WOMAN CHIEF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 228, 27 September 1938, Page 15

WOMAN CHIEF.

INSTALLATION CEREMONY.

ONEHUNGA CALEDONIANS.

A largely attended gathering of th« clans was witnessed in the Orphans' Hall, Onehunga, on Saturday. The occasion was the birthday of the Caledonian Society and installation of the new chief, incidentally, a lady, and the first of her sex to hold this honour in New Zealand.

The proceedings commenced with the piping in of chiefs and representatives of the sister societies, Otahuhu, Sandringham, New Lynn, North Shore, St. Andrew's (Auckland) and the Scottish Women's Association. Next was the installation ceremony, which was performed by Mr. W." Kay, Chieftain of New Lynn Caledonian Society.

The new chief of Onehunga, Mrs. C. Walker (wife of tne founder of the society), was piped in amid great enthusiasm from the large audience. She was met on the platform by chieftain W. Kay, who, upon installing Mrs. Walker as chief, spoke of the high honour her society had given her and expressed wishes of goodwill towards the new chief and society.

Mrs. Walker then installed the follow ing executive officers of the society.—

senior chieftain, Mr. J. Clark; junior chieftain*, Messrs J. Walker and R. l'orteous; secretary, Mr. R. Menzies; treasurer, Mrs. J. Stewart.

The installation ceremony was preceded by the singing of the National Anthem and concluded with the singing of "For She's a Jolly Goo* Fellow."

After introducing the society's honorary piper, Pipe-Major L. Amor, of the Auckland District Pipe Band, the chieftain handed over the control of the evening to the honorary M.C., Mr. Montgomery.

For the rest of the evening dancing and items were enjoyed by a very happygathering. Items were rendered by Mrs. T. Aitkenhead, (violin solos); Mrs. J. Shields, (elocutionary); Miss Richardson, (Highland dance). Mrs. M. C. MacLean, society honorary pianist, was accompanist. During the evening the proceedings were interrupted to allow the chieftain to introduce the patron of the society, Mr. A. (j'arside, Mayor of Onehunga, who was greeted with great applause. Mr. Oarside replied, saying that he was proud of the honour bestowed upon him and wishing the new chief and society happiness and success. At this stage also the five candles on the birthday cake were lit p~d extinguished by the chief.