SCOTTISH HALL PLANNED

Southland Times, Issue 25794, 4 October 1945, Page 6

SCOTTISH HALL PLANNED

SITE PURCHASED IN ESK STREET Plans formulated during the year for the erection of a modern Scottish Hall in Invercargill were reviewed at the annual meeting of the Highland Piping and Dancing Society of Invercargill last night. The society took up the idea shortly after its formation about a year ago and since then a site has been purchased, the co-operation of other Scottish societies has been obtained and a certain amount of financial assistance has been received.

The annual report stated that it was decided last April to purchase a section in Esk street for the purpose of erecting a modern Scottish hall as soon as normal conditions returned and the necessary funds and permission . to build were available. To go fully into the question the society decided to invite delegates from all other Scottish societies in Invercargill. Delegates from the St. Andrew’s Scottish Society, the Caledonian Society and the Pipe Band met the society and discussed the proposal in committee. A scheme for the proposed hall was formulated and it was decided to form a Scottish Hall Association comprising two delegates from each of the societies to go into the question of raising capital to carry out the work. Further discussions were pending. After reviewing the progress made so far, the president Mi- C. Mackenzie, stated that he was sure that in the near future the building would be erected. It would be a credit to the Scots of Southland.

Tlie hall was greatly needed in a growing city like Invercargill, said the Chief, Mr John Ewan. If it was built according to the plans which had now been prepared it would be the best Scottish hall in the Southern Hemisphere. They had taken a big step in the right direction when they purchased the section, said Mr T. M. Rankin. From now on they would have to concentrate on raising money but he was sure that it would come hi readily.