THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 167, 22 July 1946, Page 4

THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS

TO-NIGHT the Gathering of the dans provides an opportunity for “Brither Scots” to foregather and revive memories of the Land of brown heath ami shaggy wood, Land of the mountain and the flood. and to recall again the lines of Robert Burns in song and recitation. There is an element of mystery about Burns’ magic. It lies somewhere in the region of its earthiness and its homeliness. It is these essential characteristics of the Scot that made them such excellent pioneers. They remain near the earth and they continue to be neighbourly.

These essential qualities of soil and soul consciousness make for good citizenship in a new land, and it is not surprising that it is the members of the Wanganui Pipe Band who have shouldered the task of collecting money for the Scots Memorial Hall here in Wanganui. The hall will be vested in the community as a whole and will be a source of civic pride to all. That it is needed to-day there is no doubt: The Opera House, the first municipal theatre in this country, is definitely dated. The wind-swept palms were a distraction at a recent concert and the billowing curtains at a more recent political meeting proved that all the “air” was not on the side of the curtain on which the speakers stood. But more is required for the good work of the city. Besides theatre accommodation. the lecture hall, the flower show, the artist studio, the band practice room, the gymnasium, the ball-room are all lacking in Wanganui to-day. The Scots have taken the lead in providing them, and it will occasion no surprise if some more munificent donations are announced to-night at the elan gathering. Those who are responsible for the civic efforts tending to promote the welfare of the city by building the Scots Memorial Hall are true to the spirit of their pioneer ancestors.