THE GAELIC SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3030, 10 April 1912, Page 12

THE GAELIC SOCIETY.

The ordinary monthly meeting of tho Gaelic Society was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart street, on the 3rd inst., and was well attended. Telegrams were read which had been received from the Prime Minister. The first, in reply to an invitation to attend the annual meeting on the 27th ult., read as follows:—"Much regret unable to attend annual meeting this evening, but shall be with you in spirit. Kindly convey my beet wishes to all." The second was in reply to a telegram of congratulations sent to him by the society, and was as follows: " Sincerest thanks to Gaelic. Society for hearty congratulations. Shall do utmost to justify confidence of my friends. Pleased to hear you had a splendid meeting last night. Best wishes " In 'his opening remarks, Chieftain Roderick Mackenzie, referred to the chief's absence on holiday. He had gone to Hobart, but his thoughts would be with Ids fellow Highlanders that evening. The Chairman then exlubitcd an emlarged photograph of the late secretary (Mr William M'Leod), which had been presented to the society by one of its members, Mr John M'Rao, of Mornington. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr M'Rao for his gift, which would be hung in a conspicuous part of tho hall. The badges were presented to all the members who had not received one at the. annual meeting After tiie programme. Mr Mackenzie called on the Rev. Mr Maclennan to address tho mooting. Mr Maclennan said ho regretted his inability to preach in Gaelic during his present visit, as he had to return next Saturday. Mr John Gillies, of the Burns Club was then called on to speak, but ho preferred |° ffive a recitation, al) d gave "An ode to Burns" in an appreciative manner. It may be mentioned that Mr Gillies was to earned away by the enthusiasm prevailing that ho there and then insisted on being en rolled as a member of the society. The following programme, was enjoyed by all: Song. "Ho ro mo nighean dhoun bhoiadh," by Mr James M. D. Turner, and an encore; song, "Come under my i.laidie," by Miss Johnson, and an encore, " We're a' Scottish hero;" song. " The Bonnio Banks of Loch Lomond," by Mr A. T. Russell, and an encore; Highland reel, danced by the audience; Gaelic song. "Hi horo s'na horo elle," by Miss M'Leod; Gaelic song. '• Gun crodh gun aithean," by Mr Dan Matheson, jun. ; Highland schottische, danced by the audience; Gaelic song. "Air fal il il o horo air fa] il il i," by Mrs Colville, ono of tho bards of tho society: quadrille, danced by the audience; and Gaelic song, " Fear a bhata," by Miss M'Doriald. Another Highland reel, danced by the audience brought a most successful evening's entertainment to a close.