ST. ANDREW SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 March 1939, Page 7

ST. ANDREW SOCIETY

PAST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES GOOD PROGRESS RECORDED. DANCING AND DRAMATIC ART. The sixth annual report of the St Andrew Society, to be presented at the annual meeting tonight, by the Chief, Mr H. Mackenzie Douglas, states: — “When the society was formed early in 1933, the object of its founders was' to establish a* society that should foster all things Scottish. Not only has that original object always been kept in mind, but successive councils have found it possible to do more and more towards its attainment. The society’s gatherings during the past season, all held in favourable weather, attracted large attendances. The society/ was honoured by visits from the Ruahine Pipe Band, the Wellington Caledonian Society’s Pipe Band and the Wairarapa College Pipe Band. The concert items presented were of true Scots flavour and of high artistic value. Talks on Scots subjects were as usual included in the programme, in particular one by Professor lan A. Gordon of Victoria University College, who took as his subject “Some Writers in Modern Scots.” Miss Kate Steven of Glasgow, a member of the council of the Saint Andrew Society of Glasgow, gave a short address on the aims and ideals of her society. Our patron, Mr Hugh Morrison, also gave us an interesting and entertaining talk. Skill in Scottish country dances has extended so widely among members and the members take such evident pleasure in them, that it is now possible to occupy a whole evening, without the introduction of any other form of dancing. In short the society has every reason for satisfaction in the way its founders’ objects are being attained. Gratitude is expressed to Messrs M. C. Walker, Alex Cruickshank and T. Pickett (Chief’s piper) for their valuable attention and guidance at dancing practices. Mention is made Of the presentation at the local drama festival of a play, “Drumgarth,” and it is observed that the society’s gatherings during the year were remarkably well attended. The society has lent its support to the efforts of the Wairarapa Pipe Band (Carterton)' to establish itself, by providing concert items and patronage at its social evenings. In accordance with the suggestion at last annual meeting the society has become affiliated to the Scottish Country Dance Association. The society now regularly receives the association’s publications and this should add greatly to the society’s repertory of Scots dances. The council has also taken a small part in the agitation for the formation 'of Highland regiments ’in New Zealand. The society offered its services to the Wairarapa College in raising funds to enable the College Pipe Band to attend the Dominion Pipe Band Contest at Christchurch. By means of a successful concert sufficient funds were raised to assure the band’s attendance. Thanks are expressed to the Wairarapa Trust Lands Trustees, the Masterton Borough Council, the (Mayor (Mr T. Jordan) and sundry 'others for donations to the fund. “Miss Coila McCracken during the year resigned her membership of the council, owing to her marriage and departure from Masterton,” the report states. “Miss McCracken had long undertaken the’organisation of concert programmes on behalf of the society, and her departure was a serious loss. Mr Wm. C. Mann was elected to fill the vacancy in the council and he assumed the duties of programme organiser. The society is greatly indebted to Mr Mann for placing at its disposal his great skill and experience in concert organisation. Presentations were made to Miss McCracken from the society and from’ her associates on the council, in recognition of her services. ‘“Mr Thos. Pickett was approved as a Chief’s piper in addition to Mr David McLeish. Mr Pickett’s ungrudging jervices to the society have more than ustifited the appointment. The society's sympathy is extended to ex-Chief-tainess Miss Isabella Munro in her illness. All members will hope for her speedy recovery.” Thanks are expressed to Mr Robert Milne for again auditing the society’s accounts, to the members of the council and to the honorary secretary and treasurer (Mr H. P. Glen) for loyal support during the year; also Mesdames Allan and Bell and the ather ladies for managing catering arrangements. All artists who assisted n programmes are also thanked.