CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23352, 18 November 1937, Page 8

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL YEAR The annual meeting of the Caledonian Society of Otago was held last night. The president (Mr J. A. Johnston) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of members. ADOPTION OF REPORT The chairman, moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, said that members would agree that the past year had been a most successful one. The increase in revenue and membership had been very gratifying, and he paid a tribute to the work of the secretary (Mr J. S. Douglas), who, he said, was a highly capable organiser. It might not be known to the majority of the present generation what a great interest the Caledonian Society took in education in the days of its early history. The society founded the Caledonian Night School, which was attended by young workers and apprentices in the 1870 to 1880 period. These - classes developed into a trade or profession school under the superintendence of the late Mr D. A. McNicol, later first headmaster of the George Street School, and ultimately it became what was now known throughout the Dominion as the technical system of education. Mr Johnston referred to the generosity of Mr J. Sutherland Ross in making possible a bursary scholarship at the University of Otago. He concluded by thanking the two vice-presidents (Messrs A. A. Paape and W. H. Mackenzie), the treasurer (Mr W. H. McLeod) and the secretary for their valuable work during the year. The motion was seconded by Mr W. H. Mackenzie, who referred to the excellent state of the society’s finances and the success of its activities during the year. „ , As one of the first pupils of the Caledonian Night School Mr J. H. Walker testified to the valuable work done by the society in early education in Otago. He stated that three of his fellow-pupils were representative citizens of Dunedin, one being manager pf one of the largest mercantile firms m the Dominion and the other two auditors at the top of their profession. He also referred to the success of the_ past year and congratulated the society s officers on their valuable work. He did think, however, that in a community like Otago there should be more than 237 members of the society and that something should be done to increase this number. . The report and balance sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The following additional directors were elected:—Messrs S. Brown, D. A. O’Connell, W. J. Duff. J. A. Hopcraft, K. Cameron. R. Dawson, J. Caldwell, J H. F. Hamel, G. A. Laurenson, W. A. Mackay, H. J. C. McKenzie, W. H. Naylor and H. A. Newall. . Mr J. A, Hopcraft was re-appointed auditor.

GRAND STAND IMPROVEMENTS Reference was made by several members to the desirability of painting the grand stand at the Caledonian Ground. It was stated that repairs were badly needed. The chairman said he was opposed to spending £2OO on painting the stand as it was probable it would be condemned in two or three years’ time. It would be far better to go into ways and means of raising funds for a new stand as the lack of seating accommodation at the ground had deprived the society of many important fixtures and the resulting revenue. GENERAL Mrs J. C. Henderson wrote stating that she wished to present a silver cup to the society for women’s events. She stated that she was an interested spectator of athletic sports and she hoped that women’s events would continue to meet with increased support.—The cup was accepted with thanks. Thirteen new members were elected.