THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12405, 21 November 1908, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

HALLOWE'EN OBrSERVANCJi'. . The Nelson Provincial Scottish Society held one of the most suc■e9sful gatherings of the. season at the Recbabite Hall on Saturday evening, the capacity of the hall be- • ing fully taxed, though the gither- • ing was confined to members and . heir families. The old time customs in the celebration of Hallowe'en were indulged in. and the fun was literally fast and furious from start to finish. Tne Society's -.piper- (Mr Watson) . was fortunate in having, the assistance of the Messrs Hethrioßton, re•eantly from Scotland, and proceedings opened with mirch of witches and j. warlocks to the strains of the three pipes, the dancers carrying «andles in "neep and kail runts" < hollowed turnips and Kale stumps with a fringe of leaves I. The games commenced with tbe lads and lassies trying their fortunes at the "Three bowls, twa wi.' water. " The players blindfolded happened upon dirty water (an unhappy marriage), clean water (a happy and prosperons uoioc), or the empty bowl (a single life). In "ddokin' for nipples, " the. next' game, the 'lads were, the only active participants, their : endeavour baing to 6ecure..witn. tbeir teeth the apples bobbing in tubs of water. "Aipples pi' treckle buns" was responsible for much laughter, and oossibly there were reckonings with some "mithers" later on for the boys who tried to S9cure the treacle smeared dainties carried away traces of their encounters. ■ "Champittatties" consists of a large pot of mashed potatoes in which are hidden coins and other valuables. Young *•- and old came provided with spoons, and there was much merriment as each delved for treasure. "Black Witch," a fortune telling game, and •"Bab the Bawster, " a.da^nce on the ' lines of drop tte 'handkerchief, com- . plete'd the programme of Hallowa'en :obser.vances inthedirectioTi of which Chief ;.. Allau was assisted by Chieftains Brown and Barrowman arid the sacretary (Mr S. Tyson). During the evening Mr tiutton, of Dunedin, sang two Scottish songs, which were encored. - Refreshments in plenty were provided, and dancing was indulged in for an hour. The Nelson Scottish Society visit«'d Wakefield in. force .on a recent Saturday, and held an ingledeuk there; the attendance being satisfactory in spite of inclement weather. • Chief Allan presided. The following programme was presented :— Keel, danced by Mrs Smith and Messrs Smith and Eobson ; recitations. Alts Claude Graham, Mr Sheriff'; songs, Miss Simpson, Mrs Horton (encored), Miss Richards, Mr Sutherland. Mr Richards ; Highland fling, Misses Eobson (2), and Mr Smitn ; sirord dance,- Mr Sheriff; bagpipe music, Pipers Watson, Murray, and Duffenc «br.ifchsp*y, Misses Tyson (2); ribbon dance, Misses Tyson (2) and Wells. The accompanists were Miss Ingram, Mrs Stringer. and Miss Kichardsin. At tne conclusion of ■the programme," dancing was commenced, and kept up till a late hour.