Caledonian Social

Southland Times, Issue 19087, 1 July 1903, Page 3

Caledonian Social

There wus a crowded uttendanceat the aiiiuml dinner and social fjiven by the Calotlouian Society tif Southland, which Wens held in Ashley's Hall last evening. All who were present were unable to get seated at the tables on which Messrs 1). Kingslund and Sons spread an excellent collation , but everyone was in some way or other accommodated, and assisted by the ofiicers of the Society to the enjoyment of the good things provided. A concert programme of >musual attractiveness was presented, and though not many encores wengiven, the different items were much enjoyed. The President, Mr T. A. Wallace, occupied the chair, and in the course of a short opening speech, announced that instead of noiding uu entertainment in the shape of a concert at New Year, as there would not be a suitable hall available at that time, a lireworks display would probably be arranged by the Society. A very agreeable break was made in tlTe programme by the President, on behalf of the Society and numerous friends, making several presentations to Mr C. Wyeth. who for 20 years ur more, has held the onerous position of one of the handicappcrs for the annual sports meeting. The President said that Mr Wyethi had lor many years given very valuable assistance, and the directors could not allow him to retire without showing in some tangible way their appreciation of those services. lie had to ask Mr Wyeth to nccopt a life member's ticket, also the director's regalia which he wore. which would confer on him tho distinction of being the only director who could say that he was the owner of the plaid 'he. was wearing. (Applause.) Tho directors, however, did not consider --.thjii-a BUificient recognition, ami he

hud now, oil their behalf, and also en behalf of the Irish Athletic Society and a number of friends, to iequest Mr Wyeth 's acceptance of a chronograph watch, together with the best wishes of friends that the recipient would be long spared to wear it. (Applause). Messrs J. A. Mitchell and W. Martin, directors, .supplemented the chairnian'-s remarks and Mr Shepherd, of the Irish Athletic Society, briefly conveyed the regards of thut body to Mr Wyeth. A suitable response was made, Mr Wyeth thanking the donors for their handsome presents. He had done his duty as handicapper not from any hope or desire for remuneration but for love of sport. The concert programme was then resumed. Mrs V. Kkensteen sang " Jock 'o Ilazeldean" very nicely, Mr (.' H. Crilliths was equally successful in his item " Asleep in the Deep." and Mrs Andrews sang " We'd better bide a wee " with suitable expression. Mrs Forbes-Williams was encored for mi excellent rendering of " .Jessie's Dream." and responded with an equally pleasing number in " Comin' thrc' the rye." Mrs Blue was in good voice, singing " Scotland Yet" with refreshing vigour, and giving a tasteful rendering of " The Honny lianks of Loch Lemon (l " as an encore. Mrs Clayton sang " Caller Herrin' " in character, a pleasing pourtrayal of the fishwife's soiitf. Messrs ' F.. K. (lodward. C. H. Andrews, and (i. Mc Alpine also contributed solos, which were well rereived. Mr Carl Collier, the banjotst . was encored for his selection, and gave an amusing return by his clever imitations. Recitations were given by Messrs ,1. Mactlregor and C. llooth, both gentlemen being attentively listened to and their items heartily applauded. Mr .Master Ronald MacKen/ie. late Di'nd (Jordon Highlanders, occupied ten minutes with his soldier stories, to Hie great pleasure and profit, of his hearers. lLast. but not least, the I'ipe Hand i deserve* mention for their services, jlhose of the audience who hail from j" The Land o" Cakes" evideut.lv, 'never ha\ ing heard enough of the, skirling. " The vice-president. Mr Hani. pr< - posed a comprehensive vote of thanks to all who had ussisted to make the gathering such a successful one, and this was carried with applause. The j (loor was then cleared for diiflicing, which was continued till an eat h hour next morning.