GAELIC SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 50

GAELIC SOCIETY.

The annual tatties and herring supper of the Gaelic Society was held in the Embassy Salon on Friday evening. All the tables were fully occupied, the head table being reserved for the chief (Mr H. M’Leod), the chieftains (Thomas Ritchie and John M’Kenzie), Messrs W. Nicolspn representing the Council of Scottish Societies, T. Al. Gillies (Caledonian Society), J. Hastie (Burns Club), J. Hope (the Pipe Band), and J. Young (the Pipers and Dancers’ Association). After the loyal toast had been honoured in the customary manner Air R. M’Lean proposed the toast “The Caledonian Society.” Mr M’Lean spoke of the objects of the society, and of the first years of its existence, when competitors from all parts of New Zealand, from Australia, and even from England came forward and vied with each other for the honour of a first place at the annual gatherings then held on the North Ground. At these gatherings, which usually lasted three and four days, records were often established. The advent of the motor car had changed the habits of the people, and it was now difficult to give one day’s sport, but they kept the flag flying, and hoped for better times. Air M’Lean also referred to the prominent part which the present president took in sport during bis younger days, and, was glad to see that he still played a forward game. Proposing the toast of the Burns Club Chieftain T. Ritchie spoke of the wonderful vision of the poet, Robert Burns, the undying heritage he had left behind him, and the responsibilities and great work which were shouldered by the Burns Clubs throughout the world. It was difficult to understand Burns without a knowledge of the vernacular, and it was one of the duties of the club to make it known to the rising generation. Chieftain Ritchie praised the labours of the Dunedin Club.

The chief (Air H. Al ! Leod) was responsible for the toast “The Council of the Dunedin Scottish Societies.” The formation of ’this council was the outcome of a recommendation made by Air William Heughan during his visit to this city a little over three years ago. Although onlj- a short time since its inception it had already fully justified its existence, and they expected a great deal more from it in years to come.

The toast of “ The Pipe Band ” was proposed by Mr J. S. Douglas, who spoke of the splendid work done by all the bands of Dunedin, with special reference to the Pipe Band. The Pipe Band had brought home many prizes to Dunedin, and because of its willingness to help along any deserving object and its high standard of national music, it was very popular with the public. Mr A. Campbell proposed the toast of “ The Pipers and Dancers’ Association,” and spoke of the great work it had done to patronise piping and dancing throughout the Dominion. Air T. M. Gillies responded on behalf of the Caledonian Society, Mr J. Hastie for the Burns Club, Mr W. Nicolson for the Council of Scottish Societies, Mr J. Hope for the Pipe Band, and Air J. Young for the Pipers and Dancers.

Vocal and instrumental items were interspersed during the evening between the toasts, and were thoroughly appreciated by all. The following contributed items:—Mr W. JJ. M’Kenzie, Air W. Le Gal, Air H. Wiseman, Airs A. M’lvor, Mr A. M’Lennan, Miss Winnie M’Peak, Aliss Elsie M’Peak, and Air James Young. The accompaniments were played by Airs W. Le Gal, Miss Alice George, and Aliss Doris Zaffer.