(As written- Author Unknown)
(Reference- extract from " The Music History of Rockhampton")

OBITUARY
MR C.H. Duncan With the death of Charles Hutcheon (Charlie) Duncan on November 23, Rockhampton has lost its best known Scottish entertainer. For over 40 years he had taken a leading part in all Scottish affairs in Rockhampton.

Born in Dundee in July 1887, Charlie Duncan left Scotland with his parents when he was nine years of age. The family came direct to Rockhampton.  Charlie attended the Lakes Creek State School until he was 14 years of age and then entered the saddlery trade working for Mr John Edgar.  He stayed for 11 years at that trade then joined his uncle, the late Mr Colin Hutcheon as a painter.  On the death of Mr Hutcheon, Charlie Duncan went into the painting trade, as a contractor and continued until four years ago when he secured employment at the Wintergarden and Earl’s Court Theatres on maintenance work.

Mr Duncan was married in 1919 to Miss Flora McDonald of Rockhampton by the Rev Whyte at the John Knox Presbyterian Church.

In 1907 Charlie decided to become a piper and the following year joined the Pipe Band.  From that time on he took a keen interest in all band affairs.  Besides being president of the Pipe Band Association for some years he had occupied every position in the band, from drummer to drum major, and it is in the last named position that he was conspicuous in the last few years.

In 1914 the band was in need of uniforms.  A list was made of the people to approach for subscriptions.  The late Mr James Stewart was one who was called on.  He gave authority to visit Mr J.W. Jones, who was a tailor in East Street, and be measured, Mr Stewart paid the bill.  This incident was one that Charlie Duncan liked to recall as it saved a lot of work in calling upon people.

During the war years the band had a lean time particularly in 1915.  However, in 1916 it was revived.  Charlie Duncan was the main worker in organising the revival.  He was able to muster six (6) pipers and three (3) drummers.  There was no change in the numbers until 1930.  In that year a pipe band contest was held in Rockhampton – three bands competing, Mackay, Warwick and Bundaberg.  Though the Rockhampton band did not compete, its members took part in the welcome to the visiting bandsmen.  Charlie Duncan took part in the entertainment.

PUBLIC RESPONSE
The omission of Rockhampton at the contest caused a deal of comment among citizens of Scottish descent.  The mayor at that time was Mr T.J. Lee and he was prevailed upon to call a public meeting.  About 60 people attended and it was decided to reform the band.  Fifteen pipers were secured and Charlie Duncan devoted three (3) nights a week for five (5) years to teach players.

Some years ago when the band looked like going into recess it was Charlie Duncan again, who pulled it together.  New uniforms were needed.  Organisation was set in motion.  Functions were held in the city and at many country centres.  Charlie Duncan was the pivot around which the organisation moved.

The result exceeded all expectations £800 ($1,600) being raised.  The band was re-equipped.

Though he was unfit for active service in 1914-18 war, he piped troops in and out of camps during the conscription call-up.  When the Second World War broke out he piped again.  He led the lads from the Red Cross rooms to the railway station on the first stage of their journey to southern camps.  Sometimes he had assistance but on a number of occasions he was a lone piper in the lead of the contingent.

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