TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2399, 15 September 1892, Page 2

TEMUKA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

The annual m eetiug of the Temuka Caledonian Society was held last evening in the Star Hotel. Mr A. M. Clark, (President) occupied the chair, and about 30 members were present. ANNUAL REPORT. The fourth annual report of the directors was read as follows : "It is exceedingly gratifying to the directors to again meet the members of the Sooiety at the annual meeting with such encouraging reports as to the continued success and evident popularity which has attended the Society during the past term. Unquestionably the annual gatherings and winter entertainments are looked forward to with expectanoy by those who are members as well as by the outside public, and the interest taken and the enthusiasm displayed in the doings of the Society warrant a hope that the aims which led to its inception are being faithfully fulfilled. Your Society, following the precepts of its President in never retrograding, but always progressing, inaugurated a dinner on St. Andrew's Day —the first, we believe, successfully carried through in honor of Scotland's Patron Saint in the district. The dinner was eminently a success, friends and well-wishers being present from a distance. From the sentiments expressed at the dinner it was evident that all present were animated by the sentiments expressed in the Society's motto, ' Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu !'—viz.,' Remember the people you came from !' It is to be hoped that this aunual gathering will be maintained iu; its fullest meaning.

" Annual Gathering The annual gathering was held in the Victoria Park on Boxing Day, and resulted in every way a most pronounced success. Such an enormous attendance has not been witnessed on the grounds before, and the universal verdict of the spectators was commendatory of the various events competed for, as well as the management in securing continued interest and getting events off up to time. The Society can claim that for a one day's gathering, they had more competitors in the field, and that there was a larger value in the prize list, and a larger attendance of spectators compared with the population of the district, than any other Society's gathering in the colony can be accredited with. " The Annual Concert—This followed the Sports Gathering and secured an enviable attendance, the large Drill Shed being full. A capital programme was submitted, the directors as usual procuring the best available talent in the colony. " Winter Entertainments —Two socials were held during the winter, and socially were a great success. The Society were unfortunate in getting wet weather, which mitigated somewhat against the attendance.

" The Annual Ball.—This was held on Thursday, August 25th, and the Society was again unfortunate in getting wet weather, but, notwithstanding that fact, it was even more successful than the last one. The Drill Shed was enveloped in one mass of drapery and flags, and the ferns and evergreens were the admiration of everyone. The thanks of the directors are due to Mr T. Gunnion, who went to some considerable trouble and inconvenience to procure these, also for the very handsome manner in which he carried out the decorating. With good music and a floor which had received every attention, lovers of dancing had no reason to complain. It was remarked that this latter gathering was immently sociable, and has done much to advance the interest of the Society. " Acknowledgements.—The thanks of the Society are due to A. E. G. Rhodes, Esq., for the sum of £5 to the funds of the Society; also to J. M. Twomey, Esq., for the sum of £1 10s. " The Finances.—Your directors went to some considerable expense this year in fencing in the running track, and in procuring grass seed for the same, besides buying gear necessary for the carrying on of the sports. In connection with the ground improvements your directors have to acknowledge their indebtedness to the president (Mr A. M. Clark) for his liberal contribution towards the fencing of the track, he having supplied the whole of the material free of any charge, besides lending valuable assistance in the matter of its erection. Your directors might also state that in response to a requisition from the Society the Domain Board took steps to have substantial improvements effected to the track and grounds generally. Notwithstanding this heavy outlay we have a balance over the year's transactions, and your directors are confident of a considerable increase in the finances during the coming season. The last £lO due to Oddfellows has been paid, which terminates the amount promised, viz, £4O. " Your Directors, in conclusion, would urge upon the members collectively and individually to endeavour to maintain the interest in the society, by introducing as many eligible members as possible, as they believe the gatherings arranged by the Society are calculated to promote harmony of feeling, and human sympathy amongst the residents of the district. The thanks of your directors are here expressed to Mr Mabin, the hon. piper, and also to the many ladies and gentlemen who in any way contributed to the success of the Society."

The balance-sheet showed that the balance from last year was £66 7s sd, and total receipts were £368 Is, making a grand total of £434 8s sd. The expenditure amounted to £360 13s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £76 3s 2d. To this was to be added the value of the property of the Society, £4O, making a total credit of £ll6 3s 2d.

In moving the adoption of the report | and balance-sheet, the President said it was with pleasure he moved such a favorable balance-sheet. It was very satisfactory, considering the times and bad harvest. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see the Society so healthy. It was one of the best in the country, and it was spoken of all over the colony. He thanked them all for the supjjort he had received as President. Looking back, they had had many successes. Their sports, cencerts, etc., were all a very great success, and the socials were the most enjoyable he had seen; and if the Society did nothing more than to bring people together at them it did good work. Their ball was also a great success, and he hoped to see it one of the best in South Canterbury. He thanked them, as their President, and in retiring he wished to express his gratitude to them, and hoped that whoever was his successor he would be equally well supported. Mr Murray seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. Mr Twomey said this was the time to express their appreciation of the management of the Society during the previous year. They had balance-sheet with assets £ll6, and liabilities nil. This was what could not have been met with in many places, and they ought to express their appreciation of it. He would therefore move a hearty vote of thanks to the President and the officers of the past year, and he had no doubt it would be carried by acclamation. Their President desired to retire, but he had hopes they would be able to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Mr Twomey then dealt at considerable length on all that the President had done for the Society, and expressed a hope that all those present would use their influence to get Mr Clark to take the Presidency for another year.

Mr McCaskill seconded the motion. Mr Lawson also spoke, and it was carried by acclamation.

The President then left the chair which was taken by the Secretary, Mr Mogridge, and the election of officers was proceeded with. ELECTION OP OFFICERS. Mr Twomey moved —" That Mr A. M. Clark be re-elected president." Mr D. Henry seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. Mr Clark, declined on tho ground that he had held it for four years now, and it was time some one else was elected.

The meeting, however, brought great pressure to bear on Mr Clark to accept the presidency for the ensuing year, and ultimately he agreed to do so. The following directors were then elected, viz. : Messrs D. Taylor, W. McCallum, r J. Murray, A. W. Mann, D. Henry, M. Quinn, F. Dignan, A. Bisset, A. G. Cox, J. Marshall, G. McMillan, A. Scott, J. Angland, J. McCaskill, M. Scannell, P. Campbell, D. McLean, J. M. aSTaughton, E. S. Smith, and A. Russell. The meeting then terminated.

A meeting of the directors was afterwards held, a report of which will appear in our next.