SCOTSMEN ALL

Evening Star, Issue 22106, 13 August 1935, Page 5

SCOTSMEN ALL

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY SOCIAL A most successful social wa® held in the 'Somerset Lounge last night by tne Caledonian Society of Otago there was a good attendance of members ana friends, who wore received at the entrance by Mr John Hope (president) and Mrs Hope. Representatives from other Scottish bodies were Mr A. M'Millan (Council of Scottish Societies), Mr'N. Stewart (Burns Club), Mr T. Gilchrist (Highland Pipe Band), Mr A. Wheeler (Piping and Dancing Association), Mr E. Wheeler (the Scottish Society of Dunedin), and Mr tv. Cameron (Gaelic Society). _ Several speeches were interspersed with items of a varied nature ah °f which met with a sympathetic reception. , . The president briefly extended a ®°rdial welcome to the members and then friends and to the representatives Ironi other Scottish Societies. Mr T. Ritchie, a past president of the Couricil of Dunedin Scottish Societies, spoke of the useful work that was being carried out by that body. It supplemented in a general way, he said, the work of the other Scottish societies in keeping alive and fostering the love of the Scottish national traditions and sentiment. The Burns Club kept the works of the poet to the fore, while the Gaelic Society and others each concentrated on some aspect of Scottish life, and all joined in extending to distinguished Scots who visited Dunedin a truly Scottish welcome. There was now a movement afoot in Dunedin to make the work of the society more efficient and to perpetuate the wonderful work of the Scots at home and the early settlers who had so manfully faced and overcome the tremendous difficulties and hardship of making a home in a new country. They had accepted this heritage, said the speaker, but had not done as much as they should have to perpetuate the traditions of Scotland. He then urged his listeners to see that what the pioneers of the province had in mind when they settled there should be carried to fruition. There should be more study of the literature of Scotland, and he suggested that they study and debate the various aspects of Scottish literature. Mr Ritchie hoped that those pi’esent would’ support the formation of a literary and debating society for studying Scottish literature. He complimented Mr A. M'Millan, president of the Council of Dunedin Scottish Societies, for Ins untiring energy in matters pertaining to Scottish interests. The chairman then presented to Mr M'Millan the presidential badge of the council and Mr M'Millan presented the badges to three past presidents and members of his council. Mr M'Millan extended to the Caledonian Society the greetings of his council and explained that it was composed of 13 members representing five Scottish Societies in Dunedin. Three other societies were still unrepresented. Its object was to further the study of all Scottish art, poetry, and literature, as well as music and dancing, ft also took part in welcoming Scottish visitors. The speaker congratulated the Caledonian Society on its long and distinguished existence and expressed the hope that its future fvould be as successful.

Other speeches were “ Kindred Societies,” by Mr W. H. M'Kenzie. responded to by Mr Keith Cameron; “ The Caledonian Society,” by Mr N. Stewart, responded to by the president ; and “ New Members,” by Mr T. M. Gillies.

During the evening songs were contributed by Mrs S. Searle and Messrs G. Bridges, J. Simpson, and W. H. M'Kenzie. A violin solo was played by B. Garland and Lance-corporal H. Jarvie gave a selection on the bagpipes, while a recitation was given by Miss Leonore M'Kenzie. A reel party composed of Mrs Gerken and Misses Daphne Allen, Beta Warren, and Margret M'Millan danced a reel o’ Tulloch and a Highland reel. A number of selections were played by Begg’s Orchestra and a short period of community singing was led by Mr J. Himburg. After supper the time was spent in dancing. Mr Alf. Pettit being the accompanist.