SCOTTISH SOCIETIES

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 149, 25 June 1915, Page 4

SCOTTISH SOCIETIES

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON. "UNIFORM CONTROL. Uniformity' in all functions held under the auspices of the various Scottish societies — piping, dancing, and athletic sports — is the aim_ of a conference of delegates representing the numerous societies "held in Wellington on Tuesday. The desir,e is to fix a recognised standard for the help of teachers, pupils, judges, and others. Mr. M'Kenzie Forbes , (representing Auckland, Manawatu, Wanganui, -Waikato/and Hawkes Bay) was voted to the chair. The following delegates were present :— Messrs. M. Lavery (Masterton), T. G. v Hoaa- (Maeterton), W. MuiTay (Hunterville), W. Gillespie (Wairarapa), A. J3tait (Blenheim), A. Reid, (Mangatainoka), I)'. M'Phee. D. M.Laren. W. G. Brown, G. M. M'Kenzie, and J. Simpson (all of Wellington). During the course of a. lengthy discussion, Mr. Gillespie said it was absolutely essential to appoint a governing body for the control of piping and dancing. j,A letter from Mr. K. Cameron (Don' edin) urged the combination' of competitors and societies to control the sport* competitions, as such amalgamation was' essential for tli6 smooth control of national pastimes. To preserve^ ihe individuality of Scotsmen, Mr. Lavery suggested that all the societies should write and affiliate to the New Zealand Athletic Union, thus practically absorbing that body. Mr. Hoar opposed the idea of coming under the wing of the union, and said it was useless to proceed with .the idea unless all bodies were unanimous. Mr. Staifc spok« in favour of aTcent-ral controlling authority, but they should not seek the aid of the union unless they could work amicably together. The Chairman suggested a representative gathering of all societies to confer with the Athletic Union and to draw up rules. On the motion of Mr. Lavery, seconded by Mr. Murray, it was decided :— "That an executive be .appointed consisting of those present and representatives of the affiliated Caledonian societies to prepare a uniform set of rules for a governing body of piping and dancing." Mr. M'Kenzie Fofbes was elected chairman of the executive, and Mr. W. Gillespie secretary pro tern., the conference to take place at Wellington in the first week in August.