TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1892, 16 May 1889, Page 3

TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

t The first “ Ingleside ” gathering ir , connection with the above society ? took place on Tuesday evening. Eoi the occasion the large Volunteer Drill Shed was engaged, and this, with the several convenient ante-rooms, proved a most suitable place. The building was very tastefully decorated, a liberal display of flags, among which the Standard of Scotland was conspicuous, together with masses of evergreens, serving to screen the otherwise barren walls and roof. The floor, which has lately been relaid and planed, was in capital condition for dancing, and the general arrangements made for the comfort of the guests may be characterised as excellent. The programme of the evening's amusement consisted of songs and dancing, with intervals for conversation and instrumental music. Shortly after eight o’clock, by which time between 200 and 300 persons were present, the president, Mr A. M, Clark, ascended the stage, which had been erected at one side of the building, and in a few words welcomed those present, at the same time expressing the hope that they would thoroughly enjoy themselves, and that it would not be the last occasion by many at which they would meet: The Misses Quinn then played a duet upon the piano which was evidently appreciated. Mr Early contributed a song, which was followed by dances, with songs at intervals, until an adjournment was made for refreshments. After supper came more songs and dancing, until advantage was taken of a convenient opportunity to present the trophies won at the Boxing-Day Sports. The president, speaking of the formation of the society, thanked the directors and workingpommitteefor their exertions, which had made their gathering such a success. He was, himself he claimed, no mean judge of pipe music, and he could say with all confidence that the pipe music heard at Caledonian gatherings in New Zealand was of the best. At their sports the winner of the president’s prize for pipe music was Mr James Campbell, a piper who had served his country in the 42nd Highlanders, a regiment in which he (the president) felt a special interest from the fact of his father having been an officer therein. Under the circumstances he felt more than usual pleasure in presenting Mr Campbell with the special prize won by him. Two prizes were also awarded for Highland dancing, one, the gift of Messrs J. and T. Young, consisted of a cut glass inkstand silver mounted, the other, presented by Messrs Bower and Eergusson, was a brooch in the form of a dagger. There having been a tie for these events the winners were satisfied with money prizes, and the trophies would be competed for at another gathering. The president then presented Mr Campbell with his prize, a cairngorm handsomely mounted as a brooch, which he fixed to his plaid. Mr Campbell briefly returned thanks. Dancing, was then resumed, and kept up until about two o’clock on "Wednesday morning, when the president in a brief speech thanked the committee who had undertaken the management of the gathering, and invited all to join in singing “ Auld Lang Syne.” Needless to say this invitation was heartily responded to. This terminated the evening’s amusement, which was certainly one of the most enjoyable that has ever been organised in Temuka. In the course of the evening songs were contributed by Mrs Foster, the Misses Connolly and McLeod, and Messrs McCaskill and Smith. Mr Sim gave a comic Scotch reading, and Mr Lawson made a decided hit by reciting a few stanzas from “Tam o’ Shanter,” Mrs Foster (piano), and Messrs Langridge(violin), Eayner (flute), and J. Andrews (clarionet) played “My Dream,” waltz, excellently. Messrs Levens and Goodwillie provided capital music for general dancing, while Mr Campbell, the society’s piper, infused a wonderful amount of spirit into his reels and schottisches. Messrs Quinn, Mogridge, Henry, Allan, and Lawson, the management committee, acted as stewards, and to them much credit is due for the regulation of the programme, &c. Mr A. Bissett was a most efficient M,C. The refreshments, which were most ample, were provided by Messrs Murray, Allan, McLeod, Clark, and Naughton. Mesdames McLeod, and Allan, with several assistants, took care that due justice was done to the fare provided, Eor the convenience of such as felt disposed a card room and smoking room was provided. In fact, every detail that could add to the enjoyment of the evening was scrupulously attended to, and the memories left by the first “ Ingleside ” of the Temuka Caledonian Society cannot fail to be pleasant ones.