GAELIC SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 20428, 8 March 1930, Page 26

GAELIC SOCIETY

BEHOMAL MEETING The monthly meeting of the Gaelic Society, held last evening, took the form of a memorial service for the late Sir Thomas Mackenzie, who was a member of the society. The chair was occupied by Chief W. M‘Leod, associated with him being Chieftains Roderick Mackenzie, T. Ritchie, H. M'Kmnou, R. M'Lean, J. M'Peak, Dr Gordon Macdonald, and Mr T. C. Harrison. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. A. Hanan, M.L.C., D. T. Fleming, M.L.C. (Balclutha), and Duguld M'Lachlau (Clinton). Piper G. Yardley played a lament at the commencement of the meeting, and the chief then read a short summary of Sir Thomas Mackenzie’s activities in connection with the society and of his public career. Dr Gordon Macdonald stated that Sir Thomas Mackenzie, although ho rose to be a very prominent figure in the country, was of humble birth, and had wan his way to the front by force of determination and honesty of character. J 1 is was an example, said the speaker, that the younger members of the society might well follow, and from which they could derive great advantage. Sir John MTvcnzie and Mr Ramsay MacDonald were also quoted as men who, like Sir Thomas, had grasped opportunities for advancing themselves in life.

Mr T. C. Harrison said he had been Sir Thomas’s attorney while the latter was in England during the war. He gave numerous instances of Sir Thomas’s generosity, and spoke of the many visits which he had paid to disabled soldiers in hospital and the letters which he had written to relatives of men who had lost their lives in the war. A resolution of sympathy which it was decided to send to Sir Thomas Mackenzie’s relatives was read by Chieftain Roderick Mackenzie. Mrs M'Kay rendered ‘ M'Crimmon’s Lament ’ very feelingly in Gaelic. Tim accompanist was Miss D. Zaft’er. The meeting closed with the singing of the ‘Old Hundredth.’