LECTURE ON SCOTTISH HUMOUR.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2828, 28 August 1890, Page 2

LECTURE ON SCOTTISH HUMOUR.

Tub lecture delivered by the Raw Scoit Wost on "Scottish Humour" in Uio Hamilton Public Hall on Tuesday was well patronized by a large and appreciative audience. The chair was taken by the Rev. Mr Hendry, the Presbyterian minister, Hamilton. The chairman in introducing th<j lecturer referred to the past history (if Scotland, political and ecclesiastical, iuid whilst Riving due weight to the advantages trained by Scotlaud by her union with England, which after a series of struggle!) extending over centmies, had been finally arranged with honour to herself, and lie trusted not without some considerable benefit to the Ktnpiro at largo. A choice selection of musical items had been arranged to he introduced during the lecture, and the fact that Miss Murray, from the Thames, had consented to provide two items on the programme, added considerably to tho popularity of the ontertaintnent. Tho anticipations of the audience were fully realized, as the songs selected by Miss Murray, "The Anld House," and " Auld Robin Cray" wern delightful efforts of vocalisation. In referring tn the lecture itself, it is quite impossible to do justice to it m a written report. To in any way appreciate a lecture upon such ti subject us thatof Scottish Humour, it must be heard, and the recital of tho different phases pf humour, as pourtrnyed by the gifted lecture, lose almost their entito effect, under other circumstances. We, however, feel quite sure of this, that those present on this occasion were so satisfied with the intellectual treat provided for their that if tho Rev. Mr Scott West can be prevailed upon at any future time to deliver a lecture in Hamilton enlarging upon the subject of "Scottish Humour," or any other he might select, he would be assured of a very largo and appreciative audience. Of tho musical selections provided, Dr. Kenny sang "The Scottish Bluebells" immediately before the lecture, and, as he is a great favourite with ft Hamilton audience, his selection was well received. At intervals during the lecture, tho following songs, in addition to those by Miss Murray, were rendered :—"Lovely Spring," by Mrs Swat-brick; "Tho Storm Fiend," by Mr Meachfiio ; and " Cleansing Vires," by Miss Char.p<:M. In addition to these items, Mr W. A. Murray favoured the audience with several selections on tho national musical instrument, tho bagpipes, and. as might be expected, his efforts were thoroughly appreciated ; indeed the audience wero so delighted that an undeniable encore had to bo acceded to. After the usual vote of thanks tn the lecturer, to the ladies and gentlemen who had supplied the musical portion of the entertainment, and to the chairman had been proposed and duly acknowledged, the singing of " Anld Lang Syne" and the " National Anthem" brought a very enjoyable evening's entertainment to a close.