CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Southland Times, Issue 16841, 18 September 1911, Page 2

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the 23rd annual report of Hie Southland Caledonian Society, to be submitted to Hie directors at the annual general meeting to be held in Allen’s Hall on Tuesday, 19th Inst.:— Your directors have pleasure in submitting the twenty-third annual report, and a satisfactory statement of the year’s operations. In the last report reference was made to the fact that for five gatherings preceding, the weather had been most adverse for the carrying out of the games. The hope was then expressed that the 1910 gathering, when it rained heavily the whole daj, was the climax, and a fervent hope was expressed that Hie next gathering would witness a marked changed In the elements. The wish was fully realised, and after six years of bitter disappointment a beautiful morn heralded in the New Year of 1911. As a natural sequence tlie Society had a most successful gathering. The gate receipts totalled £221 10s 6d, which was £GS 10s in advance of the previous year. The entry fees also increased by £ll, donations by £6. The receipts from members’ subscriptions shows an apparent drop of £22, but there are thirtv-six outstanding that must be regarded as good, and the secretary will see that tli esc are collected within the next few da vs. There are 180 members financial, and this must be regarded as vorv satisfactory. The cash balance, which fell gradually but -ure’v for a number of years past, dropped'to £l2 13s 9d, but, thanks to the improved weather conditions, the profit on the past year’s operations was £BO 16s 10H. which makes the credit balance now £93 10s 7d, so that the prediction in last report that “the Society should he able to come out next year with a substantial credit balance” lias been fully realised, and it is to be hoped tli at Hie present healthy state of tiie finances will long continue, and that each succeeding year will hiing with it a fine New Year’s Day. Though we have had a prosperous year financially, various circumstances have occurred which filled the directors hearts with sadness. In the last report feeling reference was made to the fact that Mr .1 A Mitchell was elected to the position of honorary life director for services rendered to the Society during many rears, and a fitting opportunity was taken to present him with the Society’s regalia. On the Ist December last Mr Mitchell passed peacefully away. As a sad coincidence, the late Mr G. T. Smyth for many years vice-president, director, and an enthusiastic worker of tiie Society, met with a distressing accident which proved fatal, and Hie directors and members paid their last tribute of respect to their late co-worker. This is probably not Hie place or the time to again refer to great loss the Society has sustained by their demise. Suffice' U to say that with their coworkers tho memory of their vigorous, useful lives will over remain green. But a. few weeks ago your Directors were again called together to pay their last respects to Director Alexander McLean, who passed away at ills home at Waianiwa, after a short but painful illness. Deceased was a sturdy. Highlander, and was beloved by all with whom lie ci me in contact. May Hie Allwise Creator, in His beneficence, teach us also to number our days, so that when it is time for us to leave those near and d- ar to us, we also shall he held in the csleem such as were those of whom we mourn. Tiie following Directors retire in accordance wiili rule 5, hut are eligible for re-election; Messrs R. Tayler, IVm. Timpan.v, V,’. Baird. ,1. McCrostie, A R. Fort or. Jas. Walker, and C. W. Wilson, in addition, to fill Hie vacancies cause by tlie removal of Mr X J. Keane and the late Alexander McLean.