CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2744, 17 October 1906, Page 33

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING

Tho annual meeting (the forty-fourth) of tho Caledonian Society of Otago was held at the Excelsior Hot-el on Friday night, Mr Roderdick Mackenzie (president) in the chair. Mr Alex. Sligo said that before the formal business started he would likv» to say, as to their meeting in that room, that when it was suggested to the president that they should meet in his house he strongly objected, and it was only under extreme D'l^ssure that ho consented. Some of them know that the president had a comfortable room in which the society could meet TV (the speaker) was not too straitlaced to enter a hotel. >^o mu.n coming there retired to take anvthinor in tho way of liquor in the hotel. Mr Mackenzie would thank no man for taking liquor there, and tio one coming to that room need come into contact with liquor in any way.— (" Hear, hear.")

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of th£ report and balance sheet, . said that the weather was unsuitable for their gathering this year and the prize-list very large — the largest of any Caledonian Society in New Zealand. They would either have to cut their prizemoney, or Dunedin " people would have to give stronger support to the gathering. For special prizes, amounting to £144 7s 6d, they had to thank the Dunedin public. They met with refusals from no one. But he hoped the membership would so increase this year that it would be no longer necessary for them to go round begging or collecting money for special prizes. Tha society had to thank Mr Forrest in especial for various valuable services rendered. Various improvements had been made at the ground, and the mortgage was being reduced according to their means. They had written to the Premier and the Hon. J. A. Millar to, see if the Scottish Society in Christchurch could be induced to alter the dates of its gathering to- suit the Otago Society, but Sir Joseph Ward and Mr Millar failed, as the northern society had fixed its dates, and would not alter them. Tho rules, as now amended, as good as rules could be. He attended the late Premier's funeral as the_ representative of tho society. — (" Hear, hear.") The winter socials this year had again been a great success. The winter baljs had not been a ■ success,, but the winter socials had proved attractive to many people. — (" Hear,

hear.") * Mr Dugald M'Pherson seconded the motion. Mr Sligo said they had reason to con» gratulate themselves that tnis year's proceedings had resulted in little more profit: than that of last year. The society was on a sound financial basis. They had a good property, which would realise well, were realisation necessary. He hoped it would not be necessary during his time. He hoped that the coming generation of Scots in Otago would be imbued with the true Scots' spirit. Then they wquld in years to come have a grand property, and considerable wealth as a Caledonian Society. They had, again, written off certain sums for depreciation — a very commendable procecdure. They again owed much to their president, Mr Mackenzie, who gave £20 towards the fencing. Mr Greenslade gave a similar sum, and Mr Forrest also contributed. They got an immensity of work out of Mr For'rgst. With their grounds and buildings they needed an expert to and direct them. Mr Forrest spared neither time npr money in helping tha society, often giving up fees to which ha was justly entitled, and giving ungrudgingly of his time, skill, and knowledge tothe service of the society. — (" Hear, hear.") The report and balance sheet were adopted. The baliot for the election of members to fill 15 vacancies on tho directorate re- N suited as follows : —Messrs J. Blaney. J. Cameron. R. Chisho'.m, D. Cooke, D. Hutton, J A. Hopcraft, P. Miller, D. Murray, J. MDonald, C. M'Kenzie, W. H. M'Leod, W. E. C. Reid, J. Samson, A. Stoneham, D. Tannock.

The Chairma-n said that before he leffc the- chair he wanted to say a word about their secretary, Mr William Reid — a good man at heart, and a good worker.— (" Hear, hear.") All past presidents would agrco with him that Mr William Reid was one whom people were glad ■to see from year to year, even although he came for money. — (Laughter.) A few of the directors, had combined to make Mr William Reid v. small gift, which he now had the pleasure t~> present. The gift was a handsome gold double albert, with an inscribed gold badge, and a briar pipe. . " Mr Reid expressed his thanks and surprise. His association with the Caledonian Society had been most pleasant throughout — with every pros'dont, with every member. The- society had had its up and downs, but the position was now good and prosperous. He should treasure the <nft and hand it down to some member of his family when his time came to go.

Other offices filled were:— President, Mr R. Forrest; vice-presidents, Messrs D. M'Pherson and R. Chisholm; treasurer, Mr C. F. Green.slack; secretary, Mr W. Reid; auditor?, Messrs Jeffery and Moore. Mr Duqald M'Pherson took the chair at this stage, and moved a vote of' thank* to tho r a -'t president (Mr R. Mackenzie). Mr Mackenzie was an admirable worker, who put his heart into all his work for tl-.o society. The society was deep'.y in Mr Mackenzie's debt. The directors had xoilectcd the funds to make a present to Mr Mackenzie, as a token of the esteem in which he was held by the society. Tho present was a framed photograph of tho directors and a trod badge, inscribed: " Presented to R. Mackenzie by the Caledonian Society of Ota.«fo as a memento of his two years* presidentship in recognition of valuable services rendered." The gift aleo included a gold bangle for Mns Mackenzie, to whom the society felt itself greatly indebted. Mr Maclce-nzie said he simply coukl not; speak. The gift was a compete surprise to him. He could only express hie hearty thanks. It was a president's place- to do his whole duty to the society, and that ho had tried to do— no more, no less.— (Applauso^ On his own behalf and on Mrs Mackenzie's?, he thanked t! -~n a?ain. Mr Kliso moved— "That the society tenders to its worthy retiring president (Mr Roderick Mackenzie) its hearty thanks for his long-continued and valuable cervices as director and executive officer, and desires to place on tho records ite appreciation of his devotion to the various duties ho has undertaken and capably fulfilled, recognising that ho has siven ungrudgingly of his time and substance in the furtherance of tho society's interests." Mr J. B. Thomson seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation. Mr Mackenzie's health was next drunk wiia musical honours, and Mr Mackenzie suicablv responded. This concluded the business.

The Premier has informed th<»- Tnvercargill Borough Council that the Governor will ooen the new Town Hall on November 14. Sir Joseph Ward, the Hoiip. A. Pitt and R. M'Nab, and Messrs J. A. Hanap and J. C. Thomson, M.H.R's., have signified their intention of being present. Whpn the lonic reached Hobart she had" 15 passengers afflicted with scarlatina. Tha trouble, fcoweier, was only- of m. mild type, and consequently the health officer allowed the boat to pass. The outbreak start«(? with the illness of a man in the third claa* i when halfway between the Cape ana 'Hobait- ' '-