THE TAIHAPE AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3421, 27 February 1920, Page 4

THE TAIHAPE AND DISTRICT CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

THE FIRST MI.-\'l_'Al. GATHERING A BR-ILLIA.\’T Sl.7CC‘l£o‘b‘. rho iaumpc and l)is't.rlcl Caledonian Soc-i:‘ty has (101110 to s[l3,_\—, as its lnitial ,gather-ing yr-srer«.lay fa.'rly «correctly demonstrated. Tlll'«_'.'ll«‘ning’ weather and slight rains did not prevent the success of the competitions, nor did they seem to affect the attendance of the general public thereaz. It is only a few weeks ago that Mr. W. McLaunan set the Caledonian ball rolling, and yet a more successful gathering from every view-point, has never taken place on the Taihape Recreation Grounds than that of yesterday. This is all the more gratifying because few Yollllg men in this Dominion, and particularly in Taihape, have the spirit that Lanimates the older sons of Caledonia. tin the arrangements for carrying out The annual Caledonian festival. The committee and secre~t':-n-y caught the true infection, however, and they worked with zest for the best, and were amply rewarded by the splendid result of their efforts. The presence of the Wanganui Pipe Band, and of visiting dancers, gave an almost perlfect Scotch atmosphere to the whole ’proceeding_, and for a while one could almost fancy himself back in Scot--lland. The Society were fortunafe in ‘_securing the attendance of the Wanga;nui Pipers, and they no doubt feel" that gratitude which Scotehmen detect and deeply appreciate. Their playing was excellent, and Scotchmen present could not resist the magnet, and to fall in behind the pipers would have been to follow their natural bent. The sports programme was a lengthy one; the prizes were such as to draw competition, and it was only on the running events that competition Was. slack. It is very doubtful indeed: whether Taihape people will again witness such an excellent ‘programme of dancing,‘ at least for a very long time to come, and unless pipers from afar can be induced to compete at Taihape, that inspiriting portion of ycsterday’s programme cannot be repeated at future gatherings. The judge had considerable difficulty in deciding the winners of the bagpipc events, three competitors were so much sidy-for-sidy, but Mr. G. Cameron carried off the gold medal. It may be remarked that the pibrochs were I played in a spirit that -made every old.‘ Scotchman’s pulse belat quicken. In the adult dancing the judge again had an unenviablc task, so uniformly good were all the performers. Mr. Kilgour’s Fling, Swords, and Hornpipe were undeniably superior, and to him fell MrMcKenzie Forbes’ gold medal. The I dancing of the ladies constituted theparexcellent portion of «the programme, -and one hesitates to even ven-

iture in praise of young ladies whose breasts, from neck to Waist, are coverled with gold medals won in the inafional dances of Old Caledonia. i'l‘aihape is not likely to witness any;thing ‘better than the performances of i May Thorn, J. McKenzie, and L. Reid. {May Thorn added another gold -medal Eto those already won. There were {few entries of boy dancers, only two staking lzhe platform. F. Reid earned the gold medal, but. Gordon McCornbie was a good runner-up; he was awarded first prize for ‘nornpipe. Girls under sixteen'gav‘e a Vey dainty emert'ainment, and provided anything but -an easy task for the adjudicator. It can only be said that every competitor acquiited herself well, and provided an enjoyable hour. In the dancing for lasses uder twelve years of age, the fact was demonstrated that the old Oaledonian dances have yet a strong hold upon the rising generation. The dancing of wee Jean McLaughlan was

[just splendid, and it is not surprising ‘that she took first honours for the ‘three events - Fling, Swords, and‘ Sheantreubhas. Billi Cotter and Ruby Bushby also danced exceedingly W-211. For the local boy or girl of 16 years, Gordon McCombie Won the Highland Fling, his sister Nell heme; second, and Violet Mason third. To Miss A. B. Ramsay was awarded prize 101‘ the best dressed {Highland lassie of 16 yeiars or under (in thg griund.

'l‘he athletic events, as a whtfe, only produced moderate «-,ompctltion, some of the running events for amateurs having only one entrant. In the contest ed races Mr H. Eacrn was most successful, with W. J. l\lun;'o as his run-

Vner-up. The horse jumping hmught ‘out a fair number of local ho:-«rs and ponies, and the jumping was not bad when Loafer and Shell Rock could only get third honours. One of HlO most enjoyable sports gafherings ever held in Taihape name to a close about 5.30 p.m. It may be mentioned, however, that the presi(le:lt Of the Society mef fihc secret'l'ry, Mr. F. M. Marlow in qffite a casual way on the Oval just befo" the close of the programme, and in a brief complimentary speech acknowledged the good Work performed‘ hy the ‘secretary in bringing the firstlgathering of the Caledonian_§oei\.f_v to a Strgzcessfuf

issue, and, as a memento of the 00,-! nasion, he presented Mr Marl-ow with a very pretty gold clasp and pin, the’ centre of the clasp being the bloom‘ of a. Scotch thistle in gold, the florets being a purple amethyst of thel ithist-le’s shade of colour. Mr Marlow] showed some surprise, but very apro-! gzriately acknowledged the compliment‘ rte president had paid him, and thanked him for the rating memento, which he would everheherish in memory of I the occasion. . . A PRIZE-LIST: K Following is the. list of.aWards:——~ l —Bagpipe Music.- ‘ '4. , Maiden Mal'c‘h—Hendle 1 and g°l<l medal, Griffen 2, Ross 3. I M.‘-arches——J'. Cameron 1, C. McDonald 2, R. Hladdow 3. Pibl'oChS-J. Cameron 1, Mc'Donaldl

-2, Hadow 3. Reels and Strathspeys—Cameron 1, McDonald 2, Haddow 3. J. Cameron won the gold medal for aggregate points. ——Dancing (Adults)Highland Fling——VV. Kilgour 1, R. Haddiow 2, D. McKenzie 3. SWords———W. Ki]-gour 1, R. Haddow 2, D. McKenzie 3. Reel 0’ Tulloch—D. McKenzie 1, A. Lake 2. ’ Sheantreubhas—R. Haddow 1, W. Kilgour 2, D. McKenzie 3. Highland Reel——Kilgour 1, Haddow 2, McKenzie 3. Irish Jig—-—A. Lake 1, D. McKenzie 2, W. Kilgour 3. Hornpipe—W. Kilgour 1, D. McKenzie 2, A. Lake 3. "Dancing (Ladies over 16) ‘ Highland Fling—-May Thorn 1, L. Reid 2, Jean McKenzie 3. Swords—J McKenzie 1. May Thorn 2, L. Reid 3. Sheanti-eu.bhas—May Thorn 1, J. Mc—Kenzie 2, L. Reid 3. Reel 0’ Tulloch—J. McKenzie 1, May Thorn 2, L. Reid 3. Irish Jig—May Thorn 1, J. McKenzie 2, A. Ramsay 3. Hornpipe—D. McLellan 1, Jean McKenzie 2, May Thorn 3. Gold Medal for aggregate, May Thorn. ‘ ———Boys_under 16. Highland Fling—F. Reid 1, G. Mc~ Combie 2. Highland Reel——-F. Reid I,‘e. McCombie 2._ ' Sheantreubhas——F. Reid 1, G. McCombie 2. Hornpipe-—G. McCombie 1. Gold medal for aggregate-—F. Reid. .’ ——Girls under 16.Highland ‘Fling—-F. McKenzie 1, M. O’Connor 2, E. Patterson 3. 'SWords—F. Mc‘Kenzie 1, M. O’Con~ nor 2, E. Patterson 3. Sheantreubhas——T. McKenzie 1, E. Patterson 2, M. O’Connor 3. I-lighlond Reel——T. McKenzie 1, E. Patterson 2, M. o’Conor 3. Irish Jig—Jean McLachlan 1, M. o’Conor 2, T. McKenzie 3. Hornpipe———M. O’Connor 1, T. McKenzie 2, R. Bushby 3. ——Girls under 12.—— Highland Fling—Jean McLaughl!a.n 1, Billie Cotter 2. R. Bushby 3. Swords-—J. I\lcLaughlan .1, Ruby Bushby 2, Bilie Cotter 3. Sheantl'eubhas; Jean McLaughlan 1, Billie Cotter 2, Ruby Bushby 3. Hornpipe—Jean McLaughlan 1, R. Bushby 2. -——Local (16 and over.)— ' Highland Fling—Gordon McCombie 1, Nell McCombie 2, Violet Mason 3. Best dressed Highland Lassie, 16 and under—A. B. ‘Ramsay 1. —Athletic Events.—High Jump———Peterse-n 1, Harris 2. Putting the Shot——Tau Chadwick 1, Shearman 2.‘ Throwing the Hammer——-McLean 1, Stone 2.

Tossing the Caber——Ross (42ft. 9in) 1, Norman 2. Hop,Step and Jump—P. Pine 1, T. Bennett 2. V Stepping the Chain——Seven competitors tied for first, judging Within half~an-inch of the distance. Golf Pu’rting——W. Gregory. Wrestling( Cum.berland)——E. Anderson 1. P. O’Connell 2, L. R. Dalziell 3. Wrestling Clzutcl: as Catch Can)——E. Anderson 1, L. R. Dalziell 2, C. Reichardt 3. —Running Events75yds. Amateur———J. Pearson‘ (only competitor). 120yds. Amateur——J. Pearson 1, (only competitor)’ 75yds. Open H.andicap~4H. Eaton 1, W. J. Munro 2, Reid 3. 120yds. Open Handicap-—H. Eaton 1 W. J. Munro 2, A. H. Joblin 3. ' —_—Hol-se Ee\fent.s.—Open Hunfers—W, Scott’s Coker’s Prince 1, P. Coogan’s Ginger Mick 2, T. Bradle_v’s Loafer 3; A Pony Jump-—Mudgway’s Tango 1, J. Anderson’s Belle 2, W. Murphy’s Shell Rock 3. 4

THE CONCERT. The Town Hall was taxed to its utmost capacity last, night, the «measion being the holding of the National Concert to wind up “A Braw Scots’ Day” with “A Bmw Scots’ Nicht”— though not of the kind immortaliscd‘ in verse by Will Ogilvic. Previous to the commencemexgt, of the conceit ‘II9

L Wanga.‘nui4Pipe Band marched through ‘L the town to the hall playing a spirited l tune. As the skirl of the pipes broke \the silence of the night, people could [be seen hurrying from all directions, l and soon both sides of the street were lcrowded with young and old keeping step with the pipers. On reaching the hall the band halted, and played a. couple of items, meanwhile people were streaming into the building. Shortly after 8 o’elock the concert commenced by the Pipe Bannd playing 3, selection of Scottish hairs, and so delighted the audience that they were recalled. Mr. J. Wham, who is ever a. favourite with local -audiences, contributed -a vocal item, “Scotland Yet” in his usual able manner, and in response to an imperative encore, sang “Annie Laurie” with expression.

“Bonnie Dundee,” rendered in a very spirited manner, served to introduce to a. local audience Mr. Farquhar Young, a Scots vocalist of Dominionwide reputation, who by his undoubted vocal ability and genial personality, quickly won his way into the favour of the audience. Mr. Young has a round, flexible bass voice, which he uses to .great advantage. .-is a recall number he rendered “Donovan,” that quaint Irish song. As a fine exhibition of Highland dancing, “The Reel 0’ Tulloch,” by Misses Jean McKenzie and Daisy McLellan and Messrs McKenzie and Kilgour, was a very interesting number; with such champions participating it could hardly be otherwise. An encore had to be conceded. Though only '3. little fellow, Master Grieve, of Wellington, as a diminutive Harry Lauder, was -a revelation to those who heard him, his rendition of “Killieci-ankie?’ being given in inimitable style, his Doric accent and the rich roll on the “r’s” tickling the ‘audience immensely. He had to respond to an emphatic encore, rendering “Stop your Ticklin’, Jock.” A Highland fling and Sheantreubhas, danced by Miss May Thorn, was given splendidly, the time and rhythm being perfect. These items Were really -the final for the Chlampion £5 55 gold medal, but Mr. Kilgour, who tied with Miss Thorn, declined to compete against her. Miss Thorn received a great ovation. A beautifully executed Spanish dance, with castanets, was given by Miss Thelma McKenzie, her performance being an ideal exemplification of the poetry of motion. Mrs. Farquhar Young, another vocalist new

to Taihape, sang very sweetly, and with taste and expression, “The Old Scotch Songs.” Mrs. Young possesses a mezzo-soprano viocc of rare ch'arnl‘ and sweetness, the -rni'ddle and lower‘ registers being particularly full and! round, and the incidental nuances‘ were given with a skill which bespeakrs. the true artist. “Callerow,” in reply to a recall, was an altogether delightful number. A fantasia on Scottish airs, for violin and piano, played by the Masters Crawford, was an acceptable number. Mr Watson sang f‘Loch Lomond,” but Scotssongs are hardly his forte. The audience were eagerly looking forward to the duct between Mr. and Mrs. Young," which appeared on the programme, and they were delightcd with the whimsical item, “I’nL Thinkin’,” in which the by—play between the pair as the song prog:-essed was most amusing. “Foolish Questions,” as an encore number, was a humorous reminder of the foolish questions one meets with every day. So pleased was the audience that they insisted on another item, and the vocalists good-humourcdly complied with “It’s Mother.” The second part of the programme was opened by a pipe selection by Mr. Jock Cameron, of M‘-ataura, New Zealand’s champion piper. He was very warmly received, and his playing was listened to with pleasure by the many Scots present. Master Grieve, in his inimitable way, explained “Why I Wear the Kilts,” after which he confidentially told the audience what it was like to be “Fu’ t.hc'Noo.” Mr. Young declaimed with great vigour and skill “The March of the Cameron Men,” which was received with applause. Of quite another character was his musical monologue, “The Old Soldier,” with its note of pathos. A Scotch reel was szplen-didly {danced by the juveniles, Masters G. McCombic- and F. Reid, and Jean McLachlan and Billie Cotter. Mrs. Young again entranced her audience with the old favouritc “C'aller Herrin,” and in reply to recall contributed the humorous number “Hide and Seek,” which disclosed the fact that she has considerable powers as a mimic. The Masters Crawford played la. very pleasing violin and pianoforte duct. The most delightful item of the evening was the duet between Mr and Mrs Young, “The Crooked Bawbee,” in which both vocalists sang and acted with perfect sympathy, and as the‘ b"‘-Wt)’ and padres of the story were 11I1f01d€d the audience was captivated“ Miss Maggie o’Connor danced an Irish Jig with abandon and pl'e'c.ision, andl I'9“‘—‘iV°d the plaudits of the ‘audience for her excellent effort. Masteri Grieve’s re-appearance was the signal for 5‘ Storm Of aPl3lallse, which was repeated when he explained Why he had a partiality for “Sunday Mm.ning_n Mr. J. Wham broke new ground when he appeared as avery lumpy Higlllan. der, contrifiuting “In the Gleaming”

and “A Wee Deoeh and Doris, hie el:'— fort boizig appreciated and p'artieipat.ed in by the audience. The singing of‘ “Aulii Lang Sync" by the evening’s performers, with hands crossed in true Scots fashion, brought to a conclusion one of the most. successful and enjoyable concerts ‘ever held in Taihape——— one that will certainly leave a very warm glow in the breast of every son and daughter of Caledonia who were fortunate enough to be present. IV[l'S. Stan. Peyton played the acc.ompzl‘niments in her usual able and sympathetic manner, and contributed Very materially to the success of the vocalists. The music for the dancing was played by Messrs. Hladdow (a piper of Homeland fame), J. Cameron and one or two members of the Pipe Band whose names we were unable to obtain.

A word of praise is also due to the organisers of the concert for the Bompleteness of the arrangements, which reflects ‘the grerateést credit on those who were entrusted therewith.