TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1768, 26 July 1888, Page 4

TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

A meeting to discuss the advisability of starting a Popular Sports Society in Temuka was held in the Temuka Hotel on Tuesday even ng last, about thirty-five persons being present. It had qeen arranged that Mr A, M, Clark should preside, but as he could not attend, on the motion of Mr Quinn, seconded by MrE. Lee, Mr D. Henry took the chair. The Chairman read the advertisement in the Temuka Leader calling the meeting. Apologies for non attendance were received from Messrs K. F. Gray, A. Grant, W. Ackroyd, and J L. Flint. Letters from the Secretaries of the Caledonian Societies at Timaru, Christchurch, Ashburton, and Waimate, with their rules aud regulations, etc., were laid on the table. The Chairman called on Mr John Lawson, the convener of the meeting, to give his views on the matter.

Mr Lawson expressed his gratification at seeing so many present. For some time it had seemed to him, and he believed to many others, that Temuka was only poorly represented in the way of athletic sports. Practically all that had been done had been done by the Oddfellows, to whom he gave all honor for stepping in and keeping the ball rolling when others had held back. But he thought the time bad now come when something bolder might be attempted. After thinking the matter over with Mr Henry and some “ brither Scots ” he had concluded that a society on the lines of the Caledonian Society m Timaru might be attempted in Temuka. They had in their midst every facility for forming such a society. There were enough sportsmen present to form the nucleus of such a society, and in Victoria Park they had a ground that with little difficulty could be made equal to any in the colony. He had written to the secretaries of several societies and obtained from them copies of rules and regulations, which were now before them. He did not think the proposed society would do any harm to the Oddfello ■'s’ sports. The sports could be amalgamated, or, failing that, he thought that the impetus given to athletic sports generally by the inauguration of the proposed society could not but have a beneficial effect on the Oddfellows sports. He bad at first thought that it wmuld be well that the proposed society should be styled “ Caledonian,” but as there were already many societies of that name it bad been suggested that it should be of a more national character. Mr Lawson concluded by slating that he hoped to see a good discussion, and that it would not be said that the people of Temuka were too faint hearted to give a simple matter like this a fair trial.

In reply to Mr J. M, Naughton, the Chairman said it was not intended that the proposed Society should amalgamate with any other Society for the purpose of holding sports. There were insuperable objections in the way. The Society would be independent. Mr Gaze thought if such a Society were formed it would give such an impetus to athletic sports in the district that the sports held under the auspices of the Oddfellows Society would be bound to benefit. He agreed with Mr Lawson; that the.interests of the two Societies would not clash. There was plenty of room for two meetings in the year. He hoped the Society if formed would partake of the character of Caledonian Societies* which not only fostered athletic sports, but promoted benevolence, education, etc. They had a grand example in the Timaru Society, which had founded a scholarship. Mr Quinn said he thought they had plenty of material in the district to form a society. It was patent to all that the Caledonian Society in Timaru was by no means biassed against any of the competitors—it made no difference between Irish, Scotch and English. The same was the ease at Christchurch, Dunedin (the forerunner of all the other Societies), and other places. The sports were open to all. With the view of testing tho feeling of those present, he would move — “ That a Sports’ Society be formed, and that it be called ‘ The Temuka Caledonian Society.’ ” They were all mixed up in the colony. He was sure the various Caledonian Societies had been of service, and had done good work. Ho referred lo the good feeling and harmony promoted at a meeting of the Caledonian Society in Timaru, and the playing of the bagpipes by the sight of English, Scotch, and Irish Hags floating together on the breeze. He hoped all would pull together as one man to make the Society a success. He wished to say that he saw no reason why the sports and those held by the Oddfellows, who had done good work fur the last 12 years, should clash. He hoped and trusted they would not clash. Mr Williams seconded the motion. Dr Hayes wished to know whether, if they took the name of a “ Caledonian Society,” they would be affiliated to any other ■ society, or wduld it be independent. For his part he did not think they could take that name unless they complied with the special regulations adopted by the societies of that name in Scotland and other pla,ces. He took it that the Societies in Timaru and Ashburton, ami such a one as they proposed to form, would be branches.

The Chairman, Mr Jas. McLeod (Orari), and others present expressed the opiu'on that the Society would be independent, and the motion, after some further discussion, was put and carried unanimously. Proposed by Mr Williams, seconded by Mr Turner (Geraldine), and carried—“ That a Committee be formed to draw up rules and report to another meeting.” The following gentlemen (with power to add to their number) were then appointed a Committee, ou the motion of Mr Lawson Messrs A, M. Clark, A. Grant, J. T. M. Hay hurst, J, Guild, J. Murray, J. Blyth, M. Quinn, D. Henry, W. G. Aspinall, W. McLeod, J. McLeod, J. M. Naughton, A. R. Allan, Jas. Scott, W. Ackrojd, Jas. Hay, A. Eussell, E. Let?, W. Bayne, J. Angland, M. Scannell, J. Lawson, E. Waddell, K. F. Gray, P. Coira, J. L. Flint, and Dr flayes. Dr Hayes proposed, Mr Lawson seconded, and it was carried—“ That the annual sucscription be 10s, and life members, £5.” Twenty-four of those present then joined tho Society. .Mr Quinn proposed—“ That the Chairman, and Secretary pro tern, Mr Mogi’iJge, call a meeting of the Committee at a future date, to draw up the rules, etc.” He thought it would be well to do this, as many of the gentlemen whoso names were on the -Committee were not present. Mr Lawson seconded the proposal. Mr McL- od moved as an amendment —“That the Committee meet after the close of this meeting, to appoint a Secretary and do other necessary work.” Mr Naughton seconded (he amendment. Dr Hayes also spoke iu favor of the amendment. The motion was carried. A vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding over, and to Mr Lawson for convening, the meeting, terminated the proceedings.