SCOTTISH SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 25337, 16 July 1935, Page 9

SCOTTISH SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS The following is the annual report of the St. Andrew’s Scottish Society to be presented by the president at tbe annual meeting to-morrow night: During the year several new members have been enrolled, and the attendance generally at the monthly meetings has been good. Owing to the fact that one or two of our meetings, especially Burns anniversary, winch occurred on a Friday, have been unavoidably held on evenings which did not allow the usual members to be present, the financial results were not as good as last year. But we still have a credit balance and the balance of assets over liabilities is £541 10/-. There are still a large number of regular attenders who have not became members, and we would be pleased if they would inquire about membership and enjoy the full privileges. They are at all times very welcome and we trust that they enjoy our meetings. We have had many fine programmes during the past year and to all who have so ably assisted to make them so enjoyable the society is grateful and we would like them to know that we fully appreciate and thank them for their assistance. It would take too much time to give a detailed account of all our meetings, but would like to make a little reference to them. Mr Kennedy Black and party provided the first programme, and it was enjoyed by all. The Makarewa Boy Scouts (Scottish) party again provided an enjoyable programme. Di. Galway, with the assistance of supporting singers, delivered an interesting address on the story of the 1745 rising in song. On St. Andrew’s night we again had the pleasure of hearing an address from the Rev. A. G. Mackintosh Carter. On the same evening Mr John Gray’s party entertained us with vaiious items. Owing to the fact that the Rev. Hugh Graham, of Mosgiel, was unable to be present, Chieftain Miller delivered an interesting and enjoyable address on ‘•The Life and Works of Burns.” At the conclusion of the address the haggis supper was served with full musical honours, and was ably addressed by Mr Peter Bain. Mr A. Sutherland, with his dancers and supporting artists, presented an enjoyable programme at the February meeting. At the March meeting, Mr J. J. W. Pollard delivered an excellent address on “An Unappreciated Poet.” It is to be hoped that we may again have the pleasure of hearing him. Singing and dancing competitions were held in April and provided very enjoyable entertainment. We would like to take this opportunity to again thank the competitors for their excellent response; and also Messrs J. McGregor and J. J. McCrostie (dancing), B. C. Galloway (singing), for the capable manner in which they carried out the duties of judges. Another very enjoyable evening was held on the occasion of the visit of the Mataura Scottish Society. They provided an excellent programme, and we will look forward with pleasure to another visit. The Chief s night was again very enjoyable. This night is generally a very popular one and it again proved to be so. To the members of the Caledonian Pipe Band of Southland we would like to express our thanks and appreciation for the manner in which they have assisted us during the past year; also to all those who have so kindly assisted us with our programmes, to the Press, and also the ladies’ committee, we thank them all for the good work they have done so willingly. In reference to the competitions, we would like to make special mention of the action of the following men who so ably assisted us with donations towards the prize fund: The Chief, Mr J. L. McG. Watson, Mr N. Watson, Mr J. Miller, Mr C. Wilson, Mr J. Bell, Mr J. Robertson, Mr A. D. Burn and the Southland Dancing Association. The following members of the council are due to retire this year: Chieftains J. Miller, W. Aitchison and A. Henderson, and Councillors W. R. Ronald, W. Faulkner, W. G. Tait, C. W. Wilson, P. Bain and N. L. Watson. The following office-bearers have to be elected: Chief, chieftains (3), councillors (8). The balance-sheet for the year under review shows a credit balance of £4 10/11, compared with £53 1/- last year, but it is pleasing to note that the subscriptions and general collections again show a small increase. There would probably have been a more substantial increase, but unfortunately the Burns anniversary was on a Friday and, being late shopping night, it evidently made a big difference in the attendance as the collections were £8 below last year.