MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 5 January 1927, Page 3

MOTUEKA

CALEDONIAN CONCERT

On N.e\v Year's Night a concert was held in the Institute Hall following the Highland gathering and was, like the latter, a tremendo<us>success. From the rise of the curtain to the grand finale not a dull moment was experienced by the very large audience, who thoroughly enjoyed every item of the varied programme presented, and showed appreciation by enthusiastic applause and ri>. peated calls for encores. Talented artists, contributing songs, recitations and dances, came from various parts of New Zealand to the Highland gathering, so .that this concert was a special treat for Motueka folks. Miss Mitchell-Brown and Mrs A. Guild played the accompaniments, while, Pipers J." J. MacFarlane, D. Guild and A. Barclay had a strenuous time piping for tlie dancers. On behalf of the residents of Motueka the Mayor (Mr D. W. Talbot) accorded the visiting competitors a hearty welcome to the district, stating that it was the usual custom on occasions such a 3 this when so many competitors were present from all parts of New Zealand,, to tender the honours of the borough: A reception would have been given on New. Year's Eve at the Post Office steps had the majority of the visitors arrived that evening. Major Talbot said be hoped the competitors had enjoyed the day as much as the people of Motueka had enjoyed the pijjing and dancing events. He wished them all a safe return to their homes, a happy and prosperous New Year, and trusted that the visitors would take back with them lasting memories of their association with Motueka.

Piper J. J. MacFarlane (Blenheim) suitably replied, stating that they would all come back again to help at next year's gathering. Tl),e> programme was as (follows: — Pipe selections, Piper J. J. MacFarlane; grand march and Highland Fling, competitors ; songs. Miss Boyce; operatic dance, ft Kiss Yvonne Fisher; sword dance, Miss Banner and Master M. Jamieson ; recitations, Miss Kathleen O'Neill; songs, Mrs J. B. Cowie; Irish Jig, Mr I). IT. Bothwell; comic song.i, Mr A. Guild ; songs. Miss Sowman ; Sheaunlriubhas, Miss P. MacMillan; action song, Miss H. Cowie; comic duet, Mrs J. B. Cowie and Mr R. Jamieson.

Mr C. R. Morris (local chief) presented tiie prizes and medals won during the day and on behalf of the Caledonian •Society thanked all those who had so ably assisted in making the clay a great success, especially the visitors.

Mr Morris then called upon the audience to thank, by acclamation, the artists who had given them such a splendid evening's entertainment. Thanks were also tendered to the people, who had kindly billeted the -visitors. Pater, members of the Caledonian Society entertained the visitors to supperat the Motuc'cn Hotel sample rooms. A short toast list was carried through; and thanks were accorded the local Society's secretary (Mr O. A. Banner) for the capable and energetic manner in wmch ho had arranged all details in connection with.the •function. The chief (Mr G. B. Morris) was aJatj acceded a hearty vote-of thanks,;