SCOTTISH SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 28, 26 September 1912, Page 3

SCOTTISH SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

o AT INGLEWOOD

With the exception of the weather, all the elements attending the "Wee Scotch Nicht" held at Inglewood last night, under the auspices of the local branch of the Taranaki Provincial Scottish Society, proved distinctly favourable. Flags and festoons in the Parish Hall,an artistic drawing-room stage, a large and enthusiastic audience, and the presentation of a programme comprising the pick of Taranaki talent in song and story closely related to their "ain folk"—all this could not fail to please even the most fastidious Scot. And the result was a splendid augury for the growth and development of the Society's "latest". t Mr Arthur Morton, president of the Branch, presided.

Chairman's Address. Before the * 'commencement of the : programme, ,the Chairman -shortly- addressed' the gathering. He"expressed pleasure at seeing so many present on I 'such ah unfavourable ,'night; as far as the'weather 'was concerned, and that fact would he considerable encouragement to the Society. Eeferring to the initiation of the Society, Mr Morten remarked that it had heen born in Stratford some time ago, and now Ingle wood had formed a branch. The object of the Society was to foster love of the county's 'associations amongst those who were born in Scotland or whose parents came from the Old ..Land ..and to keep this .before their families and their families' children; and not only that, but to endeavour to bring, under the notice of the public what had been done by the inhabitants of Scotland. The records woit. those of which they need not be ashamed. As politicians, statesmen and inventors, and, in fact, in every march of life, though not always on top, the Scotsmen certainly took a leading place. In poetry and as authors, they attained the highest merit, and in this connection the special mention oi "Bobby Burns" (whose picture adorned the walls of the hall) called forth groat applause jprobably because Burns was only a common farmer; his efforts appealed to the people wherever the English language was spoken. As to the Society, it had been- only a short time in existence, but every oncourage- ( menfc had been given to it, and a large membership was Mr Morton apologised for, the absence of the president of the Society (Mr Kennedy), who wired in the following terms: — "Sorry can't be with you'to-night when clans and kinsmen all delight in danco and song their troth to plight ; to Scotland, their Country." ! Apologies were also received from I Messrs Sangster, McK Mori son, and \ Grant (vice-presidents), and several j other members of tho Society.

The Programme. An excellent repertoire of songs, dunces and recitations was then presented, each item being received with applause. A bag-pipe selection 1 by Mr Angus McLcod opened the first part of the programme, followed by a song, "Loch Lomond," by Miss Cameron (Stratford) ; song, "Mary of Argyle" (encore number, "Because"), Mr J. W. Haslam;' song, "Within a Mile of Edinboro' Toon," Mrs Butler (New Plymouth); comic song' "Jock MacKay" (Scored), Mr F. H. Wilkie (Stratford); song, "The Homeland," Mrs Lcitch (New Plymouth); sword dance, Miss Todd (Dudley Road); song, "Annie I Laurie" (encore number, "Jock o* Har,eldoan"), Miss Sangster (Stnvtford); recitation, oomic, "A Wee Scotch Nicht," Mr A. McDi'armid (New Plymouth); Reel o' Tulloch, Misses iTodd (2). During the interval, Mr W. Thomson addressed the gathering at the invitation of the Chairman. Referring to the remarks of Mr Morton, he said

that though the place for Scotsmen was not always at the top, it war. invariably very near there. Speaking with every respect for the English, and not forgetting."to mention the noble Irish and tho people in the lauid in which thoy (the audience) lived—New Zealanders—lie could not but be proud of the position Scotsmen held in the history of tho Old Land, making as it did for the very freedom of the race

and the greatness of the nation to which all belonged. The Scotch people were the pioneers in every land. And he was inclined to think that if their New Zealand was going to be the great place—and fulfil the mighty mission in the Southern Hemispheresuch as Britain had dono in the North, ho was quite sure that the lead and the spirit of freedom must proceed from the Scotch. (Applause.) Mr Thomson's remarks led up to the information that a, new publication, "The New Zealand Scot" would bo issued on 12th November. It would contain 32 pages of well-selected matter pertaining to Scottish literature and folklore, representing the Scottish, Caledonian, Highland and Celtic Societies throughout the Dominion. The support of the Ingle-wood people was canvassed, the patriotic assistance promised the venture in other centres ing prominently referred to. Mr Thomson's address was cnthusiastica-1- . ly received. ■ ■ ;

The programme' was then proceeded with, the following items being rendered :—Recitation, "Tam o' Shanter,"Mr Leiteh (New Plymouth); step dance, Miss Todd; song, "The Swallows," Miss Cameron; song, "Scotland Yet," Mr Douglas' (Stratford); song, "My Ain Folk," Miss Leiteh; song, "Caller' Herrin" (encore number, "Bide a Wee"), Miss Saogster; 1 recitation (humorous) "The Broken Bowl" (encored), Miss Taylor (Fitzroy); song, "March of the Cameron Men," Mr Douglas; song, "Afton Water," Mrs Culter; recitation (comic) (double encored), Mr Wilkie; Scotch reel,,Misses Todd (3) and Mr McLeod jji God Save the King and Auld Lang Syne by the company brought the programme, to conclusion.

Supper was then served in the halL, and the floor was cleared for dancing, which was indulged in for a couple of hours to excellent music supplied by Mr Cottier's orchestra. Messrs Adams and De Launay made capital M.C.'s.

The whole entertainment reflected credit upon the officials of the Branch (of which Mr W.. Hood is the hon. secretary), and the Society's enthusiastic worker and secretary, Mr Alec Henderson, who was present from Stratford. '---'■ ■ ' ------