HAIL CALEDONIA!

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 186, 28 November 1941, Page 5

HAIL CALEDONIA!

SUCCESSFUL SCOTTISH CONCERT

LOCAL SOCIETY'S FINAL NIGHT

The Whakatane Caledonian Society excelled its previous efforts by producing a splendid concert and dance evening, to mark their final night of the year. The Society's annual meeting takes place next month and it Avas therefore decided to combine the occasion Avith St. Andrew's Night and forego the usual Friday evenings dance. That the concert Avas a complete success Avas borne out by the splendid reception accorded all items on the programme and record assembly of the Society's supporters and adherants. 'Scots Avha hac' was sung with a fervency befitting a gathering of the elans and it Avas pleasing to note the manner in Avhich the audience joined in.

Mrs T. W r . Burke provided a popular solo in the old favourite 'Caller Hcrrin' while the inimitable George Tweedie delighted Avith some more of his rare Scottish humour. The Society's Lassies Avere Avell to the fore and throughout the long programme were seen to good effect in Reel, Scann Trubliais, Fling and finally the Reel o' Tulloch.

The full band under Drum Major 1 McKenzie played lively selections find also provided music for the dance. Pipe Major Johnston and Pipe Sergeant Paterson were warinly applauded for their Pipe duet (The Green Hills). Other items by the band members were a bracc of humorous sketches entitled 'The Secrct of the Pipes' and 'Pipers Past and Present.' Both created a good laugh. Another welcome innovation was the l appearance of the Caledonian Glee Singers, who sang Avith nice harmony 'Bonny Dundee' and 'Annie Laurie.' Mrs 11. Larmcr earned Avell-mcrit-ed applause for her finely executed violin solo, AA'hile Dr A. W, Fletcher Cole Avas heard, to splendid effect in the ever popular Border Ballad. A humorous Scottish reading AA'as given by Mrs M. Thompson in the 'guid auld' dialect that true Scots love so well. Mass Katli Walton's exhibition of the Seann Trubhais A\ r as another good item.

More humour Avas provided by Mr AndreAV Nicol, avlio recited Avell told Scottish stories and up Avith a good rousing solo. Mrs F. E. Berry, for so many years the Society's hard-working secretary, again proved her Avorth as a singer and her 'Here's a health tae bonny Scotland' did her credit, along with her spirited rendition of 'MacGregors Gathering.'

Auld Lang Syne concluded the concert, of Avhich the Chief, J. W. Simons Esq., acted as announcer, and no time Avas lost in introducing the second half of the proceedings —the dance.

Music was provided by Mrs Armstrong (pinao), Mrs Larmer (violin) and D. Paterson (drums). The hall was packed and from the outset it Avas obvious that the Society could count the event one of the most successful of the year. The usual willing ladies committee Mesdames Simons, Craig, King and Martin attend* ed to the supper arrangements. The concert organiser was Mrs Berry who is to be complimented on her work.