CALEDONIAN YEAR

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

CALEDONIAN YEAR

THE WHAKATANE SOCIETY

CHIEF VPEWS ACTIVITIES

In his annual report, to the Whakatane Caledonian Society last. Tuesday evening, Chief W. J.i Symons spoke, as under: —

l! feel that in presenting my annual report that 1 can say without fear of contradiction that the past year has been one of the most remarkable in the Society's history. Sn spite of the war restrictions, our activities have suffered practically no curtailment, and we hifVe weatb-," ercd all our difficulties in a manner which rellects the greatest credit upon the Society generally and its high reputation as far as the public of the town and district are concerned. Arriving at the end. of the year we are able to 'look back upon a period of definite, accomplishment, both by way of social activities and also by way of our strengthening financial position. Our membership has also been increased, whilst thes popularity of our various Scottish sections, Inglesides, Pipe Band a Scout. Troop continues to grow undiminished. I think we. can safely say that, we are carrying out the

main aim of the Society's constitution, which is to popularise and spread, abroad the interest in Scottish tradition and custom. Again li extend the Socety's sympathy to those members whose sons, husbands or brothers have suffered or have made the supreme sacrifice in any of the Avar theatres during the past year, and express the hope that the coming year will see the cessation of hostilities and be one of happy reunions for all those who have been separated for so long. Membership: There has been an increase of twenty in our membership bringing the total up to 80, a pleasing achievement when one considers the times. Financial: The balance sheet which will be presented to you this evening shows a credit balance of £137 17s lid in the bank.. This figure luis been increased by substantial sums paid into the secretary since the. closing of the books, and the position is approximately £40 in excess of that figure, making the true amount £177. This is another achievement as far as the Society is j concerned and one . which reflects the greatest credit upon our hardworking secretary and our treasurer. In passing it is interesting to note that Inglesidc revenue contributed to the funds £54 7s 5d from 'open' nights, and £25 from the true. Engleside; evenings. HaM rentals re-, alised £125 Is 3d.

The Band: I would like to congratulate the band on. the manner in which it has remained together as a playing unit, when Ii know there has been so many calls upon the members time. It has bccji in great demand and as in the past has figured prominently in various Patriotic and Home Guard activities during the year. Trips, have; been made to Pukchina, Murupara, Taneatua, Waimana, Awakeri, Ruatoki and Matata, while the band also uppeared at local gymkhanas and attended the Anzac Day parade, and the official welcome home, to the) men returned, on furlough from the Middle East.

Craigellachie Scout Troop: The Soeiety owes its warmest congratulations to Scoutmaster C. F. Thomas, for the manner in which lie has trained and encouraged the Society's new Scout Troop. At the recent District Rally, avc had the'pleasure of seeing the Troop when .scarcely eight months old, win one of the trophies (the Tiki Trophy) for ambulance work.

The Junior Band: Perhaps. the* most noteable feature about the Scouts is the formation and training of a Junior Pipe Band, which 1 understand is the only band of its kind in the Dominion. The. boys arc keen, and If would like to publicly thank] Messrs \V. Mow a I Jll., and 1)91114 Pate.cson for their patience and interest in coaching and training the boys. Thanks: In expressing my appreciation of the work done by the various members. J. fool that I 1 will have to cover a very extensive field. I must first, mention the ladies of the Society, who as of old, ■ have stood by us through thick and thill. They are in fact, in my own estimation at anjr rate the very backbone of our organisation. They have ever been ready to help and co-operate,, coming forward at all times and carrying the full weight of the catering, the decorating of the. liall and much of the administrative work. He also thanked the secretary, Mr J. MeKenzie, the treasurer, Mrs E. ML Gray, t,he Pipe Major, Mr Doug (Continued in next column)

Paterson. Lire Band secretary, Mr W. Ilowat .In., the Society's orchestra, the caretaker, ISTr J. King',, and all officers serving in any way in theSociety's Avork. Prospects: With the new year be-? fore us it is natural that Ave should; hope for better things, and l'rom the. outlook of the international uation,, Ii feel that Ave have every right to expect the return of peace and the home-coming of. our boys from overseas. These things are foremost in our minds but in the- meantime, I AVant to" appeal- to members to hang together in the same strong manner as they have done in th.i> past. We. haA*e passed through 'a. critical period, but Ave are by no means out of the bush. We still have heavy responsibilities and commitments to meet. Only by re-pledg-ing our unity one to the other., and In the interests of our Society, can we. expect our common interests Uv progress. If we can do this I have* no doubt but that 1944 will be a»-t other successful- milestone! io~ : tiws I 'dstory of. the Society.