WELLINGTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8523, 1 November 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

WELLINGTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

The third annual meeting of the members of the Wellington Caledonian Society was held on Tuesday, night, at the Chamber of Commerce. There was a large attendance, and Mr J. Duthie (president) occupied the chair. The annual report dealt with the chief events of the year in connection with the Society, and with respect to the concert the Musical Committee expressed recognition of the services of Mr John McGlashan, the conductor, that gentleman 'having spared neither time .nor trouble to make the . concert. a success. The Committee regretted, however, that on this occasion there was a great lack of interest displayed by the members of the Society compared to that of former years, and a lamentable amount of want of the practical application of the Society’s motto, “ Shouther tae Shouther.” The report of the Directors concluded as follows: —‘‘Thescholarships which were tenable for two years have no.w expired, and it will remain for the general meeting to consider the advisableness of continuing their very valuable educational advantages. It is gratifying to the Directors that, notwithstanding the unusual commercial depression, the financial position of the Society for _ the past year compares favourably with former years. It will be seen from the statement of accounts attached hereto that the balance at the credit of the Society is L 57 8s 2d in excess of last year. Before closing this report the Directors would take this opportunity of suggesting to members the advisableness of using their best endeavours to increase and strengthen the Society ,by bringing it under the notice of their friends, and urging upon them to give their help by becoming members. The constitution very wisely does not exclude any who may wish to join though they may not be of Scottish nationality. Of course all descendants of Scotchmen are more especially invited. There are many such in Wellington who have never seen Scotland. It is to them an ideal land, familiarised to their minds by history, poetry, and family traditions. . Brither Scots like to meet with brither Scots, and in the Caledonian Society they have an opportunity of doing so. Upon the intelligent spirit and moral dignity of a Society depend its power, influence, and longevity, and we have just cause for congratulation in this respect. Let us therefore carryout, as far as we possibly can, the motto of the Society ‘ Shouther tae Shouther,’ and it will be largely increased and the enthusiasm greatly strengthened.” The balancesheet showed a balance of L 213 19s. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report. He congratulated the Society on its success last year, considering that the sports had been a great improvement on any held previously. The Directors, as was stated in the report, proposed to increase the prize money, and make the meeting second to none in the North Island. He did not think there had been any lack of enthusiasm in connection with musical matters, seeing that they had several very competent gentlemen to depend upon. It would be for the meeting to say whether the scholarships should be renewed. He regretted that these scholarships had not been taken advantage of, and hoped the Directors would keep in mind the importance of doing something for young men who had plenty of time. The financial position of the Society, he was glad to say, was very strong, and there was every evidence of good future prospects. The report was adopted, as also was the balance-sheet. .

The Chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to the honorary secretary Mr D. Wighton, and that an honorarium of 15 guineas be voted to him. In doing _so Mr Duthie warmly commended Mr Wighton for the manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office. Carried unanimously. The election of officers was then proceeded with. As Mr Duthie did not wish to offer himself for re-election as president, Mr D. T. Stuart moved that Mr T. Kennedy Macdonald be elected to that office. In doing so he expressed high appreciation of Mr Duthie’s conduct in the office. Mr J. Young seconded the motion. Mr Macdonald asked that the nomination should be withdrawn, remarking that the demands upon his time would not permit of his accepting the office. In spite of this objection, however, the motion was put and carried nnanimously. The other offices were filled as follows :—Vice-Presi-dents, Messrs R. Gardner and D. T. Stuart. The Directors (38 in number) were re-elected, with the addition of Messrs Cameron, A. W. Brown, J. Wallace, J. S. M. Thompson, J. McKerrow, R. Hannah, A. S. Menteath, M.H.R., Walter Johnston, J. E. Page, and W. Jack. MrD. Wighton was unanimously re-elected Secretary, and Messrs J. H. H. Jade and D. S. Gray were elected auditors.

A suggestion was made by Mr T. K. Macdonald that the Society should be incorporated. The Society of Arts was about to be incorporated, and by acting with them this Society could get incorporated cheaply just now. It was decided to instruct the Directors to take steps to have the Society incorporated. A discussion took place in connection with the Society’s scholarships. Mr Macdonald regretted that there was no data before the meeting showing the results and effects of these scholarships. He moved that discussion of the matter should be postponed, and that in the meantime the Secretary make a report in connection with those given last year. Mr Jack supported this view, considering that the Society was not yet in a position to give scholarships. Eventually it was decided to remit the whole question to the Board of Directors with power to act. On the motion of Mr D. T. Stuart, seconded by Mr Jack, a sum of L2O was voted, as was done last year, for benevolent purposes. The Chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr J. McGlashan for valuable services in connection with the concerts. Mr McGlashan, he added, did not wish any sum of money to be voted to him. Carried unanimously.

The advisableness of holding meetings elsewhere having been mentioned, Mr Macdonald said the new President would give them house accommodation. (Ap plause.) Mr D. T. Stuart moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Duthie, the retiring President. This was seconded by Mr T. K. Macdonald, and carried by acclamation. This concluded the meeting.