Caledonian Society of Southland

Southland Times, Issue 15057, 28 September 1901, Page 3

Caledonian Society of Southland

Following is the report of the directors to be submitted to the annual meeting of members which takes place on Wednesday, 2nd October. It ia published in advance by request in order that members may come to the meeting prepared to discuss any matter connected therewith : — Your directors, in submitting their annual report and balance sheet, have much pleasure in congratulating the Society upon the fairly substantial results of the year. The annual gathering was again a great success. Fine weather prevailed, and the attendance was the highest yet recorded for one day. Much interest was taken in the games, fairly large fields and keen competition being the rule. A great falling off and lack oi interest, however, was noticeable in the bagpipe music and Highland dancing events. Your directors are 3orry for this, but wish to point out that the Bociety has always treated this element fairly and liberally and is certainly entitled to better support. The falling off may in some measure be accounted for by the presence of the Pipe Band in Sydney, taking part in the Commonwealth celebrations, whose members largely contest those events. During the day officials and judges worked hard in their various departments. The superintendent, Mr *sain, took a lively in terest in his work, and must be complimented on the way he carried out his dmiea and the high standard of discipline main tamed throughout the gathering. The Garrison Band was engaged for the day, bat on account, no doubt, of their presence at the Christchurch contest during Christmas week, some of their important players, including the conductor, were unable to get home in time. However, the scratch band in attendance helped in no small way to enliven the proceedings. The midwinter social was revived and, although poorly attended, was a very enjoyable affair. Your directors are of opinion that more attention should be given to this department. The Society does not exist entirely for the promotion of sports and athletics: one of its principal functions is the advancement of education, and to encourage a knowledge of <wr national literature. The midwinter social should be made * feature in the affiun of the Society, and should be looked forward to with as much interest and pleasure as the summer gathering. Prizes should be given for musicana literary attainments, - and the student assisted as .far as possible to perfect bis knowledge of the language and literature of the dear old land. The balance sheet shows a credit of about £25 and, when the following item 9of expenditure are considered, must be accepted as highly satisfactory. Deficit from last year, £26 /balance to bank, £34 ; donations and expenses in connection with public functions, £15 ; deficit at social, £8 ; plaids and brooches for directors, £29 ; total. £102 ; which must be considered as profit on the year's doings. Regarding the last-named item— Plaids and brooches -it may be said that it had long been felt that some substantial mark of recognition for directors and officers was required. Our patrons and competitors alike felt the necessity for it, and your directors, in rising to the occasion, picked upon the Highland plaid and brooch, Which 18 at oncepictureequeand appropriate. The cost at first seems large, but they form a valuable asset, and the expense cannot again recur for a long time. The present year closes under the most favourable auspices. The members have increased in number from 84 last year to 125, and there is every prospect of a further increase for the new year. lhe public manifest great interest in the society^ aftairs, and, favoured with fine weather next January, the Society should add another to the long list of its successes. In terms of rule 5 seven directors retire by seniority, viz. Messrs John McGregor, E. W Wnght, G. Barrio, W. R Mitchell, C. Wyeth, A. McEwan, and H. S. Hunter. All are eligible for re-election.