SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 25, 30 January 1913, Page 5

SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING,

A FLOURISHING INSTITUTION

The Scottish Society of Marlborough field its annual meeting in St. Andrew's Hall last evening. There was a fair attendance of members, and the chair was occupied by the president, Mr J. R. Sharp.

ANNUAL REPORT,

The following report was submitted : —

'Although the Society was only formed m June last, it was considered expedient to close the financial year at 31st December, and hold the annual general meeting in January, ajid rules were framed accordingly. During the period under review regular meetings of the Committee were held, and were well attended. To inaugurate the Society a social gathering was held on 17th September. The function was most successful m every way, and has done much to popularise the Society. It was followed by a children's dance on the following night, which was also much appreciated by all who attended. On 29th November a social gathering was held at Seddon and was equally successful, although a bad night militated against the attendance. The thanks of the executive are due to those friends who assisted to make the gatherings successful by ■contributing musical items, and assisting generally and particularly to the visitors from Wellington, and the ladies who provided and dispensed refreshments.

"It is encouraging to note that the membership roll now totals 260, and we have a credit balance of £40, which is distinctly satisfactory for so young a Society, and clearly indicates that it has been launched on a prosperous career, and it behoves us to spare no effort to maintain the interest in it.

"To the end that v we may attain the object for which the Society was formed, viz., 'To keep alive a low for Scotland, her history and traditions, and to promote social intercourse and good fellowship amongst Scottish residents/ your Committee, at the expiration of their term of office, strongly. recommend that special attention should;- be given to provide pleasant gatherings amongst members by holding informal social meetings at regular dates, and hope that in time we may be able to possess a hall of our own in which to hold such meetings. "During the year a new paper of interest to Scotsmen, entitled 'The. New Zealand Scot ? ? has been introduced to the public. Its object is to inspire Scottish patriotism into New Zealand. The journal has much to commend it, nnd we wish it every success and commend it to the favorable notice of members. , Copies may be obtained from Mr Penny, stationer.

"We are much indebted to the Ohristchurch branch of the Scottish Society of New Zealand for valuable a/ssistance, and acknowledge the kindness of their Chief in forwarding bunches of heath from the mountains of Scotland, which have been distributed amongst members.

"We regret the loss by doatli of one of our members, Mr Ballingall, of Seddon, and a message of condolence has been sent \ to his relatives," * '

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr J. Hollo Sharp (re-elected); vice-president, Mr D. A. Sturroek; secretary, Mr W. R. Mackintosh (re-elected); treasurer, Mr A. McPhail (re-elected); committee, Messrs R. Allan, J. G. Bacon, J Sutherland, A. Robertson, G. M. Gunn, I). Fleming, J. Kirkpatrick, H. Mitchell, _M. McKenzio, A. Thomson, S. Higginson, and Dr Anderson: auditors, Messrs T. "W. Orr and R. Stansfie'id.

Five new members wera elected. Tt was announced that arrangements are being1 made for a grand Scottish concert early in the year.