CALEDONIAN INTERESTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 36, 24 December 1943, Page 5

CALEDONIAN INTERESTS

THE WHAKATANE SOCIETY

ANNUAL GENERAL .MEETING

Though less well-attended than in previous years the annual meeting of the Whakatane Caledonian. Society, which took place in the Society's hall last Tuesiday evening, was once again dominated! by that same note of enthusiasm which, has been so pronounced in the past and there can be no doubts entertained as to its success in the future if the same progressive policy is adhered to« Chief W. J. Symons presided, and moved a special vote of sympathy to Mr and Mrs J. G. Mulholland in their recent bereavement, before the commencement of the usual business. This Avas carried in silence all present standing'. The. report ami balance sheet Avere then, read and adopted, (details appear elsewhere), the executive being congratulated on the manner in which the interests of the Society had been fostered daring the year. The' election of, officers resulted as under:— Uatron: Mr J. (Jrant. Chief: Mr W. J. Symons. Chieftains: Messrs W. llowat and H. D. Patorson. Secretary: Mr S. J., McKenzie. Treasurer: Mrs; M. Craig. Auditor: Mir Andrew Nicol. ExecutiA r e. Committee: Messrs C. F. ; Thomas, W. llowat Jn.. Mesdames J. Martin and J. King, with the officers of the Society ex officio. Pipe-major: Mr PL 1). Paterson. Social Committee: Messrs W. llowat. Keith Ferguson, Mesdames J. King Sn., J. King Jn., Raymond, C. F. Thomas, S. J. McKenzie, K. Ferguson and Misses Margaret How at and Mar-ion Raymond. Doorkeeper: Mr. J. King. Caretaker: Mr J. King. Scout Committee: Messrs 11. D. Paterson, W. HoAvat. Jn., and Mesdames Craig, Martin and McKenzie with Scoutmaster C. F. Thomas. Progress of Band

Mr W. Howat, band .secretary, mentioned that the. year had commenced with one band in the Society and had finished with two, which was 110 mean accomplishment considering the times. The Senior hand had given good public service whenever possible.. From the Scout troop had evolved the junior band, which had made, its first appearance at the Scout Rally last Easter. The new unit was making splendid progress and could, be depended- upon to give a good account of itself on any public occasion. As a result of the latest innovation, the Society now possessed no less than tliirtyone band members.

The Scout Troop Scoutmaster Thomas for the Caledonian Scout troop, reported excellent progress. The. total strength was twenty-six of which number twenty-lour were kilted. The Scouts had got down to serious work and had earned many of their manual badges. One had now collected eleven and others were closely following. The Labour Day camp at Ohope had been a great success and parents and helped liberally. An effort was now being made to hold a district camp at Lake Roto ma from January 22 to January 29, 1941. He hoped a good number of the Craigellaehie troop would attend. He thanlced Messrs Urube and McKe.nzie for their work in coaching the boys.. Time of Meeting The committee was instructed to review the rides with the. idea of calling an extraordinary general meeting early in the new year for the purpose: of making amendments where considered necessary. It was felt by members that the constitutional date for the annual meeting to be held was a most unsuitable one. A further recommendation was to the effect that a special effort, should be made to emphasise l the Scottish aspect more than in the past. Suggestions were made for the proper traditional recognition of llallo'een and St. Andrews night., The Chief promised that this: would be giv,cn full consideration. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks, to the Chief and the member's of the old executive.