PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 126, 29 May 1937, Page 20

PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

CLANS AND TARTANS.

SCOTTISH HISTORY.

Mrs. Helen Griffiths gave an interesting address on the "Clans and Tartans of Scotland" to the Peiiwomen's Club yesterday afternoon. "The flame of patriotism," she said, "appears to burn most fiercely in mountainous countries." 1 lie Highlands of Scotland, she pointed out, were shut out from the world by their crags and mountains, and the different clans warred fiercely among themselves. "Clan" was Gaelic for children, and the oldest member would be the chieftain. The symbol of the clans was the fiery cross, which assembled the members. The tartan was the distinctive dress of the clan, and for 4o years after the battle of Culloden the Highlander was liable to lie prosecuted for wearing the tartan. This was changed by Sir Walter Scott, who " wrapped the cloak of sentiment around the Highlanders/' and the law was repealed. Mrs. Griffiths displayed an interesting I and beautiful collection of tartans, including the Ogilvie. McLean, Gordon, Royal- Stuart, MacKinnon, Graeme, Macbeth, Bruce, MacDonald. Mackenzie and Cameron. The Black Watch tartan was also shown, the speaker explaining that this was a icgiinent, not a clan. 1 his regiment had fought in everv quarter of the globe. -Mrs. H. Carr Rollett presided, and thanked Mrs. Griffiths for her address. Scottish songs were rendered by Miss 01 i ve Ball, and Mrs. J. S. Clarke played two piano solos. 1 lie music section of the Penwonien's ( lub held an enjoyable evening in the (lubioonis on .Thursday. Miss Florence Walker gave an interesting talk on Sehubei t and his music. Several favourite examples of his songs were given by Mesdames Richards and Wiseman. Mrs. W. S. Clark played piano solos. Mesdames Harold King, Bennett, Kingslev, McCallum and Miss Tc Miha also contributed to the programme. Mrs. W. H. McKinney acted as convener.