HIGHLAND SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 19292, 10 July 1924, Page 8

HIGHLAND SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING HELD. FAVOURABLE REPORT OFFERED. There was a large attendance of clansfolk at the annual meeting of the Gore District Highland Society, held on Tuesday night, in the Town Hall, Gore. Chief T. Falconer occupied the chair. THE ANNUAL REPORT. The Committee, in submitting the 11th annual report and balance-sheet, said: “It is gratifying to intimate that the membership has increased, the number on the roll now being 248, and that the income from members’ subscriptions (£67 15/-) is the highest on record. The finances of the Society are in a very sound condition, there being £45 5/6 to the credit of the Benevolent Fund and £ll6 6/3 cash in bank and on hand, and other assets amounting to £6O 17/-. Two addresses of a high standard were given during the year. At the November meeting Mr D. McDonald Stewart gave a lecture on ‘Scottish Humour,’ and at the June meeting Mr Joseph Hunter gave a lecture on ‘Scottish Literature.’ Both these addresses were highly appreciated, and our hearty thanks are due to the contributors. The Society celebrated the ancient festival of Hallowe’en in the Town Hall. There was a large and enthusiastic audience of old and young. The latter were especially catered for, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The popularity of the anniversary gathering was again demonstrated by the large audience that assembled in the Theatre Royal. Visitors were there from all parts of the district and from various kindred societies. The programme was an excellent one, and the gathering proved a success in every respect. Our thanks are due to the ladies’ convener (Mrs J. Reid) and the Ladies’ Committee for their valuable services during the year; to Clanswoman Mrs A. Foubister for her kindness in undertaking the making of the regalia; and to all those who assisted us in carrying out the main objects of the Society. It is with extreme sorrow that your committee has to record the death of Clanswoman Mrs G. Brownlie, of ex-Chief A. Aitken and Clansman R. W. Mitchell. They were highly-esteemed members of our Society, and to their relations we extend our deepest sympathy. The late exChief Aitken was one of the bards of this Society, and his poetic contributions were of no mean order.” The chairman commented on the favourable report and balance-sheet and moved their adoption. This was seconded by Mr J. Beattie and carried unanimously. Mr J. C. Winning (secretary) then submitted a complete and up-to-date set of rules, which had been drawn up after full consideration by the committee. These rules were adopted unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following office-bearers were elected: Bard, Mr P. C. Gray; chief, Mr T. Sim; chieftains, Messrs C. Matthews, W. Muir and John Burns; secretary, Mr J. C. Winning; treasurer, Mr T. Falconer; auditor, Mr W. McGill; pipers, Miss D. McLeod and Messrs A. Cochrane, A. Foubister, G. McLeod and R. Graham; committee, Messrs J. Reid, D. M. Thomson, W. McKay, J. Beattie, D. Gordon, J. Anderson, A. Cochrane. W. McKinna, W. McGill, S. Learmont, T. Brockett, W. Corbett, J. McMurtrie, W. Kelly and W. Mitchell; Ladies’ Committee, Mesdames J. Reid, J. Burns, G. McLeod, H. Christie, T. Mcßobie, A. Foubister and J. Speden, and Misses M. Sim, E. Duncan, H. Wilson, M. Wilson and D. McLeod. It was decided that the annual social be held on July 29. The new officers were installed, and votes of thanks were passed to the retiring members. After the business the usual social hour was spent in card playing and dancing, the gathering concluding with “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem at midnight.