The Highland Society.

Hastings Standard, Issue 499, 11 December 1897, Page 2

The Highland Society.

MEETING AT HASTINGS

At the invitation of Hastings members, the Hawke's Bay Highland Society held a meeting in St. Matthew's schoolroom, Hastings, on Friday evening. There was a large attendance, visitors being present from all parts of the district, including about fifty from Napier. Prior to the meeting a procession was formed at Messrs Webster and Stuart's hotel, which, headed by four pipers and a Highlandman bearing the Scottish standard, marched to the schoolroom. The chair at the meeting was occupied by Chieftain Hector McKenzie, in the absence of Mr E. D. D. McLean, M.H.R., the Chief. The minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Parker and confirmed, and three new members were elected. Mr Donald McLeod, in a very neat speech, then welcomed the visitors to Hastings. The Chairman, in acknowledging the welcome, said they were always pleased to come to Hastings, because they received such a hearty welcome here. He pointed out that Hastings and the Western Spit were the only two places in the district in which they heard the real Gaelic. In referring to the presentation of a flag to the school children at Napier he said he understood that the Union Jack had been referred to as the English flag. This was not correct. The flag was as much the property of St. Andrew as of St. George. In conclusion Mr McKenzie referred to the heroic stand made by the Gordon Highlanders in India when every other regiment had failed. Mr J. P. Thompson proposed that this meeting place on record its appreciation of the glorious charge made by the Gordon Highlanders in India, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the officer in charge. Mr Donald Maddison seconded.—> Carried, A very attractive programme of dances, songs, etc., was then gone through as follows : Gaelic song, Mr A. Cameron ; dance, Scotch reel; song, " Draw the Sword, Scotland," Mr Carruth ; dance, " Flowers o" Edinburgh" ; step dance, the Misses Mclntyre (Puketiriri) ; Gaelic song, Mr A. Campbell; recitation, " Tam-q'r Shanter, Mr T. Parker; dance, reel o' Tulloch ; dance, " Triumph" ; song, " John Highlandman" ; dance, Petronella ; song, " Mary o' Argyle," Mr J. P. Thompson; dance ; song, " The Boatman," Mr J. Neilson. The proceedings were brought to a close shortly after midnight by the hear'y singing of " Auld Lang Syne," Miss Caulton presided st during the evening, and MeslraT#nfig, Yule and Barrett made a very efficient orchestra. , Refreshments were provided in abundance by the popular Mr Kirkwood. Messrs McQueen and Mathieson supplied excellent pipe music. The Hastings Committee (Messrs McLeod, McCorkindale, H. Thompson, J. McDonald and W. P. Stuart) deserve every for the enjoyable and successful evening. The visitors, who were entertained by Messrs Webster and Stuart, gave three cheers for Hastings before leay« ijsg for ttws borne*