ST. ANDREWS SCOTTISH SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 17794, 25 July 1916, Page 2

ST. ANDREWS SCOTTISH SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the St. Andcrw’s Scottish Society was held on Friday in the Friendly Societies’ Hall, the Chief (Mr J. L. McG. Watson) presiding over an attendance of about 80 members. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report read as follows:^— The members have every reason for congratulation on the success of the Society’s second year. In the prevailing conditions of affairs ItTs not to be expected that the Society can add many new members to its strength, but it is gratifying to note that the membership has been maintained. The fact that we are an All-Scottish Society seeking to preserve and cultivate Scottish customs and traditions and to promote true kinship amongst the members, mnst prove in the future an incentive to other Scots loyal to the land of their birth to range themselves under our banner. Patriotic Concert. The Society held a successful concert in the Municipal Theatre on June 23 in aid of the naval fund, which will benefit to a liberal extent. Social and Lectures. During the year four social gatherings were held. On St. Andrew’s Day the Rev’. R. C. Hunter delivered an interesting and instructive address on Scottish life and character. At the social on the Burns’ Night the same gentleman added further lustre to his fame as a lecturer, and the members were treated to an excellent address on the national bard. A feature of the social was the introduction of the haggis, and a special word of praise and thanks is due to Mrs Wilson who made that dish to the entire satisfaction of all. At the social in March Mr George Mclndoe contributed an amusing lecture on Scottish wit and humour, which proved an exceedingly palatable item. At the Society’s last social in May Dr Stewart delivered a very interesting paper on ‘‘a tour through the Scottish Highlands.” The lecture, was illustrated by upwards of 70 fine slides kindly lent by the Highland Railway Company, and the views shown were all of a very high order. The performers who assisted at the socials are deserving of the Society’ grateful thanks. A special word of praise is also due to Mrs Wright, who has proved an ardent and painstaking accompaniste. Financial. The Council is pleased to be able to record a balance of £4 5s 5d at credit, as against a debit of £6 3s 4d, at the beginning of the year. Obituary.—lt Is with very deep regret that we have to record the death of Mr Malcolm McCallum, who up to the date of his death wap a member of the Council, and an enthusiast In all matters tending to promote the welfare of the Society. On behalf of the members we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his widow in her bereavement. In moving the adoption of the report and balace-sheet the chairman said that the report was exceedingly satisfactory and showed that the Society’s affairs were being run on sound business lines. He paid a high tribute to th esteem in which the names of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Sir William Wallace and Robert Louis Stevenson, was held in the hearts of all true Scots, and hoped that in the coming year we should have lectures dealing with their achievements. He trusted that in the coming year the Society would develop still further and that more lectures, addresses, and papers on historic subject, would be given, and that Scottish music would be kept to the front.—(Applause.) Mr J. S. Goldie seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. OFFICE-BEARERS. The following office-bearers were reelected: Chief, Mr J. L. McG. Watson: chieftains. Dr Stewart, Dr Pottlnger and Mi- W. A. McCaw; auditor, Mr W. D. Burns. Thereafter a short programme of music was gone through, the following contributing items: Song, "Be Kind to Auld Grannie,” Mr G. Muir: song, "The Auld Hoose,” Mr Abemethy; song, "Angus Macdonald." Mrs W. D. Burns; song, “Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond,” Mr J. L. McG. Watson: Quartette, “Bonnie Charlie,’; mandoline selection, Scotch Medley, Mr Galloway: bagpipe selection, Pipe-major C. W. Wilson. Mrs Wright played the accompaniments in a manner that left nothing to be desired. Supper was served by the ladies, and was done full justice to by all present. A collection taken up in aid of the Naval Relief Fund realised £1 15s 6d and, with the proceeds of the Society’s recent patriotic concert making a total of £l3 us to be handed over to the Navy League in due course. A short dance programme and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem brought a most successful gathering to a close. The following new members were elected; Mr and Mrs Abernethy, Ur W. A. McCaw, Rev. Hector Maclean, Mr and Mrs Galloway, Mrs McKellar, Mrs Muir, Mrs Irving, Misses Buchanan and Goldie, and Messrs Hugh Morrison and James Fraser.