"A NICHT WI'BURNB"

Evening Post, Volume XLVIII, Issue 51, 29 August 1894, Page 2

"A NICHT WI' BURNB"

The lecture which Mr. A. S. Pateraon delivered in Thomas' Hall last evening on "Burns, his Country, and his Works," was in aid of the funds of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and was of a most interesting and instructive character. There was a very large attendance, many people being unable to obtain seats. The Governor, who had consented to take the chair, arrived punctually at 8 o'olook, accompanied by Lady Augusta Boyle and Major Elliot, and was received by Mesdames W. Lingard and J. Christie, and Messrs. J. G. Aitken, J. S. Jamieson, J. Ilott, A. C. Black, and F. de J. Clere, members of the Committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mr. David Campbell " piping" His Excellency and party to the platform. His Lordship, in opening the proceedings, said that as an Ayrshire man he was extremely glad to know that Burns was as much loved and respected in New Zealand as he was in Scotland. Mr. Patorson, before dealing with his subject, commended tbe Society for the excellent work which it was doing. The delivery of the lecture occupied nearly two hours, and the attention of the andienco was maintained from beginning to end. Mr. Pateraon defended the poet from many of the attacks which had been levelled against him, and gave a grapbio account of the times in which Burns lived. Tho lecturer reoited "'Tarn o" Shanter" in a manner which secured him very hearty applause. "A Nicht wi' Burnß" waa played by the Festival Orchestra, under Mr. MacDnff Boyd, and that gentleman also gave a violin solo, while songs were contributed by Mrs. MaeDuff Boyd and Misses Newton and Steele, and Meaßrs. J. M. Nairn and G. Wright, the items being selections from Burns' works. On the motion of Mr. J. G. W. Aitken, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Pateraon and the others who had assisted. Mr. Paterson replied at length, and proposed a vote of thanks to the Governor for taking the chair. His Excellency , in acknowledging the compliment, expressed his beßt wishes for the success of the Society for the Prevention of Crnelty to Animals. At the close of the lecture the wonderful piece of penmanship by Mr. P. Georgecon, who has written no fewer than 231 selections from Burns' works in the small space of 30 inches by 17 inches, was shown to His Excellency, who expressed himself astonished at the magnitude of the task.