HOKITIKA NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 September 1918, Page 3

HOKITIKA NOTES.

[Our Own Correspondent,] CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. The Westland Caledonian Societyheld its monthly Ingleside in tlie Sumeme Hall last evening. Theve was a large number present, Caledonian visitors attending from Blackball, Greymouth, and. Kunanga in stxung force. The Hall was nicely decorated with bunting, the floor in capital order for dancing, • and the music was of the best, and all “went as merry as a. marriage bell.” In addition to tlie ordinary programme of dances, the young pupils of the Society contributed several Scotch reels, Strathspreys, sword dances, and others, which were much appreciated by the audience. A young lady also contributed a Spanish, dance in costume, which was loudly applauded. The programme opened with a Grand March, headed by Pipers Dixon, J. King, jnr., andH. Davidson. Songs were rendered at intervals by Miss Davidson, Mrs. Doctor and l Mrs. Brook, and Messrs Robertson and Simpson. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson contributed a duet, which was well received. The accompanists were Mrs. Doctor, Mrs. Rollings, Miss Macfarlane, Messrs Sinclair and Gibbons; Mrs. Rollings also rendered excellent music for the dances. The CbiMtain (Mr. G. Davidson) and the energetic Secretary, and in fact all the members of the Society present, vied with each (i other in entertaining their guests, and the function was a marked success. During an interval Chieftain Davidson formally extended a very hearty welcome to their friends who had come from various part of the Coast as their guests for the even ing. He read a. telegram of apology from the Chief of the Blackball Society. who was unavoidably absent through illness. Chieftain Davidson expressed his wish that their Chief (Mr. Sneddon) would soon be restored to bis usual good health. He then introduced Chaplain Leach to the audience. Mr. Davidson wished the visitors a happy time during their stay in Hokitika and hoped they would! arrive home safely. Continuing, he spoke of the good that obtained from these social functions. He and his Society were always pleased to welcome their friends to their Inglesides, and they had enioyed themselves very much in visiting- them in Blackball, Grey, or Runanga, and were looking forward with pleasure to the next visit. A bond of friendship was mad© that was genuine, and could only lead to all that was elevating and good. Mr. Leach briefly thanked Chief Davidson for his kind references to his Society, he also was sorry his Chief wasi not present. An excellent supper was provided, the main “piece de resistance” being a Scotch haggis, eaten in the orthodox style. Nor was this dish ushered in without ceremony. Three pipers led tlie way and to the skirl of the pipes the dish was borne round the room by the popular and jovial, M.C. to a table, where it was received by Hie Chieftain himself, who recited a verse or two which were as Scotcii as the haggis itself. A sword was drawn and the haggis cut and shared round. Many tasted the famous viand for the , first time, and it was probably curiosity more than appetite that prompted many to partake of it. However, all pronounced it first-class. All present .appeared to enioy themselves to the fullest extent, and this is due in no small manner to the heartiness with which everyone was welcomed, the ..bsenctj of stiffness and constraint that mai so many functions, and the wholeheartednessi with which each and all catered for the happiness of others. There are many social functions held in this district, and it is safe to ay that the Caledonian Ingleside is one of the best.