THE FIRST ANNUAL MEETING.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12159, 6 February 1908, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE FIRST ANNUAL MEETING.

There was a large a tendance of ladies and gentlemen at the Oddfellows' Hall on Jan. 27, at the first annual meeting of the Nelson Scottish Society. On the motion of Mr G. Stewart, and in the unavoidable absence of Mr John Graham, M.P.. Mr Roderiok McKenzie M. P., was voted to the chair. The CJhairmau said he felt it to be a high honor to be chosen to pre side over ■ the. first meeting of the Nelson Scottish Society. He had taken part in Scottish societies in different parts of the Dominion, and had received an invitation to attend the meeting of the Wanganui Society on the 25th of next month. He was surprised such a society had not been started in Nelson many years ago. However, they had now made a splendid start, and he had no doubt they would stick to it, and carry it on to the best of their ability. He assured them they would find such a society helpful, and kindred societies wben they travelled a source of pleasure. Mr W. Brown sang "A Man is a Man for a' That" ; Miss Reeves sang "Sing th 9 Auld Scotch Sangs to Me, '" and vvas encored: Miss Hanby sang "Robin Adair," and was recalled: Miss Stewart sang "Mary o' Argyle, '* and was encored ; Mr Smith gave a humorous Scotch rectation : Mr G. Stewart gave an address on Scotland's national poet, who was born on January 25th, 1759. He quoted Professor Blackie's appreciation of Burns' genius. Mr Stewart then spoke of the chief characteristics of Burns' poetry, and said as a satirist Burns had not a superior. Mr W. Brown sang "My Jean.'' Mr Sheriff contributed the humorous story of the I Scotchman's "Christmas Gooee. " ! Mr Shone gave a pianoforte solo. Mr Patterson ( v of Ashburton) gave an excellent address ou Boras, and (emphasised that Burns' utterances i were those of a noblo soul. Mr W. Stewart contributed a Scotch song. The Chairman read messages from Mr J. Graham, M.P., Mr Hood, and Mr McPhersbn (Wakefield), wishing the Society a successful meeting. - The Chairman said fifty members | had been enrolled, and judging' from the number of Scotch families in the Nelson district the memberjSbip should increase to five hundred. >.He remiudod.them that Scotland had not" only the poet in the world, but in Scott the greatest novelist, 5. aDC ' in Macaulay the greatest historian. Besides ttiuse there were a host of distinguished Scotchmen. He hoped their .Society would be a credit to the Nels-'-.n province, and become one of the m ;st successful and flourishing in tiie Dominion. A vote of thanks to tho Cbairamn.and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," brought the entertaining portion of the gathering to a close.