GAELIC SOCIETY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2740, 3 January 1882, Page 2

GAELIC SOCIETY.

A meeting of those faivo'urable to the' forming of a ; Gaelic Society in South' Canterbury was held in| tl;e Grosvenor Hotel last evening, oveit thirty Highlanders being present. jDr, Macdonald was called to the chain atd explained 1 the object of the meeting, The principle purpose of the Gaelic Society is to collect funds for the establishing of bursaries in the Otago (University,- such bursaries to be given to the sons of Gaelic speaking parents who are not ; able to afford a university training. After some discussion it was resolved 'that those -present '^liquid . form the nucleus of a Society,’to be called the “Gaelic Society ,q£ , South Canterbury.” Mr. Donald M'Lean, of Stratb conan, \Vas- elected President; Mr M‘Kay, of Temuka, Vice-President; and Dr. -M‘Donald, Secretary. Thereafter several gentlemen!,came forward,' and were enrolled as members. The meeting was then adjourned to a future datri. After the business part of the programme had been disposed of, the members spent two hours in conviviality. Such a gathering of the clans had never before been witnessed in South Canterbury. Highlander met Highlander on the most friendly footing, and; several met last night who .had not seen or heard of each "other for years.- The advantages, of the proposed Society were at once recognised, arid several gentlemen expressed themselves as highly, pleased with a Society which would collect so many old world tales. Gaelic songs, and bagpipe music were the rage of the evening, and it was not until “'Forbes M'Kenzie” stepped in that any thoughts were entertained of “ shattering the clans." But as Burns lias it, “ No man can tether time or tide,” so the clansmen'took their Ijqrn of heather dew, and drank joyously to “ The Bonnie Hills of Scotland sung in' excellent style by Mr, M'Leod," of Albury. To show the enthusiasm of the Highlanders, itfnay be remarked that several of the gentlemen present had to, ride as many as fifty, miles..to.their homes. Almost enjoyable evening was spent, and truly the “heather was on fire’’ in Tiraaru last night.