LECTURE AND CONCERT

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1921, Page 2

LECTURE AND CONCERT

The weather militated against the ttendance at the Opera House last vening, when under the auspices of he local Caledonian Society a lecture i ras given on Burns by Mr J Craigie il.]\ for Timaru, followed by a con :,erb programme that was thoroug.i----y enjoyed. The Deputy Mayor (Mr H. M. Coulion) presided and in introducing the 1 visitor of the evening expressed the j pleasure it gave them to welcome him . md referred to the object, the raising | 1 of funds to erect a memorial to Rob- ! ; ert Burns. Air Craigie who was warmly receiv- i ed at once delved into the subject of j ] his address and it could oe at once I recognised that he was a devoted lover of the great poet. In easy language he referred to th o life of Burns his doings and writings. Verses and ex** cejrpts from his l pen were quoted and .the beauty of them referred to at length, the whole proving most interesting and instructive which the' audience followed with great interest and marked approval throughout by repeated oippTawse. The weather which was very stormy made it difficult for the speaker to he heard at times, hut he persevered, though it was most disconcerting at times. . On concluding his address which lasted over an hour, Mr $ Warren moved a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Craigie for his most interesting and instructive address. This was seconded hv F. McGregor, supported by the Chairman and carried by acela mation. Air Craigie in returning thanks, expressed the pleasure it gave him to come to Hokitika to assist the movement and congratulated the district on having a lover of Burns in its midst like Mr W. Patrick who had marked his appreciation by the substantial donation of £IOO. He trusted it would not lx?, long before the efforts of the Committee were an accomplished fact and he would make a big effort to be present at the unveiling. Tl*e concert programme was then given and it proved most enjoyable. The Kilties Band had paraded the street prior to the gathering and had opened the proceedings with a selection. Songs were rendered by Air G. St ruth or s and Miss Edna Perry, vocal duet Airs Rowe and Aliss Davidson.; Recitation, Aliss Strutters (Christchurch), find Master Cullen; Flute Solo by Air T. Wylie and dances by four young Highlanders. The singers were in splendid voice and one and all were encored in a most hearty manner, a compliment- that was paid to every performer. Aliss Aiboi; Daly supplied the accompaniments. At the conclusion, the Chairman expressed thanks for the excellent programme singling out Mr and Aliss Strothers for special mention. A r - George Davidson. Chairman of the Comnntt-ee also returned thanks to the assemblage and the performers for their attend-

ance and assistance, a vote of appreciation to the performers beino carried by acclamation.

The singing of the National Anthem and Auld Dang Syne brought a successful gathering to a close.