SCOTLAND’S BARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19697, 26 January 1926, Page 6

SCOTLAND’S BARD.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED The “Star o’ Robbie Burns” has not grown dim with the passing of a century, and all over the world where Scots an: to be found, January 25 was celebrated by a return to the fine old ballads and folk songs of Scotland. Last night the sons and daughters of Caledonia now in Dunedin made holyday of the birthday of their national bard. His Majesty’s Theatre was crowded with Scots from the city and from tar distant corners of the province. One enthusiast in sending up a special request said ho had come 86 miles to hear Mr Farquhar Young recite some of the works of Robert Burns. The President of the Burns Club (Mr W. Nicolson) at the opening of the programme, reminded the audience of the significance of the day they were celebrating, and expressed the gratification of the club at the response of Dunedin Scotsmen to the appeal for a fitting commemoration of the birthday of him who was almost the patron saint of Scotchmen. He reviewed the life of Burns briefly, and instanced his success as the reward of a perseverance and self-reliance which should be emulated by all young men. Though he had but a poor education, he left behind him a name that will last forever, and works that will be read by people of every nation for generations to come. The Dunedin Highland Pipe Band opened the programme with a selection, which went far to create an atmosphere fitted to the revival of Scotland’s ballads. The Burns Choir followed with a partsong, “There Was a Lad.” Continued applause greeted the appearance of Mr C. C. Scott, who sang “Bonnie Wee Thing.” He was followed by Miss Elspeth Denholm, whoso singing of “ The Star of Robbie Burns” called forth rounds of applause between each verse. As an encore she sang another eulogy of the famous poet. Mr Farquhar Young, on old favourite with _ Bum's Club audiences,, sang “I’m a Scot,” after which he was asked to recite. He gave a fine rendering of “The Feuds,” and was then compelled to return and sing again. Later ho greatly amused his hearers with “Jehu Tameon’s Funeral.” His singing of “Bonnie Dundee” was received with a continuation of the rounds of acclamation which greeted "him as he appeared on the stage. An already Jong programme was greatly increased by insistent demands for encores. The Idlers’ Quartet saag “Annie Laurie” and “My Heart is Sair,” and one or two extras. A reel party, including Misses Lorna Budge, Rona Beale, Doreen O'Sullivan, and Olive Scott greatly pleased the audience with a Highland reel and .an Irish reel. Miss D. f'kmuer sang “My Love is Like a Red, Rod Ross,” upd Mr J. Wallace's “Scottish Fantasia” on the violin was artistically execute.!, and moved the audience to hearty applause. A r->.?,ppea.rance of Mr • Young singing “The Bonnots o’ Blue” was followed by one of the most touching items of the evening. Miss Elspeth Denholm sang “Wae’s Me For Prince Charlie,’’ and later, by special request. “Auk! Robin Gray.” A sweet voice and fine touch of feeling made these items the most acceptable and most appreciated of all. Mr J. B. Thomson recited “Epistle to Daric,” and an “Ode to Burns,” and later “The Haggis.” “The Battle of Stirling,’’ by Mr B. G. Angell and a part song “Of a’ the Airts,” by the Burns Choir, were the last items on a programme which brought back cherished memories of native heath and loch and burn. He was a poor Scot who did not feel the call of country as he sat and listened while one after another of his favourite songs revived the scenes of earlier days The singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem brought the meeting to a close. The accompanist was Mr W? A. Gathoridge, and the musical director Mr F. G. Cooper.