GAELIC SOCIETY

Otago Witness, Issue 3556, 9 May 1922, Page 60

GAELIC SOCIETY

NEW CHIEF WELCOMED. . The first monthly meeting this year of the above society was held on Wednesday, 26th ult., in the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart street. * There was a record attendance, every available seat being occupied. The meeting was opened by Piper George Munro playing the newly-elected chief (Dr Alex. M'Killop) and Chieftain J. D. Cameron J o the platform. Chieftain James D. Cameron, in introducing the chief, mentioned that he (the chid) was not altogether a stranger, for he was known by some of them personally, and ty most of them by repute. He considered the society had made a wise selection, for in Dr M'Killop they had a gentleman in whose veins ran true Highland blood, and who would worthily uphold the traditions associated with the office. It would be of interest to the society to know that Dr M Kilop was a good! Gaelic scholar; he could iot be otherwise, seeing that he was brought u]> and educated in a Celtic environment ant culture. One of the objects of the society, when formed over 40 years ago, was to bring immigrants together, and to mane them feel_that, although separated by many thousand miles from their friends and relations, their brother Highlanders were waiting to receive them with open arms and make them a “home away from home.” Turning to the chief, Chieftain Cameron addressed him, saying he wished him to feel at home with all the members of the society, and then addressing the members he wished them all to feel that in the chief they had a personal friend. Three cheers were given for Chief A. C. M'Killop. The Chief, in reply, thanked the members for the honour of placing him at the head of the society. Tie would do his utmost to uphold and further their interests in every possible way. The musical programme was of the usual Celtic character, and all the performers had a friendly reception.