SAINT ANDREW SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1939, Page 7

SAINT ANDREW SOCIETY

MONTHLY GATHERING,

MOST ENJOYABLE PROGRAMME. If there is any fault to be found with the gatherings of the Saint Andrew So ■ ciety, it is that the Masonic Hall is not large enough to accommodate the number of people who wish to take part. The crowd at Saturday evening’s gathering was greater than ever, notwithstanding that the attendance is confined to members and invited guests. The Wairarapa- College Pipe Band was on this occasion the guest of the Society and the items it provided, its smart bearing, and the *bright Macintosh tartan of its uniforms added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening. After a street march (in which the band was a centre of attraction to throngs of cinema patrons) the band marched into x the hall, and, after being drawn up in appropriate formation, opened the concert programme with a stirring item. This was followed by songs by Mrs. J.. Moss ("The Auld Scots Sangs” and “Jessie’s Dream”) and Mr. Ronald Gilbert (Border' Ballad and “Lord Randall”). Humorous recitations by Chieftainess, Mrs. Robert Miller, were succeeded by a pipe solo (“Captain Towse, V.C.”) by Piper Neil Dickel of the College Band. Mrs. Neil McKay,. M.A. (Edin.) who is a native of Edinburgh, then gave a brief talk entitled “Memories of Scotland.” This was’ delivered with touches of the dry, and somewhat subtle, humour that is typically Scots, and proved highly entertaining and instructive. Mrs. McKay succeeded in holding the attention and interest of those of her hearers who were colonial Scots; but her greatest appeal was, of course, to those who had actually been born and bred in Scotland. The varying expressions of the latter, as the speaker recalled old memories, grave and gay, provided an interesting study. After Mrs. McKay’s talk, the concert continued, with songs by Mr. L. Dilnot Wales. “Scots wha hae” and “Turn ye to me’l) and Miss Doreen Jamieson (“Caller-ou” and “The Spinning Wheel”). In the absence of the official accompanist, Mrs. H. M. Morton, the accompaniments were played by Mr. Miller Hope. At the end of the concert programme, when the floor had been cleared for dancing, the College Band gave another item, in which, with the added floor space, it was able to' display its skill in military evolutions.

MOST ENJOYABLE PROGRAMME.

If there is any fault to be found with the gatherings of the Saint Andrew So ■ ciety, it is that the Masonic Hall is not large enough to accommodate the number of people who wish to take part. The crowd at Saturday evening’s gathering was greater than ever, notwithstanding that the attendance is confined to members and invited guests. The Wairarapa- College Pipe Band was on this occasion the guest of the Society and the items it provided, its smart bearing, and the ffiright Macintosh tartan of its uniforms added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening.

It appeared to be the general opinion that the concert was one of the best so far provided by the society. That, it may be said, is no mean praise for the society and its programme organiser, Mr. Wm. C. Mann. The usual programme of dancing fol-, lowed the concert, and, as nowadays appears inevitable at the society’s gatherings. the floor was at times overcrowded, especially when the dances were of a particularly Scottish flavour. Dancing continued enthusiastically till midnight, when the singing of "Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem, brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

Music for the Scots dancing was provided by Chief’s Piper T. Pickett, Pipe-Sergeant A. Mackenzie Douglas and Piper N. Dickel, of the College Band.

During the ’course of the evening it was announced that an enthusiastic member, Mr. McGovern, was seriously ill, and general regret was expressed at this. Regret was also expressed at the departure from Masterton of Mrs. Taylor, who had always rendered efficient and willing service in the catering department. Owing to the holiday, the usual Monday night dance practice will not be held this evening.