REAL SCOTCH NIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 2

REAL SCOTCH NIGHT

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING HAGGIS AND HEATHER The spirit, customs, and songs of old Scotland lived again last night at a gathering in the Embassy Salon, where about 100 members of the Caledonian Society of Otago, visitors, and representatives of kindred societies foregathered to take part in the annual meeting. It was a real Scottish nicht, with the skirl of the pipes, the scent of the heather, the haggis, songs of Auld Reekie, and other items calculated to renew the spirit of Scotland. Sprigs of heather in the coat lapels of those present gave a distinct Scottish touch to the gathering. It was real Scottish heather, gathered on the bills and moors of Scotland by the readers of the f Weekly Scotsman,’ and forwarded to the Otago society to show in a simple way the interest of the donors in their countrymen abroad and their wish for closer union.

Two braw pipers commenced proceedings with a selection as Mr George Hay (acting' president) led those present to their seats. After he had welcomed everyone he referred to the death of Mr R. D. Veitch, who was elected president at the last annual meeting, but who, through illness, was unable to occupy the chair. The late Mr Veitch, he said, had done valuable, work for the society, and even during his illness had given ranch helpful advice. Those present stood in silence as a mark of respect. The business portion of the evening was then commenced, the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet being moved by Mr Hay and seconded by Mr Alan A. Campbell, who said that, if they all put their shoulders to the wheel, there was.no reason why the society should not be as strong as it was in earlier days. It was a good sign, he thought, that the membership at the end of the current year was 192. an increase of six on the previonsyear. Mr Hay referred with satisfaction to the fact that the balance-sheet showed a surplus of £239. The membership, lie said, had shown an increase, but he thought that in a Scottish community the membership should be at least three times as great. The society’s ground was now in good order. An option had boon taken for a lease of it by Mr Boy S. Johnston on behalf of n Wellington syndicate for the purpose of staging dirt track motor cycling; but the option, which expired on November 10, had not yet been taken up, and there seemed little chance that it would be. Some dissatisfaction with the financial position was expressed by Mr Alex. Sligo, who said that, if it were not for the annual rental of £525 paid by the Rugby League, the position would not bo very satisfactory, and they 7 would bo back about £IOO. It appeared that the finance in connection with their ground was not too sound. The buildings on the ground wore getting into a very 7 unsatisfactory 7 condition, and the time was coming when a new stand would have to be erected. Something should be done in the wav of writing down the buildings. He would like things shown in a clearer light. Mr W. Duff stated that the buildings were in a better state than they wore twelve months ago. Thev had the best dressing rooms in Otago, and the best showers. The buildings were a credit to the society at the present time. The report was adopted. On the motion of Mi T. M. Gillies, seconded by Mr Roderick M'Kcnxie, Mr George Hay r was elected president. Mr A. A. Campbell was elected senior vice-president, and Mr P. Findlay junior vice-president. Other officebearers elected wore:—Trasurr, Mr James Brown; secretaries Messrs W, R. C. Reid and Co.; auditor. Mr J. A. Hopcraft. The following retiring directors wore ro-elected:—Messrs J. A. Roberts, F. G. Duncan, H. S. Irwin, Forsyth Johnston, Jas. Milne, T. Hughes, D. A. Jolly. W. P. Chapman. L. Lawrence, W. Loan, A. McLaren, and A. Heffernan. Mr W. M‘Kin lay was also elected a director. Six new members, including the mayor (Mr R, S. Black) were elected. Business completed, the remainder of the evening was spent in a social way. The new president took charge, and at his word the loyal toast was honoured. After tatties and herrin’ had boon served the event of the evening took place—the arrival of the time-honoured haggis, brought into the room in true style to pipe music. The address to the haggis (by Robert Burns) was given in effective fashion by Mr James Brown.

Toasts were proposed as follows: “The President,” proposed by Mr T. Gillies; “Kindred Societies.” proposed by Mr J. S. Douglas, and responded to by Messrs T. Ritchie (Council of Dunedin Scottish Societies), W. H. M‘Leod (Gaelic Society), J. Bowie (Burns Club), T. Gilchrist (Pipe Band), and A. Mackay (Piping and Dancing Association); “The Vice-presidents,” proposed by the president: and “New Members,” proposed by Mr R. Mackenzie. Scottish songs were well sung by Mr R. Tuohy and Mr L. E. Dailey, and Mr J. S. Douglas entertained the company with his favourite vocal item. The pipers were Messrs Tardier, senior and junior, who contributed largely to the success of an enjoyable evening.