A Night w’ MacDonald

This report from the ‘Lockhart Review’ (Lockhart, NSW) of March 1927:

 A few days previous to his departure for ‘fresh fields and pastures new’ (Lake Cargellico), Mr David MacDonald (so favourably known in the district) was accorded a surprise farewell visit from a number of his friends (mostly Scotch) at his home “Lowan Farm”.

 There is ‘na doot’  the fun was fast and furious and full of heartiness, for no man was better respected for his bluff Scotch heartiness than David MacDonald. The same could be said for his daughter-in-law Mrs Ross MacDonald, and other members of his family.

 After the usual loyal toast had been honoured, several speakers paid a tribute to the unbounded hospitality and kindly nature of Mr MacDonald, who, well past his seventieth birthday, was one of the best.

 Then the bagpipes started to skirl, and ‘O ye gods and little fishes’ the step dancing of the MacWilsons, the MacKenzies and the MacDonalds; the beautiful Scotch* songs of Mr Jack Moffatt, and Mrs Ross MacDonald: the facial contortions of the born comedians, and the wit and repartee of the Lauder troupe all made us think that it is the ‘little touch of nature that makes the whole kin’.

 How hard it was to say goodbye to our old friend.

 May his shadow never grow less.

( Lowan Farm is now owned by my family. And in the fullness of time will, I gather, be mine.)

*Scotch, Scots, Scottish. I’m quoting.