A BURNS CLUB SOCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 67

A BURNS CLUB SOCIAL.

A very pleasant social reunion took place at the close of the Burns anniversary gathering on Thursday night, in the ante-room at the Garrison Hall. About 30 members of the club were present, and the chair was occupied by the president (Dr Gordon Macdonald).

The President proposed the health of the Hon. John M'Kenzie, and in doing so he expressed the deep gratification he felt at seeing the Minister of Lands restored to them in his normal health ; and, after referring in very complimentary terms to the Hon. Mr M'Kenzie, said he was sure the members of the club had exceedingly enjoyed the excellent speech he had given them that evening. The Hon. J. M'Kenzie, in replying to the toast, said that there was no place where he felt more at home than in Dunedin. He had looked forward to the gathering that was just over with very great pleasure, and his anticipations had been fully realised. He sincerely hoped the association was permanently established, and "that its objects would be fulfilled.

Dr Gordon Macdonald said he also felt bound to propose the health of Mr Thomas Mackenzie, who had just returned to the colony. Mr Mackenzie was a gentleman who had done much to promote the best interests of New Zealand in the Home land, for whenever a good word was required to be said on behalf of New Zealand Mr Mackenzie had been quite ready to say it. He had also done invaluable service in removing prejudices that had existed against our frozen meat and other produce ; and not only had he been successful in his mission Home, but he was a citizen of this colony in the truest sense of the word. Ho was a distinguished explorer, having discovered many passes in what had been regarded as inaccessible parts of the country, and in Alpine work his record stood amongst the highest in Now Zealand. He was sure they did well to highly' esteem such a man and to pay him honour.

Mr T. Mackenzie acknowledged the compliment ijaid him", and said that ho had only

endeavoured to do what he had seen was necessary, and that there certainly had been room for very much improvement in connection with the handling of our produce in the mother country. He hoped to yet have the opportunity of giving the colony the benefit of his experience at Home. Alluding to the Burns Club, he remarked that he had attended on many occasions the meetings of theso clubs at Home, and had always been proud to tell the members there that their kinsfolk on the other side of the globe were enthusiastic, and loyal to the mother country to the last degree.

The next toast wa« that of the health of Professor M'Kenzie, the brother of the Minister of Lands. In proposing the toast, the Chairman remarked that they had to welcome into their midst a man who had attained a considerable position in the literary world, who had come to thi« colony for the purpose of advancing the cause of higher education. No country, the Chairman said, could be great unles« the highest educational advantages were extended to its people, and it was, therefore, essential that exceptionally able men should supervise higher education.

Professor M'Kenzie replied that he had yet to win hip spurs, and that he sincerejy hoped he might be able some day to justify in part the high encomium passed upon him by the chairmaD. He next dwelt upon the advantages of literature to a country, and said that time would not permit him to refer to matters of special interest to members of a Burns Club, but he hoped some time to address himself to the subject. Someone here interjected, " Come to Dunedin and give us a speech," and Professor M'Kenzie replied that he should be only too glad to do so on some convenient occasion.

The other toasts were Dr Stenhouse, the poet of the club; Mr A. J. Burns, a descendant of Scotland's national poet : Mr Barclay, the junior member for Dunedin ; anfl the Chairman, Dr Gordon Macdonald, the last toast being proposed by Professor M'Kenzie.

Mr Colvin, the newly-elected M.H.R. for the Buller district, is resigning the mayoralty of Westport. Master Harry M'Kinnon, a grandson of Captain Gordon M'Kinnon, of Port Chalmers, has succeeded in obtaining the gold medal for Scripture history, recently competed for in Sydney. There were no less than 12,000 contestants, and Master M'Kinnon, who if about 15 years of age, is to be complimented on his success.

A great stovm occurred on Wednesday at Walla-badah and Castle. Mountain. N.S.W. Four inches of rain aiid hail fell at the former place in an hour, and 6in at Seven-mile. The hailstones killed a number of sheep and calves, and a lad named Sullivan was knocked insensible. Many acres of wheat were deFtroyed, and dead birds found beneath the trees.

Another of the old landmarks at the Moeraki Kailc has passed away in death, at the reported age of 112 years. Poor old Sam was well-known and respected by all who knew him. He' was kind in his disposition and honest in all his dealings, and a strictly temperate man.- -When Moeraki -was a whaling station, $am..jvas looked upon as one of the best hands in a boat, and manj' a slory he could tell about 'their exploits when after whales. Of course a tangi is being held.