GAELIC SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 35

GAELIC SOCIETY.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this society was held last night in the Stuart street Hall, when_ there was a large attendance, notwithstanding tbe inclemency of the weather. Mr Pugald M'Lachlan presided, supported by the vice-presidents (Messrs D. Matheson and D. Munro). Messrs Donald Reid and Robert Swan were elected members of the society. In moving their flection, the Chairman mentioned it was with \inusual pleasure he noticed Mr Reid's desire to become a member, as no doubt many present would know that he was a brother of Mr Charles Reid, the first president of the Gaelic Society. He would be a valuable acquisition to the ranks, as he had no doubt Mr Swan would also be.

One of the most pleasing features of the evening s proceedings was the presentation of a substantial silver lever watch to the society's piper, Mr John M'Kechnie, sen., and a handsome clock to Mr John M'Kechnie, jun. The Chairman, in making the presentation to the piper, referred to his valuable services rendered to the society for many years. The present token of the respect in which the membeis held him was in no sense to be regarded as payment for such services, as they were beyond all pecuniary remuneration, but as » spontaneous expression of the good wishes of the society. Mr M'Kechnie, in acknowledgment, delivered a short and effective speech. He was pleased that the chairman's speech had been in Gaelic, as he hoped a good many of the younger members present might have failed to understand the, in his opinion, too complimentary terms in which it had been couched. He could not natter himself that he was possessed of all the virtues and accomplishments that had been mentioned, but he had been regular in his attendan- c and had done his best, as he. would always endeavour to do. Mr T. G. Matheson made a neat and appropriate speech in presenting the clock, which he said the society was giving Mr John M'Kechnie, jun., on the occasion of his wedding. The young gentleman had, both as a piper and a dancer, done excellent service to the society, and would carry ■with him into his new sphere in life the best wishes of the members. Mr D. 0. M'Donald responded on behalf of Mr M'Kechnie, in the unavoidable absence of the latter, and voiced the feelings of the meeting in wishing long life and happiness to the newly married pair. Both the articles presented bore suitable inscriptions. The concert which made up the remainder of the entertainment was well sustained by Mrs Campbell, Mis 3 Huston, and Mrs Craigie, also Messrs Neil M'Lean, A. Paterson, D. Hender son, D. Matheson, and D. Munro. Messrs J. M'Kechnie and J. Murray played the pipes with their wonted ability, and Mr James Henderson executed some excellent dance music on the violin. A request to hold a meeting shortly at Port Chalmers was referred to the committee.

The area of Cheviot lands to ho opened under perpetual lease is lO.OCG acres. Applications may be pub in till January 15. A Blackstone correspondent of the Palmerston Times describes the recent election in that district as the most rowdy he has ever witnessed in the colony. A pity it is, bub he alleges it as true, that the women were the greatest sinners — several glaring instances having been detected of attempts to abuse the newly acquired privilege conferred upon women.