ST. ANDREW SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 March 1941, Page 7

ST. ANDREW SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON. MEETING IN MASTERTON TONIGHT. The annual meeting of the St. Andrew Society. Masterton, will be held tonight. The report, which is signed on behalf of the council by the Chief, Mr. H. Mackenzie Douglas, states inter alia: — “The past season has seen a further successful attainment by the Society of its objects, notwithstanding the serious handicap of the existence of a state of war. Membership, moreover, has continued to increase and. at the end of the financial year there were about 220 financial members. Membership of the Scottish Country Dance Association has been continued, and dance practices were held throughout the season. The society ended the season with a credit balance of £l3 Is 5d as against £32 0s Id last year. This does not, however, mean that the Society has suffered loss, as assets valued at £22 were added during the year. The actual cost of these assets was £26 9s 3d. "Thanks to the efforts of the musical director, Mr. Wm. C. Mann, the annual St. Andrew’s Night Concert was another great success, both artistically and financially. Half the net proceeds were, on this occasion, devoted to patriotic purposes. A special concert was given in aid of the Army Queen funds. The society also sent a concert party to Eketahuna to assist patriotic efforts there, and another concert party provided entertainment at one of the kpreros of the Mafsterton Savage Club. All these entertainments were organised by Mr. Mann, to whom sincere thanks are due. The Savage Club reciprocated by sending a concert party to one of the society’s gatherings; it is hoped to make this interchange of visits an annual affair. A special gathering which filled the large Municipal Hall, was held in aid of patriotic fund,s which were thereby materially augmented. The society was pleased to extend a welcome to the young Scots who came to this district to escape the German bombing in Scotland. They were guests at two gatherings; in particular, the Halloween gathering. It is proposed that these children be elected honorary members during their stay with us. The formation of the Saint Andrew Ladies’ Choir is a matter that calls for special mention. This, also, was the work of Mr. Wm. C. Mann. The choir has performed with distinction at the Saint Andrew’s Night Concert, and at the concert given in aid of the Army Queen funds. The Saint Andrew Pipe Band is making good progress under the leadership of PipeMajor Hounslow. Besides assisting al the society’s gatherings and concerts, the band has rendered valuable service for patriotic objects, and for the Home Guard. It is unfortunate that existing conditions make it impossible, and improper, to launch an appeal to furnish the band with uniforms. The society has lost additional members through departure on active service. This meeting will be asked to elect the following as honorary members: Colonel Irving, Messrs. L. Roach, J. Allen, Jun., J. Burns, L. Hudson, G. F. Milne and McDonald, During the year, Mr. S. Keith, owing to other calls on his time, was obliged to relinquish the honorary secretaryship and treasurership. His past services were recognised by your council by giving him a small honorarium. Mr. N. B. Andrew was elected in his stead, and Mr. P. G. Ramsay was elected honorary treasurer. “The society has suffered a serious blow in the death of ex-Chieftainess Miss Isabella Munro. Miss Munro was one of the founders of the society, and took a profound interest in its activities up to the day of her death. She had the honour-of being the first lifemember of the society. The death of ex-councillor Robt. A. Miller was another severe loss. Deep regret is expressed also at the death of Mr. Macrae. a foundation member. The society is deeply indebted to Miss Margaret McLaren for conducting the dance practices, and to Chief's Piper Thos. Pickett for his willing services. It would be invidious to attempt to offer adequate thanks to the numerous members who have rendered special service to the society during the season; but it is proper to refer to the great assistance given by Messrs. Lawson and Towns, both non-members, at the Saint Andrew's Night concert. Mention should also be made of the Highland doll made by Mrs. Alan Graham, by means of which £6 13s was raised for patriotic purposes. The "Wairarapa Times-Age” has again earned thanks for assistance willingly given, also Mr. R. Milne for services as honorary auditor.”