GAELIC SOCIETY'S CEILIDH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2934, 8 June 1910, Page 3

GAELIC SOCIETY'S CEILIDH.

«£fi e „ Gae . llc Society held a ceilidh in the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart street, on Wednesday, Ist instant. The hall was crowded, and Mr Dugald M'Phersoa (chieftain presided. There were al«o present upon the platform: the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie (chieftain), Mr Menkes (chieftain of the Waitaki Gaelia Society), Mr A. M'Pherson (Christchruch, ex-chieftain of the Scottish Society of New Zealand), Mr Fraser (ex-chieftain of the Southland Highland Society), Mr John Ross, Mr Wm. Mackenzie, Mr Wm. M'Leool the society's secretary), Dr M'Dermid Blairgowrie, Scotland), and Rev. D. Maclennan A letter was also received from Aaeiaide from Mr Roderick Mackenzie (chieftain), who is on his way home, wishing them a successful gathering. Mr M'Pherson opened the proceedings; by addressing a few words to those present. He said that since their last meeting they had to lament the death of King Edward VII. The loss was a great one, not only to the British Empire, but also to the whole civilised world, but his memory would be long cherished as one whose greatest aim in life was the peace of the nations. Their consolation was that, although ha had by no means finished his labours, ha had accomplished so much. He asked them to stand in silence while Pipe Majo? M'Kechnie played the lament. The Hon. Thomas Mackenzie also spoke a few words, and said it was always a great pleasure to him to take part in tha gatherings of their Gaelic Society. If they did not attend these they would not have the opportunity of seeing each other and of renewing their acquaintance with the old Highland music. Since he had been here before he had travelled around t good deal, and had been to one place which had given him great pleasure. That <vaa Waiapu, whore, he believed, every man and woman belonged to some clan o* another. The hon. gentleman went on t(\ speak of Scotsmen in .general in eulogistic terms, and said if they wanted a good, steady-going crowd they would find them! among the Scotsmen.—(Applause.) The Rev. D. Maclennan, M.A., also! spoke.

During the evening a lengthy and interesting programme was rendered. Mr A. O. Robertson opened with a Gaelic - lament ;J Mr Neil M'Fadyen sang " Marcus Lather* noch," and "O, ro! toigh learn fein a ghaelig"; Mr A. C. Robertson also sang "'s toigh learn a ghaelig"; Mr Wm. Morrison recited " Posadh Eoghainn rf Iseahal," and "An deudadh," and sanj£ "An Airidh," and for an encore gave " Suas leis a ghaelig" Mr J. Mailer sang "Theid i's gun teid i leam" and " Ailfaill ill o"; Mr Alf. Ibboteon sang " Gas bring tae me a pint of wine " and "I love a lassie"; Mr D. J. S. Robertson sans "Scotland yet" and/"Scots wha hae. Songs were also given by Mr J. Davidson, Mrs Lister, Mrs C. J. Crone, Miss M'Kechnie, Miss Chisholm, Miss Campbell and Mr A. Sharp: (" The inarch of the Cameron men" and " The standard on the Braes of Mar"); Masters J. and J. Ferguson gave a musical selection on the violin and the piccolo, ana dances were contributed by Misses and Masters M'Kenzie (Highland reel), '&'Ht%\ Frame (Irish jig). Master Simon (Highland flisg). Miss B. M'Kechnis (Seanntrubhais), and the Misses Fram.e' (double sword _ dance), and Mrs played a selection of Scottish airs oji C*Sl pianoforte.