GAELIC SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18541, 29 April 1922, Page 5

GAELIC SOCIETY

NEW CHIEF' WEIiCOMjED. The first monthly meeting this year of the above society was held on Wednesday evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Stuart street. Therp was a record attendance, every available seat being occupied. The meeting was opened by Piper George Munro playing the newly-elected chief (Dr Alex. M’Killop) and Chieftain J. I). Cameron 'o the platform'. Chieftain James D. Cameron, in introducing the chief, mentioned that he (the chief) ■was not altogether a .stranger, tor he was known by some of them personally, and by most of them by repute. He considered the society had made a wise selection, for in Dr M’Killop they had a gentleman in whose veins ran true Highland blood, and who would worthily uphold the traditions associated with the office. It would be of interest to the society to know that Dr M'Ki'lop was a good! Gaelic scholar; he could not be otherwise, seeing that he was brought up and educated in a Celtic environment and culture. One of the objects of the society, when formed over 40 years ago, was to bring immigrants together, and to mane them feel that, although separated by many thousand miles from their friends and relations, their brother Highlanders were waiting to receive,them with open arms and make them 'a “homo away from home.” Turning to the chief, Chieftain Cameron addressed him, saying he wished him. to feel at home with all the members of the society, and then addressing the members he wished them alb to feel that in the chief they had a personal friend. Three cheers were given for Chief A. C. M’Killop. The Chief, in reply, thanked the members for the honour of placing him at the head of the society. He would do his utmost to uphold and further their interests in every possible way. The musical programme was of the usual Celtic character, and all the performers bad a friendly reception. Mr Kennedy sang the Gaelic song. “Anns a ghleann s’an.robh me og"; Mr Hughes “She’s the Lass for Me” and “Nanny”; Miss M’Kenzie danced a fling; Mr R. Waterson sang “The Standard on the Braes of Mar” and “Of a’ the Airts the Wind Can Blaw”; Mr Deaker told humorous Irish and American stories that kept the audience in a simmer of laughter; Miss Moore gave a eeauntrubhais; and Miss Georgina Munro a fling. Tho Idlers favoured the audience with part songs—- “ Annie Laurie” and “My Love is Like a Red, Bed Rose”; Mrs Mackay sang a Gaelic song, “Mo rnnn gbeal clileas,” and “The Rowan Tree”; Chieftain J. D. Cameron, “The Coll of Dear Loch Lomond” and “Mairc, My Girl”: Mr Forrest, Gaelic song, “Maire Lughach” and another; : Misses Campbell played g violin air, with piano accompaniment; Pipers George Munro and L. M’Killop played the national music. Mr Alex. M’Kenzie was M.C. to the dance