MEMBERSHIP UNWIELDY?

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 March 1935, Page 9

MEMBERSHIP UNWIELDY?

DEPARTURE FROM TRADITIONS SCOPE OP SCOTTISH SOCIETY COMPLAINT AT. HAWERA MEETING. That tho society, because, of the enrolment of members irrespective of nationality, had become unwieldy and unable to, fulfil its true aims and objects (the preservation of Scottish traditions and the cultivation of a love of Scottish songs and oratory) was the opinion expressed by Mr. L. A. Taylor at the annual meeting in St. Mary’s Parish Ha|l Itst evening of the Hawera Scottish Society. Tt was contended by some members, said the speaker, that the society was formed primarily as the means of bringing together people of Scottish descent. In recent years the membership had widened to include those of non-Scot-tish descent and to cater for its wider tastes the concert programmes had to include “every class of song and every sort of recitation, some good and some bad,” to the exclusion of selections essentially Scottish in character. The whole of South Taranaki had been scoui-ed for talent to provide this diversity and, while some of the concerts had been excellent entertainment for such a mixed audience, they had not

boon what ono might have expected of a- Scottish gathering;, said Mr. Taylor. rHe had heard it said that the younger generation of Scottish descendants was not encouraged an the cultivation of their national artistry and could not be induced to perform in what should be their national environment—an audience of Scottish people. The Scottish people. The speaker recalled that in the early days of the society the socials were redolent of Scottish tradition, but unfortunately that was not so to-day. There were some members who would like to see the society go back to the Foresters’ Hall and resume its former status.

RESTRICTED MEMBERSHIP IMPOSSIBLE.

“I must say 'that I am very much surprised that that should be so,” remarked Chief D. McCormick, who presided. “Right through the year our socials have been of a high standard and very well attended. I have certainly heard one or two remark adversely on the quality of the programmes and I am very sorry to think that there is any feeling of dissatisfaction. So far as I can see it exists in the minds of only one or two who would look for something to complain about no matter what we gave them. So far as removing to the Foresters’ Hall is concerned, that would mean a restriction of membership and I do not see how we can do that. The society is a popular institution in the district and we cannot refuse applications to join. As I have already stated, I am very surprised that such feelings should exist.” Chieftain D. Wards said he, too, could not let Mr Taylor’s remarks pass' without some reply. Both he and Mr Taylor had been members of the society for many years and in that time ifc had had its difficult and its prosperous periods. At one .stage it was ■"proposed to purchase the Foresters’ Hall. Two years later the membership slumped considerably, but it had prospered again, stronger than ever. The society, he considered, served a useful purpose in the community and, as in the past, it would continue to preserve the traditions of the Scottish people at their best.

TOO MUCH IN RETURN. Mr. D. G. Smart said he had a feeling that the society attempted to give its members too much in return for the nominal subscriptions charged (7s 6d for men, 5s for ladies, and 2s 6d for young people). In a season there were eight concerts followed by supper and dancing. To test the feeling of the meeting he moved that the October concert be dispensed with. This w'as seconded by Chieftain Wards, but ■when put to the meeting was declared lost on a show of hands. There was an attendance of between 80 and 90 members at the meeting, greetings being extended to all. at the commencement of the business by the chief.

In presenting the annual report, Chief McCormick said that the eleventh year of the society has proved that the society fills a very importtant part in the welfare of the town and district. Although the membership dropped numerically, the same interest was maintained and the year under review had been one of success generally. The high standard of previous years had been upheld, and without doubt the functions had been of

outstanding merit. During the year t the executive met on 11 occasions and he expressed thanks to, and appreciation of, the services rendered by each member.

SOCIALS WELL PATRONISED. The monthly socials were well patronised and every concert was much appreciated. Hallowe’en, the children’s night, was once more an outstanding success and special thanks were due to Mr and Mrs H. Gibbes for the donation of ice cream. Due to the fact that tjre annual Caledonian sports gathering and concert were held at Manaia on January 23 it was deemed advisable, after due consideration, to celebrate the Burns’ night festival in Hawera on January 25. The society, with the assistance of the choir, helped in providing entertainment for the benefit of the Boy Scouts at Qtakeho and in assisting the Fire Brigade at Manaia with a charity concert, in addition to the usual visits to the Old People’s Home and the Mercy Jenkins’ Boys’ Home at Elthnm. An. active part was also taken with the bazaar held in the Winter Show buildings at the conclusion of the queen carnival, when members took charge of the tearooms for three days. Official visits were made by the To Kiri, Stratford and New Plymouth societies’ and the Anroa Pino Band. These reciprocal visits had been n feature and had tended eon.sidrably to the success of the year’s activities. PICNIC AT TE NGUTU. The annual picnic was again hold at To Ngutu-o-te-Manu Domain and although the attendance wa3 not as

large as expected a very enjoyable day was spent. The progress of the Hawera Highland Pipe Band was very pleasing to members and he recorded thanks ancl appreciation of the services rendered to the society on many occasions.

The balance-sheet showed a small loss on. the year’s working, but the society was in quite a healthy position financially. Assets totalled £94 8s lOd which included a cash reserve of £49 ]ls ocl to credit of the general and piano funds, while there were no liabilities. “I cannot close without one or two special references, although I am satisfied every member in some respect lias done his or her share,” said the chairman. “I refer to the special services rendered to the society bv Mrs. L. A. Taylor an her untiring enthusiasm as the society’s pianist, and her work in connection with tho choir. The choir is a separate body and our thanks are due to them for their assistance throughout the year. Thanks are also due to Mr. J. R. Nairn and Mr Mantor their support as M.’sC. and for the ready help they give in clearing the floor preparatory to and at the conclusion of each meeting; to Mr. D. G. Smart for the use. of his office for executive meetings and to Misses Johnston and Lamb for the clerical work done by them, to Miss Worrall, who has been assistant secretary to Mr. Edmondston, to Mr. W. G. Simpson for donations, to the Press for its ever ready and generous publicity, and finally to the continued loyalty of the members, which has been a pleasing feature both to myself and to those acting in an executive capacity. My thanks are due to them for their kindly consideration throughout the season, and their appreciation of the efforts put forward on tlieir behalf. The continuance of this support, I am sure, will be an encouragement to those in office to put forward their best efforts and we confidently look forward to the progress and success of the society during the coming year.” In the absence of the treasurer (Mr J. E. Campbell) the balance-sheet was read by Chieftain Wards. WORK OF THE CHOIR).

On behalf of the choir, Mr. Taylor reported that concerts had been given at the Old Men's Home ancl the public hospital and assistance rendered to the society. It had travelled to Manaia for a charity concert and had taken part in the music competiiicns festival, winning second place Thiee mixed quartettes also were entojtd. Thanks were expressed to the conductor (Or. T. B. McCqnnell) and also to Mr. B. F. Page, who. had assisted the choir in that connection in the conductor’s absence; also to Mrs. Taylor as accompaniste, and to Mrs. C. Gannaway as secretary. Members of the choir, in addition to paying a member-ship fee to the society, contributed 3d per week each to defray hire expenses of a. room for practices. The choir’s liabilities totalled £3 16s and its assets consisted of a piano ancl music, the latter partly paid for by ji donation of £2 10s from the executive.

In reply to Mr. Nairn, the Chief said that the society was not responsible for any debts incurred by the choir.

ASSISTANCE WARRANTED. Members considered, that the choir was deserving of every assistance and it was resolved that, if the funds of the society permitted, the sum of £3 be donated to its funds. It was announced that Mrs. J. Henson verv generously offered to donate £1 to help liquidate the choir’s present indebtedness. On the motion of the Chief, seconded by Mr. Taylor, the reports and bal-ance-sheet were adopted. It was resolved that only financial members be permitted to attend the society’s socials. It was reported that certain members who were unfinaneial had attended last year. In. future, lists of names are to he supplied to tile doorkeepers.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follow: Chief, Mr. D. McCormick; Chieftain, Mr. D. Wards; honorary chieftains, Messrs W. G. Simpson and J. R. Nairn; honorary secretary, Mr. J. Edmondston; honorary treasurer, Mr. J. E. Campbell; delegates to Taranaki Caledonian Provincial Sports Association, Messrs) McCormick, Wards and L. A. Taylor; executive committee, Messrs Taylor, T. Pickering, J. Kilpatrick and R. Scown, Mesdames J. Mathieson, J. W. Velvin, J. R. Nairn, F. Cbllins, Misses Jean Easton and Margaret Smith; honorary auditor, Mr. J. W. Velvin. Congratulations were extended to the Te Kiri Scottish Society and the Auroa Pipe Band in the outstanding success of the recent Caledonian sports held at Manaia under their joint auspices. Next year the sports will’he held at Hawera.

* Scottish songs were sung by Miss Jessie Henson and Mr. W. G. Simpson, with accompaniments hv Mrs Taylor.

Supper was served by the ladies, after which dancing was enjoyed to music played by Mr. Pickering.