A SUCCESSFUL YEAR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 24 April 1928, Page 5

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR.

TARANAKI CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION. SECOND ANNUAL MEETING. The second annual meeting of delegates to the Taranaki Caledonian Association was held in Mr. T. Smith’s tea rooms, Stratford, last evening. Air. W. L. iienneay (Stratford), chief of the association, occupied the on air. The delegates present were: Messrs. \Y. G. Simpson, T. Anderson, D. AlcCormick (Hawera), J. Crawford, J. L. Campbell, C. Alorrison (Eltham), \V. W. Thompson, J. Findlay, A. Rankin, J. C. Williamson, W. Jones (New Plymouth), C-. Mcl. Young, T. Smith, J. Jamieson, D. AI. , Clarke (Stratford), and R. L. Garden, secretary (Eltham). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. C. Bowman, R. P. Alorrissey and J. B- Laurenson (Hawera). THE REPORT ' The annual report presented by the executive stated, inter .aha, that the activities of the association had been fully maintained during the year, and it was hoped that the result of t-ne executive’s deliberations had been satisfactory to members. Owing to various circumstances, chief of which were the lack of funds and perhaps l the youth of the association, there had so far been no opportunity to promote a wider sphere of operations for the welfare of Scottish lore. The constitution of the association did not tend to make much, variation in the membership. During the year the New Plymouth Caledonian Society withdrew from the association on account- bf being unable to give assistance to sports gatherings held by the association in other towns in Taranaki, owing to the sports being held on clays other than the half-holiday in New Plymouth. The finances of the association, showing a credit balance of £29 12s 6d, were in a. very sound condition, and the executive had seen fit to place £25 of this amount on fixed deposit for a. period of 12 months. On January 26 a successful athletic and Caledonian sports gathering was held on Taumata. Park, Eltham. Thanks- to the response made by the public and competitor®, the day was quite a success. In the Town Hall. Eltham, during the evening was held a- popular' Scotch concert, -followed by a dance-.

The thanks of the association were due to various . people who willingly rendered assistance. Particular , mention was made of the New Zealand A. aiid C. Association, coupled with the Elthnm Athletic Club, who so ably assisted in the preparing and carrying out of the athletic part of the sports gathering. To the artists who contributed to the concert the executive was indebted. In conclusion, the executive desired to thank all those who. had in any wav contributed to the success of the association during the past year, and hoped that the harmony existing among the members would long continue for the benefit of the association. BALANCE-SHEET.

The. -balance-sheer, showed a credit of £29 12s 6d, the expenditure being £199 3s 9d, and receipts £228 lbs bd. The chief contributing factors on me receipts side were: —Conceit and gates, £143 2s 6d. donations £ls 19s, and members’ subscribtions £ll 15s. Tins sum of £125 2s was absorbed in prizes, .while rent of Taumata Park and the concert hall ran into £ls 6s 9d.

in moving the adoption of the report' and balance-sheet, the chairman extended his thanks to all who had so materiaiy assisted to make the last spoils gathering at Eltham the success it proved. He particularly singled out for honourable mention Mr R. L. Garden, who had taken' up the duties of secretary hf a moment’s notice, and had made a complete success of his duties. He-recognised the great lift that had been given to the 'association, (which, by the way, is a Taranaki organisation) by the successful meeting held at Eltham. In this connection he also paid a high compliment to Mr J. L. Campbell, the Eltham Chief, who had substantially assisted the gathering. The motion was seconded by Mr W. G. Simpson. The speaker referred to the impetus given to Highland dancing during the past year in Taranaki, mainly owing to the fact, that 'Miss Jean McLachlan has made the district, her headquarters for the time being. The motion was heartily supported,bv Messrs T. Smith and J. L. Campbell and carried unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Officers for the ensuing year were elected aisi follows: —Patron, Air Arthur Coleman (To Roti); chief, Mi-' W. G. Simpson (Hawera); chief tains, Mpssi's •J. 1,. Campbell (Eltham), C. Mel. i'oung (Stratford), J. B. 1 ..unreason, D. McCormick (Hawera), W. W. Thompson, A. Rankin and one nominee (New Plymouth), A. McLeod, J. C. Duff (Auroa), E. J. Rodger (Te Kiri); committee, Messrs J. L. Camp bell, J. Crawford (Eltham), R. P. Morrissey, J. B. Laurenson (Hawera), T. Smith, J. Jamieson (Stratford), A. McLeod (Anrca).; auditor, 'Mr W. Power (Stratford). Mr R. L. Garden agreed to continue ae secretary until a.,permanent appointment is made. GENERAL. On Mr Simpson taking the chair, he extended a' hearty welcome to the New Plymouth delegates, to which _ Mr. Thompson replied at length, explaining the secession of his society from the

parent body. Mr Thompson proved an excellent mediator, and it was''unanimously decided, on his proposal, that the .e-affiliation of the hiew Plymouth Sojieity be accepted. T'lie chairman expressed, the genraral satisfaction of delegates that the north- - n end of the province had. again joined ;p and trusted the movement would tend to, the harmonious ,working 'of the association. It was resolved that the third annual sports gathering of , the asKSOciatioii be held at Stratford on a date to be determined bv a sub-committee consisting of Messrs Simpson, Smith, Young and the secretary. A® a safeguard against potsisihle loiss accruing to any-unit of the association in tlie conduct of its sports meeting, through unfavourable weather, it was iecided to establish a benefit fund of at least £SO. and surplus over this amount to be devoted, to the liquidation of such liability. The secretary was instructed to forward letters of appreciation to the judges of piping and dancing at the Bltham sports. Messrs McGowan (Raetehi) and McKenzie Forbes (Wanganui). In consideration of his services a® secretary. Mr Garden was voted a bonus of £lO. Votes of thanks were accorded to the ebaiiman. Mr T. Smith, for the use of his room, and to the Press.