Sketcher.

Southern Cross, Volume 5, Issue 33, 20 November 1897, Page 12

Sketcher.

HIGHLAND SOCIETY m SOUTHLAND.

Dear Anybody—

Before I left home I promised old Mrs MacDougall that I would make a point of going to the Highland Gathering and write a full txue and particular account for you to take across and read to her. Well, to begin, I enjoyed it very much. It was very nice indeed to see so many kilted men shaking hands and patting each other on the back, and all congratulating themselves and everybody else for having Highland blood in their veins. I, of course, felt rather out of all this, but it was splendid to see them so inspirited and enthusiastic about the ‘ ashes of their fathers,’ and their old customs and warlike traditions. It was certainly a good study in human nature.

The Caledonian Pipe Band (under Pipe-Major K. Cameron) played the gathering in and opened the programme with a selection. Mrs MacDougall w'ould have enjoyed if, I am sure. I did, at least I enjoyed seeing the enjoyment of the audience. During the evening Mr Duncan Cameron (Mataura) played a pipe selection composed by himself, which, judging from the applause he earned, must have been very good. Another original contribution, in hon mr of the society, was a poem recited by the author Mr A. Kinross, which I give you here in full, and I must say I think it is one of Mr Kinross’s best productions.

Together'in this southern land, we Highlander 8 now meet. To show that for our native land our hearts still warmly beat; Ho other language speaks to us like the old Gaelic tongue, In which the glory of the past by many bards is sung. We’ll fing again the good old songs by our forefathers sung, When with the echo of their cheers the very rafters rung; We’ll tell again the stirring tales that we as boys were taught,— How to defend their hills and dales the gallant clansmen fought. We value still the kilt and plaid by manJ heroes worn, That often on the battle field by bloody swords were torn, We love to hear the martial strains when loud the bagpipes swell, That led our ancestors to fight, who conquered or who fell. We welcome here with friendly hand those others not so blest, Who chanced to draw the breath of life in south, or east, or west, We know good men are sometimes born upon the lowland plains, Though southern ears may not enjoy the bagpipes’ pleasant strains. May kindly woman join our ranks to make our warm hearts beat, Without her presence happiness can never be complete ; May she join in each Highland dance, strathspey, schottische, and reel, And send the hot blood through our veins till young again we feel. Then here’s to Scotland’s highland hills where once we used to roam. And here’s to Southland’s newer land where now we have our ome ; May love of them unite our hearts wherever we may be — May they remain as in the past the freest of the free. Then fill the bagpipes, blow them loud, true Highland hearts to cheer, No music like them e’er is heard upon Ibis earthly sphere ; And fill the glass with Scotland’s drink in which we pledge each friend, May Highlanders such blessings know until the world shall end.

Now for the speeches. Mr D., A. Cameron of Nokomai, Chief of the society, gave a short address setting forth its objects, and asking for the Scottish sympathy and support of Southlanders and others. Father O’Neil of Milton, gave a short and humourous address, which evoked much merriment, but was also very much to the point. He said that he was proud to be a Highlander from the ‘ west side of the water,’ and gave some stirring instances of Highland bravery in battle. Mr John McDonald (Palmerston) and Mr R. Gilmour also said a few words on behalf of kindred societies. Mr James Gardner (Birchwood) spoke briefly but highly of the bravery of Highland soldiers.

There were several Gaelic items, of which, of course, I didn’t understand a word, and I think by the unchanging smile and brave attempt to look interested on the faces of a good many around me, that there were others in like case. Gaelic speeches were delivered by Mr John McDonald (Palmerston), and Mr Hugh Cameron (Mataura), a recitation by Mr Kenneth Cameron, a song by Mr John McNeil (Forest Hill), and a Gaelic dialogue by Chieftain McKellar and Miss Kelso. Regret was expressed by the Chief at the unavoidable absence of the Society’s bard, Mr John Macrae, M.A., of Otautau, who was booked for the addresses of the evenings—both English and Gaelic. The dancing was splendid, and was much appreciated by all present. Master Macdonald (Bluff) danced the Highland Fling, Master Herbert Geddes the sword dance, and the Highland reel was performed by Messrs G. Anderson, W. Jenkins, Geo. Louden, and H. Geddes.

Mr James MacGregor recited ‘ Edinburgh after Flodden ’ very pleasingly. Mrs Blue sang ‘ Lochnagar ’ and ‘ Cam ye by Athol ’ in her usual sweet way, and for the latter she was encored, and sang a Gaelic song to English words, ‘My faithful fair one.’ Miss McChesney also sang two songs, ‘ Caller Herrin ’ and ‘ Jessie’s Dream ’ the latter was delightful. Messrs T. Irving and Jenkins also sang in good style, ‘ Scot’s Wha Hae ’ and ‘ The auld pair o’ tawse ’ respectively. It was getting late, so we didn’t stay to the ball, though I should have liked to see the old-fashioned dances that were down on the programme, I heard thal 70 or 80 couples performed the grand march, led by two or three pipers, and that dancing was kept up till the early hours of the morning. Messrs McKellar and McGregor acted as M.’s C. The floor was good, the supper first-class, and the tartan kilts cf the men added greatly to the charm of the scene and enhanced the beauty of the ladies’ costumes. The music was supplied by Mrs Blue (who had also accompanied the singers) and Mr W. Ferguson. Sassenach.