Mr Brace's Lecture

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 37, 12 August 1893, Page 2

Mr Brace's Lecture

♦ Despite the bitter cold, and the sloppy condition of the roads last svening, a good number, including several ladies, gathered at the Assembly Booms to hear that eloquent speaker, Mr Robert Bruce, lecture on Robert Burns. If any of those pre. sent were put to any inconvenience in attending the lecture they were amply recompensed, as the lecturer's expounding of that great po6t's works was a treat indeed, and many of his hearers must have been carried back to the " banks and braes " of bonny Scotland, the scene of Burns' labours. Mr Bruce's elocutionary powers are well known, and it is needless to say that he kept the attention of his audience fixed on himself throughout. The Mayor, who presided, briefly introduced Mr Bruce, remarking at the same time that it was scarcely necessary for him to do so, as he was so well known as a public speaker. Mr Bruce stated that he had been honoured with an invitation to come and give an address in Feilding, and it gave him great pleasure to do bo. He referred to the manner in which he had always been treated in Feilding, which left nothing to be desired. Mr Bruce then went on with the subject of his lecture, and gave a description of Burns, from his early childhood until his death. Although Burns was accidentally born in Scotland, ho might say, it was a mistake to write of him as a pure Scotchman. His father was a gardener, and there was every reason to believe the name of the family was Campbell; his mother, whose name was Brown, was described as a modest and conscientious English woman. Burns received a fair education, and all through life love took the precedence with him. He had been called the darling poet of the masses, because he was a true poet of nature. His powers of repartee were probably the greatest of any man of the English speaking race, and the lecturer quoted a number of poems which Burns had made up on the spur of the moment and some of his very best pieces had been composed while following the plough. He had a most fascinating manner, and appeared to charm all with wiiom he came in contact. HIS most charming features were his large black eyes ; and Sir Walter Scott had said that he had never before seen such an eye in a human head. His society was coveted by all classes of the community ; he had a great love of truth, was one of the most independent of men ; he was brave, truthful, and loyal to his friends, and just to his enemies, and when he died one of the noblest of human hearts ceased to beat. He was a pure poet of democracy, a great critic, and his love songs were the finest that were ever written. His sympathy was not only extended to the humblest of God's creatures, but to plants, and on occasions it was even extended to the " old gentleman " himself. Mr Bruce is evidently a great lover of the poems written by Burns, and seems to have them all impressed upon his memory; for during his lecture he repeated a great number of that poets' choicest pieces, much to the delight of his hearers, who showed their appreciation by frequent applause. In concluding a capital and most enjoyable address, Mr Bruce said he thought they should all cherish the memory of our great poets, especially that of Robert Burns. Mr Stevens, on behalf of the audience, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Bruce for his lecture, and he was sure that all present had enjoyed it immensely. Mr Reade seconded the motion which was carried by acclamation. Mr Bruce thanked them for there vote, and for the attention which they had given him, and although he would cease to be their Member, he would always take a lively interest in their welfare, and be willing to help in any movement for the advancement of the district. We understand that the Library funds will benefit to the extent of about £5 as a result of the lecture.