The Register (Adelaide, SA :
1901 - 1929)
Monday 19 October
1925
CALEDONIAN ENTERPRISE.
New Memorial Hall. . Foundation Stone Ceremony.
The gradual growth and development of the South -Australian Caledonian Society, one of the
objects of which is to foster the love of Scottish sentiment, is reflected
in the splendid new hall which is being erected on the western side of King William street,
south, Adelaide. The hall is to be known as the Caledonian Society's Memorial Hall, in
honour of the members of the society who enlisted for service in the Great War. The
ceremony of laying the foundation stone on Saturday afternoon attracted a large number of
members and friends, and among those present were Ald. Isaacs (representing the Lord
Mayor and the Adelaide City Council), Dr. Simpson Newland (representing the Royal So
ciety of St. George), Hr. J. Watson Brows (President of the Lothian Club), and the- Right
Rev. J.; Floyd Shannon (Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly). The Caledonian Pipers
Band under Pipe-Major Niven, played Scottish airs. Past-Chief R. Wemyss, in addressing the
gathering, remarked that it was a red letter day in the annals of the South Australian
Caledonian Society. The members had for years been looking forward to the time when they
would have a hall of their own, and now that that consummation was fast approaching they
felt sure that the project would very definitely further the interests of the society. A great deal
of the credit for the success of the under taking should be attributed to the com mendable
assistance of Past-Chief Duncan. Fraser, and the realization of their hope was in a large
measure also due to the generosity of the Barr Smiths, the Waites, and the McGregors. Mr.
Donald Nicholson, (secretary) then deposited a casket beneath the foundation stone
containing copies of 'the daily papers, a book of the constitution of the society, the last annual
report, a programme of the ceremony, and coins of the realm. Mr. Donald Graham, the
architect, presented Chief Andrew Young with a silver trowel suitably inscribed. The latter,
in declaring the stone well and truly laid expressed the hope that the building would in due
time be complete without hitch or hindrance. He said that for many years to come it would be
a home in every sense of the word for members of the society, and for visiting Scotchmen.
The project, had been mooted some years ago but with the caution characteristic of Scottish
people, it had taken time to plan and scheme the details to their entire satisfaction. It was but
natural on such an occasion to turn their thoughts back to the early days of the society in
Adelaide, when it was established some 44 years ago by the late Mr. Alexander Hay. It was
gratifying to observe that many of the older members were still with them and
that some were present on that occasion. Those pioneers, especially, would feel pride and
satisfaction at that evidence of the solidarity and strength of the society today. The
intervening years had not been free from troubles, and these had had their effect on the
progress of the society, but they had been fortunate in having men of wise council in charge
of affairs, and with the passing years the society had steadily grown in prestige and respect.
Among its proud achievements were many subscriptions to worthy causes. The sum of £800
had been sent to the distressed fishermen's fund in Scotland, and later, during the war, £1,600
was sent to help those fisher men who had suffered from the North Sea and other
disturbances. The sum of £100 had been subscribed to the Adelaide Hospital, and liberal
assistance had been given to the funds for the erection of the statues of Robert Burns and
John McDouall Stuart. At the outbreak of the war many of their members had enlisted for
service, and in their honour the hall would be known as the Caledonian Society's Memorial
Hall. It was intended to erect a roll of honour on the walls of the building when completed.
The hall would be invaluable for the use of the bairns' dance class, and for the practice of the
Caledonian Pipe Band. He paid a tribute to the generosity of all those who had contributed
towards the funds for the hall, and to the quality of the work of the architect (Mr. Donald
Graham) and the builder Mr. T. P. Menzies), both of whom were members of the society. The
foundation stone bears the inscrip tion 'South Australian Caledonian Society, Incorporated.
This stone was laid by Chief Andrew Young. October 17, 1925.' The Right. Rev. J. Floyd
Shannon then offered a prayer of dedication, and mes sages of congratulation were given by
Capt. Duncan Hughes, Ald. Isaacs, Dr. Simpson Newland, Mr. J. Watson Brown, and
members from Bordertown and Mount Gambier. The building will be of modern con
struction, of brick, steel, and reinforced concrete. Access from the entrance porch will be
through a wide vestibule leading direct to the main hall, and by an easy graded staircase to
the society's offices on the first floor. The hall has been de signed to modern requirements,,
with a seating capacity of 600. A well-lighted foyer will lead off the eastern end of the hall,
and the stage, kitchen, lavatories, and conveniences, and three exits are planned conveniently
at the western end of the building. A novel feature is that sufficient direct light will be
obtained from east to west, without the aid of light areas, thus obviating the necessity of
encroaching. into building space for that purpose.