BURNS CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 18331, 19 July 1923, Page 2

BURNS CLUB

The Dunedin Burns Cluh hold its monthly gathering in the Art Gallery Hall last evening, the president, Mr J. Wallace, occupying the chair. There was a very largo attendance. Proceedings opened with a bagpipe selection by Piper Donald Mackay. The chairman then said that ho had much pleasure in introducing to the club Mr W. F. Alexander, editor of the ‘Evening Star ; ’ and Mr MMvenzio, inspector of machinery, Who was now living in Dunedin. ‘ 0 a’ the Airis,’ a part song, was next rendered by tho choir. Mr W, B. M'Ewan gave a very interesting address, with ‘ The Love Songs of Boberfc Burns’ as bis subject, lie praised Burns as a writer of song, and stated that it had been said that a country was known by its songs; and surely Scotland had been made known to tho world by tho songs of Robert Burns. During bis lifetime Burns had composed over 800 songs, many characteristic of tho Scottish race. Some tunes sung to-day in his songs wore written 200 years before his birth; but Robert Burns had written tho beautiful words, for Scotland’s sake, and so given to Scots the sweetest of written songs. His songs embodied the whole range of human emotion and experience,. Some of tho songs of Burns, including ‘ Afton, Water,’ ‘ Duncan Gray,’ and ‘ Ye Banks and Braes ’ were sung by Mr S. Taylor, Mrs Carty, and Miss Elsie Bryant respectively. Mr M'Ewan later made mention of tho universal use among English-speaking races of ‘ Aulcl Lang Syne,’ tho song of parting. Mr M’Ewanwas loudly applauded at the conclusion of his address.

Tho remainder of tho programme consisted of part songs, 1 Scots Wha Hao’ and ‘ Scotland and Charlie,’ by tho choir: songs by Mr D. Russoll and Miss M. Gumming, ‘ The Lea Rig ’ and ‘Hush-a-bye, Birdie ’character sketches by Mr Herb. Smith; a recitation by Miss Hardman; and a double scan triubhais by Misses Lily and Jill Fox. Mr Cockburn gave some clover female impersonations. Miss Alice George was accompanist, and Mr Bert Rawlinson musical director.

Mr Alexander moved a hearty vote of thanks to the entertainers, which was carried unanimously. The united singing or ‘ Auld Lang S'yno ’ ended the entertainment* A dance followed.