WELSH SOCIETY

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1935, Page 8

WELSH SOCIETY

SOUTH TARANAKI ACTIVITIES., “KEEPING ALIVE RACE SENTIMENT The third year of the society’s existence, although not one of great activity, had been a successful one, stated the president, Mr. Owen Jones, in his report to the third annual meeting of the Hawera and -District Welsh Society last night. The members of the society are ever reminded, even by virtue only o their membership, of the aims for which the society was formed. . Although the study of Welsh music, art, drama, literature and history had not progressed very far within the society, there were many ■of its members who were better acquainted with these as a result of their membership of the society. They had come to know their fellow Welshmen and women better through the activities of the society. For those reasons it was felt that the society had thoroughly deserved its existence, and it was hoped that.it would go forward through the years in a. greater effort to keep alive Welsh sentiment. The society faced its third year with the thought of the loss of its first president and the prime mover in its foundation, the Rev. H. Whitby James. The continued ill-health of Mrs. James kept him among them until early in December, and although they were still in New Zealand they were pleased to learn that Mrs. James had been restored to health, and it was understood that Mr. and Mrs. James and family would very soon undertake their long postponed journey to England. Who among them would ever forget the address of their past president at the farewell functic in his honour on November 28 last? “Keep the aims and objects of the society ever before you and nurture in your children a deep sentiment regarding the land of your fathers,” was his advice, and it was incumbent on them to carry on the work and see that it did not flag. Other activities during the year were a flag five hundred evening and an enjoyable social evening. St. David’s Day was not celebrated by a gathering arranged by. the society, but no doubt all good Welsh : people marked the occasion in fitting manner in their own homes. It‘was hoped to have had an address on or about the day by the Rev. P. Gladstone .Hughes, Auckland, but that had not been possible. Mr. Jones said he had represented, the society at Welsh gatherings at Wellington and Christchurch in honour of ut. David’s Day. It was intended by the society to extend its activities in the coming year, and the help of all members was confidently sought. Thanks were due to the officers and committee for their work during the year, to all helpers, and particularly to Miss Vera Beech, who acted as accompanist. After the chairman had welcomed the meeting in Welsh the treasurer, Mr.. E. Beech, said there had been such an improvement in tire financial position that the small adverse balance of last year had been practically eliminated. ‘ Officers', elected were: Chairman, Mr. Owen Jones; secretary, Mr. S. F. Prosser; treasurer, Mr. E. Beech; committee, Mesdames J. H. Elmes, Edward Evans, F. Meredith and W. R. Shaw, Miss Doris Jones and Messrs. O. T. Parry and J. L. Evans. Songs were sung by Misses V. Beech and Clarice and a piano solo was played by Miss Beech. She and Miss Clarice played the accompaniments. Supper concluded the gathering.