SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 98, 25 April 1912, Page 4

SCOTTISH SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING. I here was a splendid attendance in tiio Borougii Council Chambers last evening, win'll the first annual meetin;! of the Taranaki Provincial ScotLsn Society was held. Air. \V. T. Kennedy, the (’resident, war. in the chair. In his address the President said it nave him very groat pleasure to preside at the first annual meeting of the Taranaki Provincial Scottish Society. It was necessary to have this meeting at tins stage in order to get the Society put a proper footing. He paid a tribute to me large number who attended, and said it was not to Ijfo expected that those who lived a long distance from Stratford could possibly bo able to attend. The short time since the Society was formed had proved that its existence was justified, and was tilling a longfelt want among Scotsmen in Taranaki, though necessarily it was needed to go slow at first, keeping in view the objects contemplated, namely, social intercourse, education, benevolence, etc. The recollection of the last and first Burns’ night had remained as a pleasant memory to all who were privileged to be present, and as an outcome the Society had now, he was pleased to say, taken a grip of Scotsmen wherever its aims and objects have been explained. The response made to the appeal for memberships had been warmly responded to, though it was such a short time since circulars had been sent out. The Society would be registered under the Incorporated Societies Act, 1908, the , legal work pertaining thereto being done as a labour of love by an enthusiastic “brithcr Scot,” this step being; considered necessary in order that the Society might have a proper legal status. Armorial bearing had been designed, and a block made. The design embodied the Royal Anns ■of Scotland and on a chief a representation of Mount Egmont, indicative of the Taranaki Society, the whole surmounted by a crest, namely, a thistle flowered, and motto “Dinna forget” underneath. Of course the arms were not yet sanctioned by the Lyon King of Arms, but they trusted that the Society would be able to have this done at some future date. Air Kennedy urged the members to do their utmost on behalf of the Society, to organise gatherings in their own districts, and to increase the membership whenever they got an opportunity. In conclusion, he paid a tribute to the untiring energy of their worthy secretary, Mr, A. Henderson, He thanked him fort the splendid work lie had done, and was doing. No one but those who wore directly in touch with him realised what an amount of work the initial stages of the Society had caused, and to what capable hands it had the good fortune to be trusted. He hoped that the motto “Dinna Forget” would apply to their attitude towards Mr Henderson’s services. The Secretary then gave a statement of the position of the Society and of the work done. Ho looked forward to more enthusiasm from the members and that of a practical kind. He would ask all intending members to send their names into the secretary without delay, as the list of original members closed on June Ist. He referred to the social which the Society is organising for May 24th, and hoped to see them doing the best to make the function a decided success. Mr R. McK. Morison moved that the Society affirm the principle that a Scottish scholarship he founded at; an early date for the benefit ’el eh idren of Scotch descent attending the Taranaki primary schools, and that this he a recommendation to the executive. Mr Morison said the position would have to he gone into fully by the executive, who would do their utmost to ‘bring the suggestion to a' successful issue, realising that by founding the scholarship they would he securing the interest of the rising generation of Scotsmen in the country. The motion was seconded by Mr W. Hood. The President emphasised t!ie fact that the matter was a big one. The , minimum scholarship would he £lO per' annum, and to assume £lO a fairly large capital sum would have to he invested. But for the first year or two the £lO could he subscribed by the members at a rate of a shilling ■ each. The motion was carried. Mr H. W. Douglas moved that the executive he asked to institute the system of mutual help as outlined by the secretary.—Carried. Mr Anderson moved that the Taranaki Provincial Scottish Society offer to take over from the Taranaki Caledonhin Pipe Band its uniforms, etc., by paying a deposit in cash and balance in instalments; and that the Society take steps to form a pipe hand. He stated that he understood that there were fourteen full uniforms, with but a small liability on them, this being held by one of its members. Mr Angus McLeod, who is a mem-, her of the hand, and who spoke on its behalf, said the meipbers were not desirous of changing the name or constitution, hut were decidedly against such a proposal, for the hand had been formed out of public subscription, and it was not fair to the subscribers to merge the band into any other organisation. The members were willing at any time, and at all times, to give the Society every assistance. Mr Henderson said that the Society had in its rules decided to form a pipe hand, and would form one; of course. They had no desire to absorb the pipe band, hut merely to associate it with the Society and to assist in its better management. Mr Anderson amended the motion to provide for the formation of a pipehand under the auspices of the Society, and empowering the executive to make arrangements in the matter with the Taranaki Caledonian Pipe Band.—Carried. Mr H. Cameron suggested that a social hall for the use of members bo provided in Stratford. This was referred to the executive. Air McLeod suggested that the Society should endeavour to secure the services of a good dancing master in the district; that is, that they should get in touch with a man and obtain employment for him. This was made a recommendation to the committee and adopted. The meeting placed on record its appreciation of the services of Mr Cyril H. Crokor, who had been of tho greatest assistance in forming the Society’s rules.-