LONG SERVICE TO SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 24420, 28 April 1941, Page 6

LONG SERVICE TO SOCIETY

Mr John MacGregor

Honoured

The valuable services given by M John MacGregor to the Caledonian Society of Invercargill during the p^ st 55 voars were emphasized by many rtTsocJWby on Saturday night m honour of Mr MacGregor. Mr MacGregor, who has lived in Invercargill since 1876, now intends to live in Christchurch. The first toast of the evening was that of the Caledonian Society, which was proposed by Mr R. G. Webb. The society had filled a great wan in the sporting life of Invercargill in the pa-t few years, he said. The revivrn of the society had been eagerly awaited but unfortunately, on several occasions the weather had interfered with the meet ings. He thought that the lapse of the games after the war was peihaps a reflection on the people of the city, but it may have been due to the setba suffered by sport as a result of the war. From the experience gained in the la. war, he was sure that the directorate would not allow the games to lapse during the present conflict. „ Replying to the toast, Mr A. is. Cocked said that he had seen many athletic and bushcraft meetings outside New Zealand and he regarded the society’s games as among the best he witnessed. He wanted to assure Webb that the society would do everything possible to see that the games did not lapse during or after this war. Mr R. D. Donaldson, whose name was coupled with the toast, explained the reasons for the society being dormant after the Great War. The society regretted very much that Mr MacGregor was going to Christchurch said the president, Mr Ellis Sutton, in proposing the toast ot tne guest of the evening. Mr MacGregor had secured the fullness of life in many ways. He was widely known for his musicianship, being an expert violinist, piper and trombone player. He was a natural leader and had proved himself very difficult to replace. Mr MacGregor also took a keen interest m sport and many other activities.

STRIKING TRIBUTES Many striking tributes to the popularity of Mr MacGregor were paid by other speakers to the toast. They described his work for the society as outstanding and all expressed their regret, that Mr MacGregor was leaving Invercargill. The other speakers ’to the toast were Messrs A. St. C. MacGregoi, J. D. Campbell, T. M. Rankin, R. D. Donaldson, J. M. Mclntosh, A. E. Cocker, M. W. Wilson and W. RobinIn his reply Mr MacGregor said that this was one of the proudest moments of his life. Although he would be away from Invercargill, he would continue to take a keen interest in the affairs of the society. For the past half-century he had been connected with the society and he hoped to be present at many more annual gatherings. During the evening Mr Sutton presented to Mr MacGregor a gold life membership medallion, at the same time expressing the hope that their guest would carry away the happiest memories of his association with the Caledonian Society. This medallion is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the society. On the face of the medallion is the crest of the society and on the back the following words are inscribed:—“Presented to John MacGregor, esquire, as a mark of esteem and in appreciation of 55 years’ valued service to the society. April 26, 1941,” Other toasts were honoured as follows:—Kindred Associations (proposed by Mr J. D. Campbell and replied to by Mr F. H. Ashley, of the Browns Athletic Society); new president (Mr Don-aldson-Mr Sutton); new directors (Mr A. St. C. Macgregor-Messrs J. MeCorkindale, C. Payne and F. Pickering); performers and Press (Mr J. M. Mclntosh).

Items were given as follows:—Overture, Messrs N. Williams (cello), L. Beath (violin), A. Weallens (piano); vocal solos, Mr Frank Johnson; dancing, pupils of Madam Thorn (Misses Betty and Peggy Anderson. M. Leebody and H. Buchanan). Mr Weallens was the accompanist.

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Caledonian Society was held before the social. There was a good attendance. Mr John MacGregor presided until the election of the new president, Mr Ellis Sutton. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, Mr MacGregor said that he would like to congratulate the society on its sound position. Since the revival of the games the society had had a few ups and downs. On three occasions bad weather had interfered with the games, resulting, of course, in decreased attendance. On two of these occasions the society would have been excused if the games had been postponed, but the directors had proved true to tradition and the programme had been presented as scheduled. If the directors continued with their good work they would be playing their part in the war effort. One of the most effective answers to the enemies’ guns was the production of fit men.

The motion was seconded by Mr A. St. C. Macgregor and carried. The following officers were elected:— Patron, Mr W. Murdoch, sen; president, Mr Ellis Sutton; vice-presidents, Messrs R. D. Donaldson, V. S. Vial and A. E. Cocker; directors, Messrs F. Sutherland. H. C. Kelly, A. St. C. Macgregor, D. W. Anderson, C. Payne, J. McCorkindale, F. Pickering (for a period of three years), I. D. McKenzie (for a period of two years); auditors, Messrs D. M. Scandrett and V. S. Vial; official pipers, Caledonian Pipe .Band; delegates to the New Zealand Amateur Athletic, Cycling and Axemen’s Union, Messrs V. S. Vial, W. Young and R. G. Diack. In returning thanks for his election as president, Mr Sutton said that with the help of the directorate he _ hoped to attain the standard set by his predecessor.