THE GAELIC SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 15

THE GAELIC SOCIETY.

A very enjoyable monthly meeting of this society was held on the 2nd in the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart street. The Chief (Mr Dugald M'Pherson) occupied the chair, and apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr L. Reeve, the society's pianoforte accompanist. He intimated that next Sabbath day the society's chaplain, the Rev. D. Maclennan, 54. A., would conduct a Gaelic service in First Church Hall at a.-quarter to 3 o'clock, and he hoped there would be a large attendance. He .vas pleased to see in the meeting their good old friend Mr John Henderson (of Balnahard. Oamaru), who had brought with him for the society's archaeological collection a genuine horn spoon, characteristic of the olden time. He was also pleased to" welcome Mr William Bee (Oamaru), nmo. he hoped, would enjoy the entertainment, although he might . not understand the Gaelic items. Mr Kenneth Clarke read a Gaelic letter frorn Mr Victor Panfcon, Timaru, whose name was mentioned at the previous meeting as being a remarkable instance of a successful self-taught student of Gaelic: The latter was a masterly production, both as regarded matter and grammatical construction. Mr Clarke gave an English translation for the benefit of those present who could not fully follow the Gaelic. Mr Donald M'Pherson, in view of the distinction achieved by Mr JPanton, proposed that he be elected an honorary member of the society, which was carried by acclamation. Mr Bee gave a short address, in which he expressed his pleasure in being present. Although he did not understand Gaelic, he appreciated very much the translation of the Gaelic letter that had been read, and enjoyed the musical and other items. Other two members_ were elected—namely, Mr John M'Kinnon and Mr IJavid Robertson. The secretary (Mr W. MacLeod) read a letter from Dr Gordon Macdonald enclosing a Gaelic translation by a Donald M'Kechnie of the Welsh National Anthem, which was adopted at the recent Pan-Celtio Congress as the. national anthem of all the Celtic nations. The secretary said that when the music was obtained it would be duly sung at the meetings. He also read a'letter from the Gaelic Society of Lon don emphasising the desirability of all Highlanders subscribing for Macdonald's Gaelic Illustrated Dictionary, he (the speaker) had brought before the society's notice at last meeting. The London Society's letter mentioned that the work would consist of three volumes, the whole to cost a guinea. Two of the volumes were already completed ,and the issue of the third volume would be expedited by Highlanders everywhere subscribing for the work. He would be pleased to receive the names of subscribers. It Is gratifying to report that several gentlemen present subscribed there tnd then. Mr A. C. Robertson recited the third part of his original poem, " Bygone days in the Highlands," dealing with spring, graphically describing the revival of Nature after the departure of winter, and ending with a shepherd's song, which th© author sang in his best style. Miss Dot Flynn gave a recitation .entitled, " Playing ninetynine," which was so happily done that she was encored, and recited " A bird's-eye-view." Miss Chisholm sang very sweetly "Mo run geal dikas." Mr J. Mailer sang " Dughail na sron " and " Air faill ill o " ; Mr D. M. Fea, "A Highlandman's toast"; Mr D. Matheson, " Ged tha mi gun chrcdh gun sighean," and Mr A. C. Robertson, " Fhir a bhata." Pipe-major M'Kechnie discoursed the national musio at intervals during the> evening.