YOUNG CALEDONIANS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 10, 12 August 1946, Page 5

YOUNG CALEDONIANS

MACLEOD CLAN ENTERTAIN A FIRST CLASS EVENING Clan MacLeod was well to the fore last Saturday evening when members entertained the Murrays and the Campbells (the other clans of the Young Caledonian’s Club) together with their friends to a first class social evening and dance. The MacLeods excelled themselves as hosts and set a particularly high standard of entertainment which must have added greatly to their laurels. ‘

The main guests of the evening were Chief MacLeod and Mrs MacLeod of the Te Aroha Society, who were duly piped into the hall and warmly greeted by the packed assemblage. They were welcomed by the Senior and Junior Chiefs of Whakatane and finally by Chief W. Ahbott of the MacLeod Clan who a moment before had been piped in by his own pipers at the head of the clansmen and women. From then on the evening was in the hands of the joint M.C’s, Maynard McLeod Ramson and Colin MacLeod Ranby, and went without a hitch. Music was provided by Mr Ted Hayden (piano) and Mr Jack •Jones (drums). Modern and oldtime dancing filled the bill admirably interspersed with items of a high order by the MacLeods themselves, who proved that there was plenty of talent in their .ranks.

A popular turn was provided by Dorothy MacLeod Stewart and Jean MacLeod Armstrong who presented the old and modern versions of the well known song ‘Cornin’ thru the Rye.’ This refreshing little interlude fairly brought down the house. The MacLeod Lassies presented Scottish choruses including ‘Annie Laurie’ with splendid harmony and effect. Nor were the masculine gender to .be outdone in this respect for under the heading ‘The Merry Macs’ they acquitted themselves with the greatest credit in ‘Riding Down to Bangor’ and ‘Windmill’s Turning.’ In the former item the well known story was enacted by the girl members of the clan suitably dressed for the occasion. We sincerely hope we hear more from both these groups whose popularity last Saturday was immediately established with the crowd. Another happy item which brought him warm applause was presented by Donald MacLeod McKenzie who gave a dissertation on Phonetic Punctuation. Don once again acquitted himself and his clever work was greatly enjoyed. Janice Bell delighted with an exhibition of the 'Seann Trubhais to pipe, music by Russell MacLeod Hurst, while another very well rendered item was a euphonium duet by Allan MacLeod Stewart and Phil MacLeod Moore.

After a delightful supper served by the Clan members Mrs N. G. MacLeod was the recipient of a bouquet with the compliments of the clan whilst Chief MacLeod was j-asked to present a signed presentation booklet to his daughter Miss Margot McLeod on the Clan’s behalf.

Expressing their great pleasure at being present Chief MacLeod said that he desired to warmly congratulate the Young Caledonians and the MacLeod Clan in particular on' the magnificent social work they were doing. They had certainly achieved something very high in the standard of entertainment and he felt that they were a distinct asset to the community. He hoped that this would not be his last visit to Whakatane of which he would carry ■the happiest memories. Musical honours were rendered the guests of honour after which •Chief Simons briefly added his wel- • come on behalf of the Senior So--ciety.’ The second half of the proceedings went with a swing and all px-esent were genuinely sorry when the singing of Auld Lang Syne at midnight brought with it the general -dispersal. The next Clan night will be in the hands of the ‘Murrays’ and will be held on Saturday, September 14.