GATHERING O’ THE CLANS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 181, 2 July 1936, Page 11

GATHERING O’ THE CLANS

UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS

Recognised as one of the largest and most successful Scottish gatherings in New Zealand, the Alauawatu Scottish Society held its annual Gathering o’ the Clans in tlffi De Luxe Hall, last evening. This was the fourth such function that the society had held, it having increased in popularity each year, and last night’s patronage of over 1000 exceeded all previous records. Evidence of its reputation was borne out by the large number of Scotsmen and others who came from distant places, various parties having motored from as far away as New Plymouth, Auckland and Gisborne. The name Gathering o’ the Clans was proved appropriate by the splendid array of tartans made up in kilts, sashes, rosettes, etc. Too much credit cannot be given to the society, wjtli Mr J. S. Jenkinson as chief, for the outstanding success of the function and many were the compliments conveyed to members of the society. Noticeable was the fact that delight was taken by those from the land North of the Tweed to congregate with those of their kind and dance real Highland reels and listen to the skirl of the bagpipes. Above the orchestral dais was a huge thistle crowned by tlie society’s name. Scottish Standards were also given a prominent position. The Pipe Band marched round the Square earlv in the evening and proceeded to the hall. Tlie band opened the proceedings by marching into the hall playing “A Hundred Pipers,” then counter-marched twice and formed a circle, breaking into their AVanganui contest selection, “Afy Home,” “My Native Highland Home.” “Captain Horn” and “Tail Toddle.” and then returned from the circle playing “Cock o’ the North.” The chief (Mr Jenkinson) and chieftains, Alessrs F. J. Duckworth and AAL Allan, followed the band into the circle. Drummers took their stationary positions at tlie far end of the hall, to accompany four pipers who led the grand march and then proceeded with the first waltz. An orchestra of eight professional players then took charge of the music for the evening. The Reel o’ Till loch was danced by Alisses I/. Cronin, Aliilicent MacDonald, D. McLean and Alaster C. Henderson. Piper N. Cruden played the accompaniment, and Alisses N Ford, N. Cooper, Y. Nicholson and P. O’Keefe danced the Highland reel, accompanied by Piper Scott. Piper Cruden placed for the eightsome reel and" Reel o’ Tullocli. Aliss Af. Tremewan and Air Higgins were the winners of the Alonte Carlo waltz. Alessrs G. Allen and H. Hughes were the M.C.’s. Supper had to he served in six sittings. Extra seating accommodation for 200 was provided. hut so crowded was the hall that this was insufficient. The following were among the visitors present; —Air N. AlcKenzieForbes of AV-aipukurau; Mr and Airs H MacFarlant-, Aokautcre; Alessrs Brenmer and T. B. Alacguire, Hastings; Air and Mrs J. Hill-Alotion, AlarTlie hostesses were Alesdames J. S. Jenkinson, who wore blue velvet and the McKenzie tartan sash ; G. R. Allen, green crepe lame, AlcGregor sash : \Y. Allan, black bolide crepe and silver, ATcDonakl sash; C. F. Cronin, fire-glow shot taffeta, Buchanan sash: I<. J • Duckworth, midnight blue georgette with crystal embroideries, Royal Stuart sash; AL J. Nicholson, black and pink crepe-de-chine, Cameron sasli. The committee were: —Aliss B. Kelly, who was attired in turquoise blue taffeta with McKenzie tartan sash, and Messrs C. PL Cronin, G. Allen, H. Hughes. AL J. Nicholson and R. Howe. Mr S. 1. McKenzie, assisted by Air G. AAL Kenning, ably carried out the secretarial duties.