WELLINGTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXII, Issue 12, 14 July 1906, Page 2

WELLINGTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

A HEARTY GATHERING. The, newly formed Caledonian Society, whicu has for its objects the promotion of benevolence, education, national literature, music, customs, and social intercourse, hold a meeting in the Council Chamber at tho Town Hall last evening. Tho Hon. T. K. Macdonald presided, and there was a crowded attendance. In the course of his remarks the chairman said if ever he had any doubt — or the originators of the new society had any doubt — as to the desire on tho part of tho Scotchmen of the city to establish a Caledonian Society, that night's gathering dispelled it. (Hear, hear). It was yuito a pleasure indeed to see so large a gathering of "John Tamson's bairns" mot together. (Laughter). He was glad to notice they had there his Worship the Mayor (who in his kindness allowed them the use of tho Council Chamber) and Mr. John Duthie, who enjoyed the pleasure of being piesident for a number of years of the old society, and who left it with a larger credit balance than any other president. Educational matters and attention to scholarships occupied a prominent part of the old society, and in that direction ifc did a lot of good. It had been felt by many of the old members that the tims had come for a gathering place to be provided, so that they might meet and know who their fellow countrymen in the city were. He looked forward to a long and prosperous career for the society, and said _it only required them to put their brains into it to make ifc a factor for good in the city. It was their desire to promote everything for good, have a broad spirit in connection witty ail nationalities, and to extend the hand of brotherhood, kindness, and - friendship to their brethren who came hero from the Old Country. (Hear, hear). Mr. John Duthie said it was gratifying to him to see such a large gathering. Referring to the days of the old society, ho said they devoted attention to the cause- of education which at that time was not so well provided for at? now, and' revived old games and held conksts on the athletic ground. In regard to the future policy of the society | he suggested that they could not do better than cultivate a more social feeling and follow the example of the Yorkshire Society. The old society, he said, became defunct owing to want of membership, and tho £100 .surplus referred to ( by the chairman was ©snt to Soutn Sirica to assist tho Highlanders who took a. prominent part in the early battles. The money was sent to General Hector Macdonald, and 1 the speaker learnt from him afterwards that it hnd been well disposed of, and had been the means of doinj; much good. The chairman then called 1 on the Hon. \ T. W. Hislop to address the meeting, explaining that his late father held the position of Sepretary for Education in tho colony, and was one of the literary Scotchmen who enmo to the colony in the early days and was one of the pioneers of Otago. His Worship said he had an early recollection of the bracn and glens of Scotland, its snows and othsr things which went to make up Scotchmen, but for the last 60 years had been in New Zealand. He expressed the opinion that art association of this kind would result in great good, and wished it every success. - Other speakers were— Colonel Newall, Messrs. Win. M'Lean, John Hutcheson, Jas. Robertson, and A. Robertson. , During, the evening selections on the pipes wero given by tha veteran piper, David. Campbell, and Pipers T Ingram •and T. M'Wh runnel, and a recitation was given by Mr. Johnston. Tho meeting pledged itself to join and support tho newly formed society and to carry out its objectsThe following were appointed a committee to arrange a social for next month: — Messrs. John M'Glashan, Olouhton, Alex. Robertson, Willie Blown, and D. M'Millnn. The meeting —an exceedingly hearty one — terminated wilh cheers for th-e chairman nnd the Mayor. It is estimated that already over 300 members have signed the roll of tho society.