CAMBRIAN SOCIETY

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16152, 5 March 1918, Page 3

CAMBRIAN SOCIETY

SOCIAL GATHERING

The Cambrian (Welsh) Society of Canterbury met at Freeman's Cafe on Saturday last, to do honour to their Patron Saint, St. David, tho celebration having been deferred from the previous day to meet the convenience of members. The president Mr P. L. Daviee, was in the chair. Apologies wero received from Messrs G. Parry, J, L. Jenkins. W. M. MunselL and John Jones < l'lio Peaks).

The President impressed upon members tho fact that whilst the Potronal Saints of England, Ireland, and Scotland we/e duly recognised by tho Government of New Zealand, and honoured by having their days designated as bank holidays, St. David, their own Patron Saint, was not eo honoured. It was clearly up to all Welshmen to agitate in whatever waa the proper direction and see that the Government gave St. David the recognition that ho was universally admitted to fully merit, whilst the placing of such a measure on the Statute Book would serve ae a reminder of the part Welshmen had taken in the great war. Mr H. if. Williams, of Woodville, a past president of the Cambrian Society, proposed the toast of_ "St. David," and gave some interesting sidelights on his characteristics. The toast of "Cymru" (Wales) was proposed by Mr Dallc-y, and responded to by Mr J. AY. Bowden.

Mx- John Evans referred to the large numbers of Welshmen who had given their lives in the cause of liberty during the last tbreo years, and expressed the opinion that they would carry on the sacred effort whatever pain it cost them. Tho singing of an appropriate hymn m Gaelic was a particularly solemn tribute to the fallen.

j The musical items which iollowcd were much enjoyed. Tho singing of Miss Dorothy Nottingham, suitably garbed in ceremon- ! ial costume, being particularly appreciated j Her song. "Ar Lyd y Nos" (All through the ! night) bringing a recall, when «he rendered the "March of the Men of Harlech" with splendid verve. Mus Clara Bowden san- : "Dervn Par 1 (Gentle Bird) with much fee<°j uig und -Mr A. C Nottingham's 'cello solo j "Mountain Lcvora was full of expression During the evening vocal and instrumental numbers were given by Dorothy Nottingham. Clara Bowden, }Ir A C KotPaftv am ' Mifu v he n C^istC^ nrch Mandoline pSenuf 3 - • DaVICS accom-