CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 41, 23 October 1946, Page 5

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

FURTHER YEAR OF PROGRESS CHIEF’S ANNUAL REPORT In his annual report to the Whakatane Caledonian Society last Monday evening, the Chief (Mr W. J. Simons) gave a comprehensive review of the activities over the year, dealing with all sections. Once again, he said, we have arrived at the conclusion of another highly successful year. I think I can say that without reserve, for today as we review the order of our Society, we can point to growing membership, our increasing assets, our firm financial position, and our sustained, efforts to spread abroad the true Caledonian spirit of fellowship and goodwill. The annual sports meeting at Ohope has become our milestone, and last year this gathering drew congratulations from all parts of the North Island. I feel that this year we should do even better, and I confidently look forward to the time when our meeting will be listed as one of the most popular in the Dominion. The Band. This has been a year of overhaul as far as the Band is concerned. There has ,been an intensive effort made to bring al,l pipers up to a standard of efficiency which would result in a better playing footing. We are still very short of senior members but I am pleased to note the oncoming number of juniors who are making good headway. Three of our boys competed in the New Year Sports, and drew encouraging comment from the judge. They also appeared at the recent Hamilton contest.

New Year’s Sports. As mentioned, the Sports last January were a genuine credit to all concerned. We had a record ,crowd present, drew record entries and netted a record gate. The profits were somewhat ■offset by the heavy prize money and outlay upon a number of items which however will be non-recur-ring. I refer to the dancing platform, bridging, .power introduction, etc. I feel that once again we owe a deep debt of gratitude to those willing workers who, though not included in the Society members gave ■of their best in order to make the day a success. As far as Caledonian Sports go, we can safely say that the 1946 gathering has put us well and truly on the map. Young People’s Club. There has been remarkable progress in connection with this organisation. The membership has just on doubled since the introduction of the ‘Clan’ idea which has caught on like magic. The new set-up is intensely popular and has led to a succession of splendid ‘clean’ nights which are eagerly looked forward to by the seniors and their friends as well as the young people themselves. The fact that the McLeod Clan was invited to Te Aroha during the past weekend as guests of the Chief (Mr N. G. McLeod), and that they made a deep impression with their bright entertainment is an advertisement in itself. In passing I again wish all the members continued success and enjoyable social nights, and trust that 'they will automatically become staunch members of the Senior Society when they leave.

Opotiki Caledonians. An important event during the past two months, was the formation of the first Caledonian Society in Opotiki. The Scots in that town, are new to the idea, but they apparently more than make up for this in their enthusiasm. I understand that they have now no less than 200 members. In effect the new Society was really Whakatane’s foster-child, for it was not definitely decided upon until members had made a special trip to that centre and until the band had provided a parade and display at a dance and social evening. We are proud of the fact that we have been able to help and personally I trust that this newly-formed sister organisation will be our guests on numerous occasions in future.

Thanks. And now I have to extend my thanks to all who have assisted towards the Society’s success during the year. I single out the ladies first for their untiring efforts in catering for our socials, and in attending to the various booths at the annual sports. To the secretary (Mr Bill Hurst) I also extend my thanks and appreciation for his untiring work in the Society’s interests. As a sports secretary he would be hard to beat. May I thank also Messrs. Hay, H. Mole, C. F. Thomas •and Kingsley-Smith for their great efforts on behalf of the Young Peoples Club. To the members of the executive, the Band Committee and all other helpers generally I express my appreciation.

Prospects. In conclusion I feel that I must emphasise the need for

a greater interest in- the affairs of the Society. We should cultivate a taste for things Scottish and by so doing extend a growing interest in Caledonianism with the general public. We can do these things, and if have the right atttiude towards it, we will do them, and gain great pleasure in doing so.