DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22834, 19 March 1936, Page 13

DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB

FINAL CONCERT OF THE YEAR The Dunedin Burns Club presented the final concert of its year in the Early Settlers' Hall last night, the programme being arranged by Begg's Orchestra. An audience which filled the hall was welcomed by the president (Mr N. Stewart), who stated that the membership of the club had increased by 120 in the past two years. The total, however, was not yet large enough. He appealed for the active support of the members, which he said would assure the club of a prosperous future, The programme was as follows:—• Bagpipe selection, Piper G. Crighton; selection, Begg's Orchestra (conductor Mr J. F. Himburg) ; song, Mr J. Pringle; national dance, Master P. J. Flett and Miss N. Matheson; selection, orchestra; song, Miss D. Darracott; violin solo, Mr W. Norris; song, Mr R. M'Dougall. selection, orchestra; song, Miss D. Darracott; piano accordeon solo, Miss Muriel Caddie; vocal duet, Messrs J. Pringle and R. M'Dougall; dance, Misses E. and J. Todd; song, Mr J. Pringle. The accompanists were Miss A. Duggan and Mr Alf. Pettitt. ANNUAL REPORT.

The annuul report of the club states: " Considerable thought was given to our monthly concerts to ensure success and satisfaction, and we trust our aim in this direction Ims been amply fulfilled. The high standard of our programmes has been well maintained, and the club is grateful to the many kind friends and supporters who have so cheerfully come forward and given their services on these occasions. There-is no doubt that the two basket socials held in. June and October are very popular, giving an opportunity for social intercourse between members. The club in its endeavour to foster the love of Scottish song and 'story, once again provided the prizes for the Burns song, Burns recitation and Scott recitation. The competitions attracted large entries, proving their popularity, and justifying our support. A donation was also made to the Piping and Dancing Association for its annual competitions. The finances of the club nre in a sound position. The annual membership subscriptions, although showing a slight increase on the preceding year, are not sufficient to meet the working expenses, but the profit on the Hallowe'en concert and the interest on our deposits results in a small credit

balance for the year. Our fixed deposits and investment in City Corporation debentures amount to £(597 0s Sd. The Combined Scottish Societies, on which the club is represented by three deleKates (Messrs M'Millan, Currie and M'Donahl), continues to fulfil its purpose in focussing the efforts of the various Scottish societies in offering suitable hospitality to visiting Scottish folk of note. We desire »to congratulate our treasurer, Mr A. M'Millan, on his reelection to the presidency of the Scottish Federation. The secretary has had several inquiries during the year in regard to the formation and working of Scottish clubs, and he has been able to give information which was no f'oubt of value to the inquirers. Thus the club has been able to do something towards fostering the Scottish national sentiment in the Dominion."