THE CALEDONIAN CHAMPION GATHERING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12762, 8 September 1903, Page 3

THE CALEDONIAN CHAMPION GATHERING.

TO TOE EDITOR Sir,'—l notice that the annual meeting of the New Zealand Association of Caledonian Societies is to bo held in Wellington on tho 25th of September. I also understand that _ ever since tho inauguration of tho association delegates who represented the affiliated societies at the annua! meeting have been unanimous in their .desire that the Otago Caledonian Soci.ty should affiliate, and that tho championship of tho colony should be held here. -The first championship was held at Invercargill, and many who take an interest in Caledonian societies considered that a slight had been cast upon the Otago society, it being without doubt the mother of all Cale-donian-societies in tho colony. But wo find that at the first meeting it 'was the unanimous desire of all tho delegates present that Dunedin should bo given the first championship meeting. I also undorstand that pressure has been 011 several occasions brought upon the directors of our society by the officials of the association and tho southern competitors to affiliate. Now, why should Dunedin be deprived of tho pleasure of seeing on Now Year's Day all the champions in every department of our Scottish games? It would ensure the largest gate that has ever bo.en here without a doubt, as it has in all places where the championship has been hold; and is it fair to our athletes, pipers, and dancers that they are compelled to leave their own town on tho great Scottish occasion? The amount given in prizes would not have to be much greater, nor does the association interfere with the finances of the societies, nor in any way with the constitutional rules of tho societies. Then why on earth Dunedin should stand out is a puzzle. ' In justice to the publio and the competitors of the south, we hope that our society will he represented* nt the annual meeting on the 25th of September and that wo will have tho championship meeting here 011 Now Year's Day.—l am, etc., September 3. Interested.