THE GATHERING O' THE CLANS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 240, 13 November 1914, Page 9

THE GATHERING O' THE CLANS.

"Last evening there was a gathering of the clans at the Scottish Society V rooms, and there was an atmosphere ofUartan and kilts, of bagpipes and Scottish song and dance sufficient to stir the hearts of all who claimed the land of hills, and heather for their birth-place. By the way, the heather, the bonny purple heather, so famed in song and story, played an actual part in the celebration, for tiny bunches of it were distributed amongst the audience, and who shall say what p6ignant memories it stirred in many a heart that night if Memories of that "Caledonia, stern and wild," the traditions of which are so loyally kept alive by the Scotchmen •and Scotchwomen of New Zealand, must surely have sprang into fuller life at the sight of those small sprays, dry, but still bravely purple, and retaining still a breath of the fragrance that once they shed in their home beyond the seas. Anyway, they were worn with pride and affection by not only the native-born Scots, but by those of New Zealand birth, and every other one who attended. The occasion was the thirteenth annual gathering of the clans, and , although the number has an unpropitious sound, there was nothing unpropitious about the occasion. Proceedings commenced soon after 8 j o'clock, when the skirl of the bagpipes, skilfully manipulated by Piper Ronald Fraser, struck the true Scottish note, and put everyone in the right mood for the speech with which the Chief, Mr Charles Broun, made at its conclusion. Mr Broun \ touched on the objects of the society l — chiefly to preserve and cultivate a knowledge of the traditions and records of Scottish history, to promote the study of I Scottish music, literature, song, and other accomplishments, to encourage the wearing of Highland costume; and to cultivate social intercourse amongst the members. He concluded by saying that if there was any Scotchman amongst the audience who was not a member of the society, then he ought to be one, and judging by the way the audience applauded his remarks they evidently agreed with him. A programme of vocal and instrumental music and dancing following, and was received in a hearty and appreciative manner. Songs were contributed by Mr J. Worgan ("Scots Wha Hae"), Mrs D. A. Donn ("My Ain Folk"), Mrs Gilmore ("Jean's Black E'e) r "Mrs D. A. Donn ("Maegregor's Gathering"); dances by Miss Elsie Clark (Highland fling), Miss Rita Hands (Seann Tmibhias), Misses Elsie Clark and D. Ford, Masters Douglas Martin and Charles Robb (Highland reel), Master Douglas Martin (sword dance), Misses D. Sounness and P. Seymour, Masters C. McN. Broun and Roy Campbell (Reel o' Tulloch). The orchestra played a couple of excellent arrangements of the spirited airs* of Scotland, and Mr J. H. McLean contributed humorous items, including the song, "Garibaldi's Chair is Vacant" and "Bonnie Wee Charlie."

The ■ 'gathering'' was concluded with the singing of '' Auld Lang Syne "in traditional Scottish fashion, hands clasped and all, and was given with a vim and rigour which only a Scotch rendering of this ever-green chorus can achieve. Tonight a grand concert will be given, at which some especially good numbers will be rendered.