CANTERBURY CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 9166, 28 July 1890, Page 2

CANTERBURY CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

FAREWELL TO CAPTAIN Campbell.

On Saturday evening this Society held a most enjoyable gathering in their large room to say good-bye to Captain Patrick Campbell, their President, who is about to again tread his native heather. There ■was a very large muster of members and friends. Apologies were read from Mr W. Boag .and Dr Thomas for their unavoidable absence. The catering was in the hands of Mr J. Buggey, and left nothing to be desired, and there was a plentitul supply of " mountain dew.” A skirl o’ the pipes, manipulated by Piper Wade, announced “ The Chief,” and proceedings at once commenced. The formal toasts having been disposed of, Mr J. T. Mac - Matson (hy the way, everyone appeared to take the prefix " Mac ” to his name), in a versatile speech, proposed "The Army, Navy and Volunteers,” announcing that if called upon by the Queen, he was prepared to turn-out at four o’clock next morning, and lead “ the boys ” to victory. Captain Campbell and Lieutenant M'Bean, of the Scottish Rifles, responded. Mr John Connal, in proposing the toast of the evening, " The President,” spoke at considerable length, referring to their chief’s recognised urbanity of manner to all, especially to the ladies, and hia untiring zeal in all work that he undertook to further the interests of the Society, and the consequent loss they would sustain from his temporary absence. In wishing him, on behalf of that body, a pleasant trip, the speaker took occasion to congratulate him on his approaching marriage. The toast was drunk with “ three times three,” and another for the future Mrs Campbell. Advantage was here taken of the opportunity to present Captain Campbell with a handsome salad bowl from the Canterbury Scottish Rifles. This pleasant duty fell to the lot of Lieutenant M'Bean, who bore testimony to the great interest always taken in the welfare of the corps by their Captain. The President, in acknowledging the kind wishes conveyed hy Mr Connal and Lieutenant M'Bean, briefly thanked all for the honour they had done him in giving him such a splendid "sendoff,” and expressed a hope that he would shortly be amongst them again. " The Campbells are Coming,” on the bagpipes followed as a natural sequence. Dr Guthrie proposed “ Kindred Societies,” which was responded to by Mr P. Cunningham and Mr Morrison, of the Dunedin Society, who both referred to the good these Societies had done in establishing scholarships, &o.,andto the assistance they ought to be to new arrivals “frae the Land o’ Cakes,” besides extending a helping hand to less fortunate countrymen. " The Visitors ” fell to Dr Stewart, and was replied to in a humorous speech by Mr D. C. Blair, of Calcutta, "another specimen of the gregarious Scot,” as he announced himself, who claimed the historical town of Dumblaae as his "caufland,” and "Jessie” of that ilk as the girl he left behind him. During the evening Mr A. C. Ferguson referred to the loss the Association were sustaining in the removal from Christchurch of Mr James Campbell, one of the founders of the Society, and who is leaving for Gisborne to join the firm of Common, Shelton and Co. Mr Matson also bore testimony to that gentleman’s integrity of character, and wished him every success in his new sphere. "Our Jamie" was drunk with musical honours. Mr Campbell responded in a feeling manner, and stated that, though going away, he would still continue a member, and take a lively interest in the welfare of the Society. At intervals some really good songs and recitations, most savouring of “Auld Scotland,” were contributed by Messrs W. Phaser, Morton, Weir, Moir, Ferguason, Macmillan, Blair, J. Campbell. T. Acland, Kinsey, Morrison, P. M. Johnston, and W. A, Ramsay. Piper Wade delighted the company by his Highland dancing, to the music of the string band so well known to members. Several reels were danced with much spirit, and a moat enjoyable evening was brought to a close by singing " Auld Lang Syne ” and the National Anthem.