GRAND SCOTTISH FAIR

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 257, 25 July 1921, Page 8

GRAND SCOTTISH FAIR

OPENED IN THE TOWN HALL. A Scottish, fair and clan gathering, organised by Messrs. J. C. Cusack and Alex. Sutherland, was opened on Saturday evening by the Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.). . _ . , Tho ‘Wellington Caledonian Society was reorganised just over two years ago, after a lapse of nearly 40 years. •ho original body was a power for progress, and did a great deal to foster local sport. It materially helped the civic authorities to erect tho present stand in tho Basin Reserve. The objects of the new society are to foster and keep among the young Scots of Wellington and district an interest m the music. literature, art, and games of Scotland. 'The new society has dono everything possible to welcome on arrival m Wellington visiting Scotsmen, and to render their stay here pleasant. Amongst other objects the society endeavours, necessary, to help fellow Scotsmen to find suitable employment. Iho society s pipers have been heard at very many entertainments of note in. the city, ana they have freely given their services tor every deserving cause. The proceeds of tho fair are destined in part to defiay some of the cost of tho uniforms of the pipers. Tho balance will go to tho society’s funds. The Mayor was introd'uced. by the chief of the society, Mr. D. Clark. Mr. Wright briefly referred to the objects of the revived Caledonian Society, and expressed tho hope that tho society would be able to do as good work and accomplish as much as tho old society had dono. Referring to tho character istics of Scotsmen, Mr. Wright remarked that if two Englishmen were marooned together on a desert island, they would not speak to each other until introduced, while two Scotsmen in similar conditions would form a Caledonian society. in which one would be president a®.'l the other treasurer. For the fair the Town Hall has been ’b’ettily decorated. The stalls are arranged round the hall, leaving plenty ot space, in tho centre. They are named alter clans. Clan M'Gregor stall has a fine display of apparel, Clan Mackenzie is the name of tho fruit and confectionery stall; hoopla and other gnmes aro tho special care of Clan M'GiHivraj. The Clan Campbell stall is filled with excellent toys; Clan Stewart has a picture stall, and Clan Cameron displays fancy goods and bric-a-brac. Tho stalls did excellent business, especially tho Clan M'Gillivray stall with its games. Tho bran tub and tea room had numerous patrons. A number of young girls wore very successful in working up "art unions,” and business in this connection was very brisk. The Pipe Band was in attendance and played at the entrance to tho hall, and the society’s own orchestra played many selections during the evening. An excellent programme of songs and national dances was one of tho special attractions of Saturday evening. Tho fair will bo open every evening this week, closing on Friday evening. There will be a change of programme nightly.