BURNS CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14684, 18 November 1909, Page 5

BURNS CLUB.

Tho Early Settlers' Hall, as is customary on tho occasion of a Burns Club monthly meeting, was filled last evening, almost every seat being occupied. The president (Mr A. Bain) presided, and in addition to it-hp usual first-class eorrccrt programme, Dr Gordon Macdonald gave an interesting address on Sir William Wallace," t.'.c Scottish pat-not and soldier, born in 1276. who go long and successfully fought tho lxittles of liis country aga-Liisfc the neighbouring invaders. The historical incidents connected with the stirring period during which Wallace lived were pieced together by tho lecturer in an interesting narrative, tho valour and patriotism and prowess of tho Scottish horo being' particularly dwelt upon, The massacre of tho Scottish nobles at Ayr and the vengeance ta.ken by' Wallace and his soldiers, tho battle of Stirling Bridge, and the personal exploits of Wallace at. Dundee, Perth, Lanark, otc., when. recited, awakened many old memories and aroused considerable in the audience, and general regret was felt wlwtr the lecturer sat down, laving desalt with only half his notes on a subject which was specially interesting to tho oldoi members of the audience.

The President during the evening notified that Mr R. Gilkison had a number of original documents .referring to tho Kttrick Shepherd, which it was intended, if possible, to secure for tho Old Settlers' Hall or tho Burns Club library, and also intimated that the Ilalloweon gathering had been financially and socially a great success. " •

Tho concert programme included a bagpipe selection by Pipe-major M'Calltmi.part songs by the choir (under Mr A. M. Braik), songs by Misses V. Ford, Tavlor, M'lvor, Messrs Itobsoir, Jaso, Morton, recitations by .Miss J. M. Cran and Mr W. B. M'Ewan, pianoforte solo by Mi® K. Levi, and a sailor's hornpipe by Mr M'Anley. At tho conclusion of the concert programme tho usual danco was hold, the voting pociple entering heartily into this portioir of tho evening's ontoiiJinmont.