CALEDONIANS GATHER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 30, Issue 9, 7 December 1945, Page 5

CALEDONIANS GATHER

BRIGHT ST. ANDREW'S NIC'HT LARGE CROWD ATTENDS A large crowd of friends and supporters gathered last Friday evening for the Caledonian Society's annual celebration of St, Andrew's Nic'ht. The hall was comfortably packed and a full programme of dancing, items t band selections plus the historic piping in of the 'haggis' and its attendant ceremonial made for a thoroughly enjoyable occasion. Chief W. J. Simons who was piped in with honours, assumed the 9 position of Master of Ceremonies and quickly had the programme uiv der way. Old time dancing was the vogue to music supplied by the Caledonian Orchestra which was as popular as usual. The Pipe Band, under Pipe-major Paterson provided a bright selection or two and also played the accompaniment for several dances. Much appreciated solos were supplied by Mrs and Miss Burke- of Kutarere. These two entertainers captivated their audience with several duets ( reintroducing the songs of some years ago such as 'Beautiful Ohio.' Mrs Burke is also to be congratulated for her rendition of 'The Road to the Isles.' Mr Doug Paterson was heard to good effect in the stirring Scottish air 'The Blua Bonnetts' for which he won a unanimous encore. The 'Haggis.' ceremonial was. carried out in traditional manner, the famous dish ? embracing a complete tripe stuffed with mince and savouries Scotland's national dish be--5 5 ing piped round the floor laid in front of Chief Simons and duly addressed in Burn's own words by the Bard. The haggis was then served up to the entire assembly by the bandsmen to be followed immediately by supper which was as usual in the capable hands of the Society's ladies. Dancing continued till midnight with the same happy, swing Avben Auld Lang Syne concluded the proceedings.

SAINT ANDREW

The honouring of St. Andrew by Scots throughout the world is a national trait which true Caledonians regard more in the light of a sacred duty.

St. Andrew's Day falls on November 110, this being the date of his martyrdom. He haid been chosen patron saint of Scotland about the middle of the Bth century, following a visit to Scotland by St. Regulus then Bishop of Patras, during which he carried with him relics of St. Andrew, one of the Disciples who bad been crucified on an Xshaped cross. A tract of known as Boar Chase had been given to St. Regulus by the Pictish King Angus and on this land the famous shrine of St. Andrew and the modern town of St. Andrew's were built.

The cross has been woven into tlie Scottish national flag (> and later into the Union Jack, together with the motto "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit," translated as "Mo one may touch me with impunity " or perhaps more neatly as "Wha (daur meedlc wi'

me." The cross is also found in the badges of many famous regiments including the Royal Scots ? Black Water and Royal Highland-