The Burns Club.

Southland Times, Issue 13446, 5 May 1896, Page 3

The Burns Club.

This Club formally opened its season by a social in the Temperance Hall yesterday evening. The heavy downpour of rain for Borne hours before the affair was to commence prevented the usual large attendance, but notwithstanding this a veiy pleasant evening was spent and the Club is likely to be fully as successful in its gatherings as last year. Mr George Lumsden, President of the Club, was of course in the place of honour and on the platform was also Mr Arch. McKellar. The Chairman said he had been asked to give an opening address but he felt that for a humble individual like himself to attempt an address on Robert Burns when so many of the most eminent men in the world had done so would be presumption indeed. However he supposed he mußt try to make a few remarks about their national poet. Robert Burns was now known all over. the world and he believed that in the next thousand years he would be as popular as he was to-day There were many men, distinguished in science, literature and other matters who were now famous, but Burns addressed himself to the soul of human- kind and what was true in that respect in his time was true to-day and would be for all time. He admired Burns most for his simplicity and nobleness of character. The poet, as they all knew, was reared in poverty, and poverty he considered was the greatest curse one could have in this world. One needed only to read some of his poems and letters to note the depressing influence of this poverty. At times he would appear to be a thorough going pessimist, while at another time he seemed to rise above these troubles and they found him in the third heavens. The speaker considered him to have been less a man than a Divine child; that was his impression of Barns and he could come to no other conclusion. He was inspired from above to be a teacher to his people, and when Burns spoke a new life dawned upon the Scottish people and a new education which would stand forever. Mr Lumsden then proceeded to give a short account of some of the poet's early experiences and characteristic*, noting particularly his wonderful conversational powers, which were considered by many to have "even surpassed his genius in writing. He concluded by expressing a wish that some of tbeir social evenings would be set apart for the special study of the poet's,, works. During the evening an excellent programme of Scotch items was rendered by members, commencing with the playing of a selection by the Black family, who arecertainly to be congratulated upon the manner in which their musical talents have been developed. Their performance was more than creditable and the hearty applause which greeted their efforts was well deserved. Later in the evening Miss Nellie gave a violin solo and Master Bertie a cornet solo and each could scarcely have received better treatment from much older musicians. Miss Innes was exceedingly happy in her singing of the quaint and pleasing melody "Up in the morning early," and Mrs D. Bine's rendering of "Gae bring tae me a pint o' wine " was warmly received. Mr E. B. Mackay eang " Afton Water " with much expression and Mr H. S. Hunter gave "My Nannie's awa." Mr A. Prentice kept the audience in one continual peal of laughter during his recitalof ahumorous yarn.telling how a good old farmer found himself at a stylish banquet where " the waiters were better dressed than oor meenister." Mr T. Fleming and the chairman also contributed readings from Burns. Mrs Blue, Mrs Black, and Miss Hunter were the accompanists. The programme was closed at about half-past nine by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne," after which the hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept up until 11.30 p.m. to music supplied by Mr and Mrs Black and Mr and Mrs Blue, and all appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly.