CLUNY CASTLE APPEAL

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 78, 29 September 1934, Page 11

CLUNY CASTLE APPEAL

LOCAL-SCOTS' SUPPORT

Captain W. Chcyne-Macpherson, of Cluny Maepherson, organising secretary of tho Historical" Cluny Cnstlc Preservation Trust, who arrived in Wellington by tho Wanganella this week, attended the meeting of the Wellington Association of Scots Societies on Thurs-.j clay "evening for the purpose of laying before the delegates the aims and objects of his visit to New Zealand. Mr. J. G. MacKcimo, chairman of the association, welcomed the visitor. Captain Maepherson said he had received in Wellington a welcome warmer than had beeri his lot in-most other parts. He had taken the tour at his own expense and he was not a rich man, but his aim was to save Cluny Castle for the Scots. When tho late chief died, the death duties were too heavy to bo met, and an effort was mado to dispose of the property by auction, but the property failed to realise a bid. In order'to prevent the property ultimately falling into the hands of a foreigner, the captain consulted the judicial factor, who occupies the position of a liquidator, and suggested that -possibly -arrangements might be made to secure the castle and 11,000 acres of tho property for all time for- the Scottish people. The reserve placed by the banks on the area was £23,000, but tho judicial factor consented to an arrangement whereby if £15,000 was ' raised in twelve months, tho property would bo transferred to a trust to hold for tho benefit of the Scots. With this object in view, Captain Maephorson said he set out to.make an appeal to Scotsmen tho world over. He had so far realised £9000 and was hoping that New Zealand would respond to the call. If all Scots contributed only one shilling each the total would be easily reached. Messrs. J. G. MacKenzie, G. Lauchlan, W. Greenfield, J. Torrance, and Dr. Mcßae spoke in support of the appeal. On the suggestion of tho chairman, it was unanimously resolved that the association should endorse tho appeal and commend it to the favourable consideration of local Scots.

Discussion followed as to tho best method of organising the appeal, and it -was decided to appoint a committee to organise the work in Wellington. Mrs. MeViear, Messrs. J. G. Mac Ken: zie, G. Lauchlan, P M. Cameron, W. Greenfield, J. Torrance, and Dr. Murdo Mcßao (convener) were appointed as a committee for this purpose and also to arrange for a board of trustees. It was resolved to get into touch immediately with other Scottish organisations in New Zealand in order to further the appeal. Captain Mnephcrson is to address I ho Scots Social Club in furtherance of the proposal.