CLANS GATHER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 100, 17 July 1946, Page 5

CLANS GATHER

YOUNG CALEDONIAN’S EVENING A POPULAR ORGANISATION The Whakatane Young Caledonians staged the first of their combined ‘clan’ evenings last Saturday evening when to a packed hall of well over 250 persons a ‘braw Scottish ni’cht’ as interpreted by the town’s younger set was enacted with ail the enthusiasm and energy popularly associated with youth.

That it was successful was obvious from the happy tone which ruled from the first informal announcement by the M.C. to ‘grab your partners’ to the last ringing note of Auld Lang Syffg, sung on the stroke of midnight. Parents and friends of the club members packed the hall in a double row of seats and applauded the clans as they entered the hall behind their respective pipers. Clan Campbell led the way, to be followed by Clan McLeod and 'Clan Murray. They were greeted by Chief J. W. Simons of the senior Society and by Junior Chief George Paterson. Thereafter the M.C. (Mr Rowland Campbell King) took over proceedings.

Items and dances followed in quick succession. Music for dancing was provided by Mr Ted Hayden (piano) and Mr Jack Jones (drums) while piping interludes by the Junior Pipe Band also lent an air to the Scottish side of things. Ah excellent exhibition of the Fling was provided by Janet and Margaret Pithie, whilst a Pipe duet by Russell Hurst and Don McKenzie was warmly applauded.

The McLeod Clan enacted the farewell scene between Bonny Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald, with Colin and Nova Ranby in the major roles and George Ramson, Coleen Miles and Lucy. Hurst in the supporting caste. The short play was warmly appreciated. Another bright interlude was given by the Campbell Arcadians who once | again -put on their gay song an<J [ cuince nUftißer with-singular success. Miss Dorothy Stewart’s fine soprano

voice was heard in a bracket of songs which immediately won popularity. It was with difficulty that Dorothy was able to leave the stage so insistent with her encores. Gerry Hauesler provided another popular item with his piano-accordion (squeeze-box) while Miss Pat-Fer-gusson was again seen in a smart interpretation of the Sword Dance. The McLeods were also responsible for the humorous sketch ‘The Army Alphabet’ which fairly brought the house down. Those taking part were Gordon Dines, Maynard and George Ramson, Ron Seebeck and Don McKenzie.

Supper was served by the clansmen and clans women and a very fine effort it proved. The whole interval was capably attended to and well carried out.

At the close, Mr Te Hira Fergusson on behalf of the senior Society and of the visitors generally, expressed the appreciation of- all present for the wonderful night the clans had put on and trusted that another public one would soon eventuate.