HALLOWE’EN

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1926, Page 7

HALLOWE’EN

OLD SCOTTISH CUSTOMS. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. That the New Plymouth Caledonian Society hae struck the right chord in its endeavours to keep alive the timehonoured customs of the land of their birth, was abundantly manifest by the large attendance at the Workers’ Social Hall last night, when Hallowe’en was celebrated. This was the first occasion on which children were invited to join in the Hallowe’en and the wonderful response, together with the enthusiastic manner in which the lads and lassies showed their appreciation, makes It certain that the invitation will be repeated in future years, and also that a larger hall will be necessary. The early part of the evening was devoted to the juveniles, who must have been deeply impressed with the quaint and venerable Scotch customs to which many were perhaps being introduced for the first time, but which fell on retentive minds. From the opening skirl, whidh announced the playing in with due ceremonial of Chief M. Gray Nasmith, by Pipe-Sergeant McDonald, Pipe-Sergeant Cruden and Pipers Austin and Morris, everything went with a swing. This entry was followed by the grand march. The warm welcome given in characteristic vein by the chief put everyone at once fn happy mood, whilst his remarks of the origin and customs of Hallowe’en were both interesting and instructive. Mr. S. IT. Sinclair also gave an interesting address on “Hallpwe’en.” “Jolly Miller,” “The Haymakers,” “Dookin for Apples,” etc., made time pass pleasantly for both participants and onlookers, whilst a Highland Fling by Miss M. Weir was also, enthusiastically greeted as it deserved to be. Messrs D. and A. V eir, as Masters of Ceremonies, had the children gaily dancing to the strains of music provided by Mrs. Austin and Miss M. Jones until supper-time. The haggis was played in with customary pomp and ceremony, by Piper Major' Cruden, Piper Austin carrying the delicacy, the ode being feelingly recited by Mr. A. Mac Diarmid. After the haggis had been dispensed by the Chief’s gnid lady, a bounteous supper was done full justice to. The braw lads and lassies then took the floor to the inspiriting strains of Orr’s orchestra, Messrs A. Weir, A. Mac Diarmid and J. F. Andrews, as M.C.’s, keeping matters merrily moving till the early hours.