Sandakan turns Scottish for St Andrew’s night

Published on: Saturday, November 26, 1938

Text Size:

St. Andrew’s Night has long been acknowledged even by the humble Sassenach, as the greatest night of the year in Sandakan and Saturday night, the 26th November, 1938, when all the Sandakan Scots foregathered at Sandakan Club to honour Scotia’s Patron Saint, proved no exception to the rule.

Once again the Club was transformed into a Scottish Baronial Hall and the old gray stone turret guarded the entrance. Inside the Club also a remarkable metamorphosis had taken place. Dozens of flambeaux were around the walls and the overhead lights had been decorated as thistle flowers. At one end of the ball-room was a large fire-place, complete with glowing fire.

The guests and there were many of them including practically the whole of the European population of Sandakan and the Bay, were given a Scottish welcome by the Chieftain and Chieftainess, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor.

Shortly after 9pm, the fun commenced with the Grand March, the first item in a long programme and the rafters rang with many a hooch. For many Thursday nights these Reels have been assiduously practiced so that on the Nicth everything went with a swing, and it is difficult to say who most enjoyed the Reels, the ones taking part or those watching.

During the first half of the programme we were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. H. Bishop who with their customary ability sang two comedy duets “Old Fashioned Drama’ and ‘Operatic Wedding’, the former of which was particularly amusing by its many topical allusions. We were also delighted with a group of Scottish songs from Mrs. H. Wands, who interprets so well these old airs of her own land.

And then came to Haggis, the Turnips and the Taties. We were all seated at the long table in the Baronial feasting hall when to the skirl of pipes and with solemn tread in marched the President of the Sandakan Caledonian Society, Mr. J. K. S. Mercer, with the Wbosky. The Chieftain and Chieftainess thanked all those who in any way had helped to make the night a success. Greetings has been received from brother Scots in various parts of the world, including telegrams from some of those who were usually present on these occasions but were lucky enough to be celebrating The Nicth in the Auld Land. The Chieftain read out the telegrams, translating by request those couched in that strange and barbarous tongue use north of the Border.