Guid Scotch Nicht.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 36, 4 June 1914, Page 5

Guid Scotch Nicht.

LAST NSCHT’S FUNCTfON. IN THE TOWN HALL.

“Canid” June’s wind had a bit# with it yesterday, which intensified in the evening; if Robby Burns were in it, he would have expressed it in a little stronger terms than “cauld”— it was searching. But the delight in overcoming adversity—the dour stubbornness, if you like—of the Scot was well exemplified last night at the Scotch concert, when the auld folk with the younger made a satisfactory attendance. President Sangster would have liked to have blamed the secretary (Mr J. B. Campbell) for the weather conditions, as he had charge of all the arrangements—poor secretary! Harping back to the nature of the Scot, ther® is something that all else save the pipes fails to bring out. One can just describe it as something, but the martial music of “The Barren Rocks of Eden” played by the pipe band in the street brought that something out, and it lemained out for the rest of the even-

ing. What’s the use of saying the concert was good? Scottish concerts are always good, but each succeeding one seems to be better than its predecessor. It was the more enjoyable for the number of the old songs that were sung—the old people do not want the new fangled rag-time. Proceedings opened with the pip# band playing “Highland Laddie.” The pipes also opened the second part with “The Mackenzie’s March.” No Scotch concert would “go” unless started with the pipes. The President welcomed the gathering in the name of the Society,and in honor of the King’s Birthday, the performers sang together the National Anthem. It was very appropriate that the song of Mr Hawkins immediately afterwards should bo “The Veteran,” with its chorus starting “Long Live the King.” Mr Hawkins was heartily applauded, but it was later on that Mr Hawkins appealed te the audience, when he gave, by request, “The Charge of the Gordon Highlanders”—the graphic story of the fight of fifty Gordons against overwhelming odds on the South African veldt. In response to an emphaetic encore, he gave another!recitation, “Th# Execution of Montrose.” Miss Knight must know she pleases Stratford audiences. Her first song “Caller Herrin’ ” (the fish wife ' hawking her wares) suited her voice admirably, and as an encore number she sang “My Love is like a red red Rose.” Miss Knight later sang two favorites, “My Ain Folk” and “Robin Adair.” Miss Sfingster had to give another item in acknowledgment of the audience’s satisfaction to her pngiflg| of the “Skye Boat Song,” - her 1 Ifefcbnd song being. “Better Bide a ;Wee/?*. and other songs, “Can ye Sew Cushions” and “Jeunese.” This lady graciously sang “Annie Laurie” for a third item in response to a determined recall from the audience. Miss Rising was before a Stratford,, audience for a first time, and her singing of “Ye Banka and Braes” was deserving of the hearty applause that followed, and she also had to appear again. Further contributions were “Absent” and “An Emblem”—two pretty items. A satisfied audience always shows its appreciation by a demand for repeat numbers, and Mrs Thomas had to appear twice, giving “Love’s Old Sweet Songs” as an encore to “Jessie’s Dream.” “Scot* Wha Hae” never fails to reach Scotia’* hearts, and Mr Douglas (if he did not want to make a* reappearance) should have chosen some other song; “The March of the Cameron Men” w» given in response to a hearty encore. I Mr Macgregor, of Auckland, of whom so much had been heard, did not let his champions down. He has a good voice, with a Scottish “burr” in it. His first song, “Standard on the Braes of Mar,” was splendid, and made way for one of Harry Lauder’s, “It’s Nice when y© love a wee Lassie.” As an entertainer he is hard to beat, and in the stammering recitation of “The Suorkins,” he showed his ability, and again in his last piece—this time Irish—“ Kitty O’Toole.” “The Storm” was given as an encore number. “A Hundred Pipers” certainly nevep w«« sung in Stratford before as was sung last night, and the demand for more brought forth “Tobermory,” the story of McKay’s holiday jaunt in the Highlands. Mr Macgregor will always bo welcome at Stratford’s Scotch concerts. He more than pleased his hearers. The exhibitions of Scotch dancing were very pleasing. Th© veteran, “Joe” Wade, gave a very good sword dance. The Seauntreus (Miss Todd) and Highland Flings (Mr J. Wade and Mr W. Orr, his pupil), were all the more graceful for the harmony between the dancers. A Highland reel by four kilted laddies (Messrs Wade, Morrison, Matheson and Mathers) concluded the concert. Mrs McNeely played the accompaniments a cce pt ably.

A good supper was provided. Tier* is one thing the local Soots can do, and that is, look after the inner man. The dance following was very enjoyable, not the least contributing agent being the music of Mrs Bianchi’a orchestra —(Mrs Bianchi, piano; Parker, violin, and Sid Bernard, cornet). It was much appreciated. About 89 couples took part in the grand march, headed by the pipers. The dance officials were Messrs Douglas, Hall, Jackson and Fulton. Mr Macgregor was in demand again and contributed tw* solos. The gathering broke up at 3 o’clock.