THE TWO MUSSELBURGHS

Otago Witness, Issue 3154, 26 August 1914, Page 17

THE TWO MUSSELBURGHS

A QUAINT LITTLE FUNCTION. Harry Lander made a big hit with the. youngsters of the Musselburgh School on the 24th. He was driven out by the Mayor of St. Kilda {Mr M‘Earlane), and was met by the chairman of the school committee (Mr D. C. Cameroh, jun.j, and by Mr J. White (the head master), who showed him over the school, while the Pipe Band made him at home by playing merry Scotch airj Then a little group gathered on the sohoa steps, and the children were drawn up u front. Most of the Musselburgh peopk who could got away were there, too, anc Mr Lauder, who was in his best form, kept them in good humour, just by smiling at them. Mr Cameron welcomed the man from the old Musselburgh, and expressed his pleasure at seeing him a visitor to the newer district of that name. Mr M'Farlane also made felicitous remarks, and Mr M. Cohen introduced an intimate and personal note by reminding the children and others thaj he had carried a flag from the Musselburgt School (New Zealand) and presented it to the school at Musselburgh (Scotland) some time back. He also had a happy word to say on the elect of even such a small incident os that In strengthening tho bonds of Empire. Next to Mr Lauder and his wife, however, the most interesting figure was Mr R. Sandilands, a local resident, whoso father was Mr Lauder’s first employer, in the old Musselburgh. He told a few wellknown facta about Mr Lauder’s early career, which made vhe children, living in easier times, open their eyes. When he made * biographical error Mr Lauder corrected him in his broad Scotch. “When my old mother was lying ill in bed, Mr Lauder came and sat with her t and sang his best songs, just to consol* her,” added Mr Sandilands. This intelligence made the best hit of all with bh* children, who forgot the famous coraedian’i hearty laugh for a moment, but honoured him for his kind heart. The children had a little address from Ml Lauder. He told them that he 'was glad to make their acquaintance, and looked at if he meant it. Then he saw that they would rather hear him sing than talk, ana taxed them with it, and they admitted tho truth with anticipatory cheers. “Well, I’ll sing to you if you are good,” he said. So he sang a verse and the chorus of “I Love a Lassie,” standing bare-headed on the school steps, without accompaniment'. One could not help thinking that, with all tho adventitious aids of the theatre, he could nev have been a whit more charming than he was then, singing in the sunlight for tho benefit of the children. They joined in the chorus, and he sang another verse, and again they joined in. But ho would have no slipshod performance, aid there and then he gave them a little lesson in singing, till they shrilled forth tho chorus with excellent time and rhythm, their temporary teacher keeping tho beats with his stick! Ho -rewarded them by a nice compliment: “I can see that New Zealandf will produce a lot of good singers,’' he said. “If any of you become popular idols you may come to Scotland. But, in any case, if ever you get to Scotland, inquire for my address, and I will be pleased to seo ’ The Pfcie Band played, the National Anthem was sung, and then Mr Lauder had to run the gauntlet of tiny autograph collectors. None was refused. Cheers followed him outside, and continued til! hia car turned the corner.