HALLOWE’EN.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1922, Page 5

HALLOWE’EN.

OLD CUSTOMS RECALLED. SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S FUNCTION. The Workers’ Hall presented a festive scene last night, on the occasion of the Scottish Society’s commemoration of Hallowe’en, and the hall presented a gay appearance. Hundreds of tiny flags, grouped at the centre into festoons, decorated the central portion, while the circle wjis covered with massed greenery over bunting. Bunches of pink blossoms peeped between more foliage from the walls, but pride of place was given to the Lion Rampant, the Royal Ensign of Scotland, hanging directly before the stage. Another Scottish flag, facing St. Andrews Cross on the opposite side of the hall, bore the autographs of Sir Hector Macdonald and Earl Roberts—a cherished relic of the South African war. Bowls of lilies and azaleas formed a fitting foreground for the stage. Prior to the supper parade, Pipe-Major Sinclair gave ah interesting and instructive Hallowe’en address, tracing the origin of the custom from the ancient days to the present accepted proceedings. In many parts of the Highlands of Scotland the custom of lighting fires, round which the company seated themselves, was still in vogue. A lassie would place two nuts on the glowing embers —one for herself and the other representing her lover. If the nuts split and cracked together, the course of true love would be smooth; but if one, in bursting flew out of the fire, she would be advised to seek another object for her affections. Hallowe’en had a deeper meaning to those present. It meant that the name of Scotland would be revered and honored wherever Scottish people gathered together. The ancient Scottish parade in honor of the haggis was then duly performed. Led by the pipes, a brawny Highlander, in full costume, followed by members of the clan, bore in the haggis and circled the hail twice to a central table. There the chieftain’s wife made the initial cut, as Clansman Mac Diarmid recited Burns’ address to the haggis. Earlier proceedings had opened by the introduction of Chief R. W. D. Robertson by the former chief, Mr. A. M. MacDiar--mid. In reply, Mr. Robertson briefly sketched the formation and aims of the Scottish Society, and appealed to all who still clung to a love of their homeland and its traditions to delay no longer in enrolling” and associating themselves with the society. Mr. J. B. Erskine opened the musical programme by singing “Hail, Caledonia!” and “Sleep and the Roses.” Miss Jenny Rae, in costume, danced a highland fling in faultless style, followed by the Seaun Triubhais. As an Irish colleen, she executed a quaint old Irish jig, which was enthusiastically encored. Another dainty dancer who found great favor was Miss Flora Adams, who gave a highland dance. Pipe-Major Sinclair accompanied all these items. Songs were contributed by Miss Daisy Leitch, Mrs. D. H. Thomson, Miss R. Horne, Mr. K. Ward, and Mr. R. Bennoch. Mrs. J. B. Erskine played the accompaniments.

After supper the floor was cleared for dancing, the music for some of the dances being provided by the pipes.