GALLIC SOCIETY.

Evening Star, Issue 8279, 26 July 1890, Page 2 (Supplement)

GALLIC SOCIETY.

The annual gathering of the Gaelic Society of New Zealand was held at the Garrison Hall last night. There was a large attendance, as is always the ease on occasions snob as these. The Kev. Dr Stuart (chief) occupied the chair, and was supported by Sir Robert Stout and Mr William Hutchison. Rev. Dr Stuart was glad to say that their society might now be regarded as firmly rooted in the country of their adoption, ana, what was better, in the hearts of its people. Their mission, as far as he understood their country, was to influence other nations, to infuse a strain of their hot blood and their ardent nature into those who opposed and conquered them. That was a noble thing to achieve, and that was, after all, what the Celt had achieved. If they read history they would find that Mede and Persian—great conquerors in their day—had a strain of Celtic blood ; and in modern history it was found that the Swiss, the Welsh, the Irish, and the Scotch Highlanders were amongst the most resolute defenders of liberty.—(Applause.) Go where they would, they would find that the Celt might not be renowned for his accumulation of wealth,but he was ever renowned for a nobler possession—an undying love oi liberty, of his people, and of his God. (Applause.) The report reminded them of wonderful changes that had taken place and were taking place in the Homo Country. Nothingso amazed him during his short visit there as the work of the Crofters’Commission. In his young days the landed proprietors were the kings of the country. Now the Crofters’ Commission sat here and there, and asked the Duke of Argyle or the Marquis of Breadalbane to hand over the rent rolls to them, and they sat in judgment on them, with the result that sometimes rents were reduced by 45 per cent, and arrears swept away altogether. He believed the change wasneoessary. Circumstances required it, end all honor to the British Parliament for having courage to appoint a commission with snob powers. There was now a better order of things prevailing, which would never be arrested until we got as much of paradise on earth as we had character and intelligence to enjoy.—(Applause.) The annual report, which was taken aa read, contained the following sentenced Tour Committee in submitting their ninth annual report have every reason to feel gratified at the petition still maintained by the society. Besides the usual staple of Gaelic, Scotch, and English songs, readings, and recitations, several gentlemen give assistance in the more intellectual portions of the programmes at the monthly meetings. Among these special mention may be made of Mr J. M'Gregor, who read several able papers on ‘Gaelic Proverbs’ and one on ‘ Donachadh Ban ’; Dr Blair, who delivered a lecture on ‘The Massacre of Glencoe’; and Messrs J, M'Kenzie, M.H.R., W, N. Blair, J. G. S. Grant, John M'Donald, and W. Hutchison, who delivered speeches on a variety of topics relating to Celtic matters. It being one of the chief objects of the society to promote friendship and mutual helpfulness among the Highlanders assembling at these meetings, it is pleasing to observe that the latter wore oondneted in such a manner as to preserve the most cordial unanimity among the members. The Gaelic library continues to be a soutco of instruction and pleasure to such of the members as avail themselves of it. The calls of benevolence have not been numerous during the year ; but no case has come under the notice of the Committee without being responded to, and L 7 was disbursed for this purpose. Tho Committee have followed with interest the footsteps of the Crofters’ Commission in the Highlands of Scotland, and rejoice at the large reduction in rent and arrears everywhere effected, evidencing the existence of wrongs that ought to have been redressed long ago. it still remains for the crofts to be enlarged so as to furnish a reasonable means of sustenance to the occupiers j and yonr Committee are of opinion that not until that is done, and all the waste lands in the Highlands are under cultivation by the Highlanders, in adequate areas, should they rest content, or permit themselves to be made the subjects of emigration or expatriation. It Is with sorrow that tho Committee have to record the death of three gentlemen who were either members of the society or closely connected therewith Messrs Robert M'Oallum. Donald M'Gregor (Southland), and David Gray. Tbs society’s finances are in a fairly prosperous condition. Wo commenced the financial year with a credit bank balance of L2l 15s lOd. The income since then has been L3919a11d, and the expenditure for ait purposes L 27 10s 6d, leaving a credit balance now in the bank of L2ff 5s Sd.

Sir Robert Stout, Messrs W, Hutchison, J. Macgregor, Dugald M'Lachlan, and John Macdonald delivered speeches, but owing to the crowded state of our columns their remarks must be reserved for a future issue. The motion for the adoption of the report was carried item. dig. During the evening tho following programme was successfully carried out: Gaelic song, Mr Nell M’Fadyen; song, Miss M. Morrison; Gaelic song, Miss C. Macdonald; song, Mrs Lawrence; Gaelic song, Mr D. Munro ; Irish jig. Master M'Keohnie; song, Mr A. Paterson ; Gaelic song, Miss M. M'Fadyen ; sailor’s hornpipe, Master D. M'Keohnie; Scotch song, Mr A. Purres ; violin solo, Mr A. Gray ; Gaelic song, Mr D. MHnnes; Highland fling, Master W. Smith ; Scotch song, Mrs James M‘Donald ; Gaelic song, Mr David M‘Kinnon ; dance, Mr J, D. S. Burt; Scotch song, Mr Robert Clark ; Highland reel, four ladies and Highlanders in full costume ; Scotch song, Mr James Robertson ; sword dance, Master A. Smith; Gaelic song, Mr N. M‘Fadyen. The ball was afterwards cleared for dancing, and about 160 couples “ tripped the light fantastic” to music provided by Mr Robertahaw’s band. The catering of Mr Meyer, of Roslyn, was all that could be desired, and the duties of M.C.s were efficiently performed by Messrs Matheson and Smith.