The Bairnsfather Family.

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 87, 16 January 1890, Page 3

The Bairnsfather Family.

It is very difficult for anyone to give a purely Scotch entertainment, and to get through every part of it so well as to escape keen criticism, because the audience, as a rule, is composed, for the most part, of Scotchmen or their immediate descendants, who are from their youth upwards familiar with the songs of their native land then reproduced. We congratulate- Mrs and Mr Bairnsfather and their talented children on having passed this ordeal last night. Although the weather was simply abominable, and heavy showers of rain fell during the whole evening, yet there was a yery good attendance, and among^the visitors were several ladies and gentlemen who had long distances to ride fronr their homes — no small undertaking on such a night. Mlsb Bairnsfather played, as an intro. ■deletion, a selection of Scotch airs very pleasingly. Mr Bairnstather then gave a -short address, in which he gave a spirited Recount of the causes which led to the loyalty and national pride which is in the lifeblood of every Scotchman. In the course of the evening he sang " Sac will ' we yet," " The barring o' the door," " For he's a crony o' mine," and several other ,good old songs which were heartily applauded and encored, His Scotch stories were inimitable "and excited roars of laughter. The singing of Mrs Bairnsiather was excellent,, and she showed an -exquisite appreciation of the pathos and humour which runs through Scottish -songs. Vfe have never heard "Bonny Mary of Argyle" sung better^ and "Down 4he Burn, Davie" was a treat. The duet ■*' The crooked bawbee" by Mrs and Mr 35airnsfather was also a gem. The dancing of the Highland fling, was neat and precise. Miss Bairnsfather's style and finish being noticeable. Master Bairnstfather sang several songs very nicely. The whole was one of the most pleasant -entertainments we have had the pleasure •of witnessing for many a long day. At the conclusion of the performance Mr Bairnsfather was good enough to express Jiis gratitude to the press for their kindly^ notices, c . The company then sang .two* ■verses of " Auld Lang Syne," in which the audience joined with heart and hand. This closed the proceedings.