TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2256, 19 September 1891, Page 2

TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Presentation to Mr A. M. Clark. At the annual meeting of the members of the Temuka Caledonian Society on Wednesday evening last a very pleasing ceremony took place. Mr A. M. Clark having vacated the chair, it was temporarily occupied by Mr M. Quinn, one of the vice-presidents of the society, who, having claimed attention, said he had been deputed that evening to perform a most pleasing ceremony, and although he would rather a better man than himself had been chosen, still he undertook the duty with pleasure, for he was called upon to give " honor to whom honor was due." Mr Clark had said he was proud to be at the head of such a society as this, and he, in common with the other members, was proud to servo under him, for he was a true Scot and Caledonian. To him was mainly due the success of the society. He remembered very well when the society had not, as it were, seen the light of day, how boldly he came forward to assist its work. He had nursed it carefully since, and had seen it grow almost to maturity. To him then, it might fairly be said, the success of the society was due. On sports day he was here, there* and everywhere, and practically ran the whole show. At socials, with Mrs Clark and family, he had tried to make everyone feel thoroughly at home. At their annual ball, when he appeared In his Highland dress, they could but be proud of him. He had not come there with a set speech, and other gentlemen wouid, no doubt, make a Bpeech on an occasion like that. He knew when he came to move his later resolution a ringing cheer would go up for their worthy president. He had now to present him on behalf of the Temuka Caledonian Society, with a silver tea and coffee service. They endeavored to obtain a more fitting testimonial, but could not do so. He knew, however, that it would be received in the same kindly spirit in which it was given. It bore this inscription: " Presented to Mr A. M. Clark by the Members of the Temuka Caledonian Society, as a mark of esteem and respect, this being the third year of his Presidency. September 16, 1891." These words fully expressed their sentiments towards him. He then asked them to kindly charge their glasses, to drink " Long life, health, happiness, and prosperity to their noble chief." The toast was drank in champagne, and with musical honors.

Mr P. Wareing, as one of fhe English members of the society, wonldlika to give his testimony—he believed that was the correct expression-—with regard to Mr Clark's occupancy of the position of president of their society. He could fully corroborate Mr Quinn's eulogistic remarks, but after them there waslittle £to be said. He did not know, however, if he was out of order in referring to the vicepresidents. However good an officer might be, he was powerless without good materials, and Mr Clark was ably egconded by his vice-presidents. He was glad to support all that Mr Quinn had said, and hoped that Mr Clark weuld live i •}qnjg ta take, an active interest in the j affeurs. of tho Temuka Caledonian Society.

Mr A. Ruissell, as a Caledonian, was glad to see the meed of praise bestowed upon Mr Clark, and proud to see the way their association was carried on. He quite agreed with Mr Quinn's remarks :

they had the right man in the right place. He might further say that their chief could not have abler supporters than Messrs Quinn and Henry. The praise of the chief descended upon the subordinates, and he should beg, therefore, to move a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring vicepresident and directors. Mr Dignan was glad to have an opportunity of assisting other members in testifying to the zeal, assiduity, and general good qualities of their president. He had behaved to them like a " regular brick." If theirß was a pure Caledonian society the members would have little •> difficulty in running it, because they, would be animated by a common feeling of patriotism, and so forth. Theirs, however, was a cosmopolitan society, * and required special lines of conduct to cause it to be worked to a successful issue. He thought he was right when he said no other society had held such successful gatherings. They were more than aVmere I coming together of people, for he found j there a spirit of friendliness and sociability that made them of a unique character. Such results could "only be attained bv untiring application and tact, 1 and those who attended could easily point out the moving spirit. He thought his (the' president's) spirit was reflected in the interest shown by the new members, who became shortly as enthusiastic as the older ones. Mr Clark was rightly called the parent of the society. He was the author of its being, he had nursed it in childhood and youth, and now launched it successfully upon a prosperous career. It was financially sound, numerically strong, and the way to maintain it in that condition was to re-elect Mr Clark to the proud '■ position he had already so ably filled for so many years. (Applause.) Mr Lawsbn was proud to give honor to

Mr Clark, He hoped everyone .-would rally round him. and that there -would no half-hearted ones. The Temuka i Caledonian Society was second to none, and long might it flourish. Mr Clark, who on rising was received

with hearty applause, said that on other occasions he could usually find words in . which to express his thoughts, but now he could not find language in which to express in a fitting manuer his thanks to them for their handsome testimonial, but even more for their kind wisheß. He could not see what he had done to entitle him to such a compliment. He had not worked nearly so hard as many around him ; at the same time he had the interest of the society truly at heart. If anything had happened to it he should have taken it much to heart, for he felt he had some responsibility in connection with it upon his shoulders. He was pleased to see the bright position it occupied, and hoped it would long maintain its prestige. , He accepted "the service with gratitude. He should treasure it with care, and it should be handed down as a heirloom as long as his family existed. It would be a proud moment for him that. his children should say—-" My father received this from .the Temuka Caledonian Society as a mark of respect." Their testimonial gave him great satisfaction, but he did not deserve it. Without the officers he could not have done much. To them the credit was really due. He thanked them, however, from the ', bottom of his heart for /t , their gift, and for their, kind of opinion.: < ' V. v .< ■

Mir Dignan then moved, and it was carried with hearty applause, that Mr Clark be re-elected to the position of president. ' Mr Clark, in thanking them'for''the ' honor, said he was proud to see so many took an interest in their gatherings. He thanked the officers for their services, and the ladies for their attendance at the socials and the assistance they rendered in many ways. He proposed " Success to the Temuka Caledonian Society." The toast was duly honored. Honorary piper, Mr James Mabin, then played the "79th Highlanders? Farewell." The president then proposed the health of their honorary piper. Without him they could not get on. All knew the effect of thef'pipes upon a Scotchman. Mr Mabin was no amateur; he had competed against good men from the Old Country, and taken high honors.

Mr Mabin returned thanks by playing « Cabd a Fehd."

Mr Mann proposed the, health of the vice presidents.

Messrs Qujjm and Henry suitably replied. '

.Mr Quinn proposed the toast of the secretary. He was a. most efficient officer. Mr Mogridge returned thanks. His duties had been lightened by the harmonious way in which all had worked, > His contact with Scotchmen had done him good, and he even believed he was beginning to appreciate the pipes. Mr Mabin played "Lady Madeline Sinclair," and other tunes, which were much appreciated.

The toast of the "Press" was drank, and responded to by Mr Graze, after which the general business was resumed.

Directors Meeting.

At a meeting of the directors held subsequent to the ordinary meeting. Messrs Quinn and Henry were unanimously elected vice-presidents. Routine business was transacted, and on the motion of Mr Henry a concert committee, consisting of Messrs Mann, McLeod, Dignan, Dann, Naughton, and the mover, was appointed to make preliminary arrangement in connection with the annual concert. The meeting then terminated'..