared deserters. Four of them have been taken
and lodged in gaol.
The prisoners confined in the various prisons in
the vicinity of London, at the suit of the Crown,
and who are to be discharged by an Act of Grace,
received the pleasing intelligence ou Thursday, sod
drank his MAJWITY'S health with three times
three.