HAWERA SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 February 1925, Page 6

HAWERA SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

A FLOURISHING BODY

RECORD GROWTH IN 12 MONTHS.

It was only a year ago that a small but enthusiastic group of Scotsmen gathered in Hawera and formed the nucleus- of a Scottish Society here, hut during the short time that has intervened the movement has experienced a mushroom growth, until to-day it boasts a membership of 192 ladies and 130 gentlemen, making a total roll number of 322. Financially the society has also been a success, and the balance-sheet v presented at the end of the year show - ed a total expenditure of £l5O and a credit balance of £49. Last night the first annual meeting of the society was held in the Foresters’ Hall, hut despite the fact that the occasion necessitated the setting aside of some time ffir the consideration of figures and facts, a procedure not quite so generally acceptable as the purely social evening, there w’as a large attendance. Chieftain Simpson presided, an apology for absence being received from Chief Syme. ANNUAL REPORT.

The society’s first annual report referred to the establishment of the organisation and the progress made during the year, and remarked that tlio membership figures clearly indicated the place the society had taken in the life of the town. I'he officers had constantly striven to keep the society on a high jilane and to give its members good, clean, w’holesome entertainment. In reviewing the activities of the year it was remarked that much of the success of the society could be attributed to the frequency with w’hich members were brought together socially. Financially the year had been most successful, and the balance-sheet disclosed a most satisfactory state of affairs. Each undertaking had been financially successful. A choir and orchestra had been formed, which have proved invaluable in helping to keep green the memory of Auld Scotland’s song and music, and the hon. conductor was to

be congratulated on the high standard of efficiency already attained. The inauguration of the Hawera Highland Pipe Band was noted with pleasure. The report, in conclusion, expressed the society’s best thanks to the ladies for their untiring services, which so considerably help to make the socials so successful, and the- Hawera Star for its reports of the society’s various activities. Mr L. A. Taylor, as treasurer, itlaced before the meeting a proposition made by the owners of the Foresters’ Hall, namely, an offer to sell the hall and section for £ISOO. Mr Taylor said that the present executive could see their way clearly to arrange the finances of the transaction, thereby paying for the whole of the property. However, for a while £ISOO would be a big load to carry.

Chieftain Simpson said that the present executive would not have hesitated for one moment, - but they did not feel disposed to act when, the end of their term so close. . Mr Familton said he considered the price too high. To purchase a section and build a hall would be a better proposition. Mr Richardson then moved that the meeting, having entire confidence in the executive, recommends that the purchase of the hall he considered. Mr Gardner seconded. Mr Hannah moved as an amendment that the executive go further into the matter and report to the next meeting, w’hen the question of purchase would be definitely settled, but there was no seconder, and the amendment lapsed. Mr Richardson’s motion was then put and carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. - Officers for the ensuing year w’ere elected as follow: Chief, Mr G. Syme; chieftain, Mr W. G. Simpson; secretary, Mr D. McCormick; treasurer, Mr J. E. Campbell; ladies’ committee, Mesdames D. McCormick, T. B. McConnell, W. G. Simpson, D. Twaddle, Misses I. Stewart, E. Smith, M. Smith, R. Tait; men’s committee, Messrs P. Buchan, J. Laurenson, T. B. McConnell, D. G. Smart, J, Stevenson and L. A. Taylor.

Chieftain Simpson referred to a letter which appeared recently in the press, and after emphasising the fact that the writer had not aired his complaint in the correct place, asked that in future any grievances he brought straight to the executive. The following _ ladies and gentlemen contributed musical and elocutionary items to the evening’s programme: Mesdames Sunderland and Twaddle, Messrs Buchan. Lamb, Simpson, Cunningham and Macintosh.