his humour even in his most rollicking moods, the merry twinkle of the eye which preceded a sally betokening the harmless fun which prompted it. Every good object had his support, and no tale of wrong or woe ever fell unheeded on his ear. His hand

D. M'NAUGHT, Editor of "Burns Chronicle."

was as open as his heart, and many whom he relieved in the hour of need have cause to bless his memory. The fine presence, the gentlemanly bearing, the frank and kindly smile, the beaming eye, the unfailing good humour, the hearty and courtly greeting he had for every one, both gentle and simple, will ever remain in

memory's mirror, the treasured silhouette of as true-hearted and square-built a man on every side of him as ever left the hands of the Creator. He was the very soul of honour, business probity, and integrity, and as ardent a worshipper of truth and cordial hater of shams as his favourite poet, Robert Burns. These are not vain words. He has gone to his rest, but not without leaving a brilliant and spotless record behind him by which the Kilmarnock generations to come shall rightly judge him. Peace to his ashes! His death has caused an aching void which will not soon be filled up.

When nearing his end he evinced the most consuming interest in the steps which were being taken to ensure the preservation of the Auld Brig o' Ayr, and so intense was his solicitude that we had again and again to assure him that we would take part in Lord Rosebery's meeting as his representative. At our last interview, though he well knew he was dying, he affected to feel so much better that he would be able to attend the Ayr meeting, yet with unconscious contradiction he made us renew our pledge, and took farewell of us in these words"Good-bye; fight for the right as we've often done before, and I'll be there, my good old friend: I'll be there!"

AT THE LAST.

Prone upon the bed of death,
Glazing eye, and laboured breath,
Nerveless arm, and wasted frame,
Yet the manly soul the same:
"Lay your hand in mine," said he,
"Pledge enough 'twixt you and me ;
Speak at Ayr, and speak out straight,
On the Auld Brig's doubtful fate-
Straight and strong, as I intend,

For I'll be there, my good old friend :
I'll be there!"

Then the weary eyelids fell,

And he slumbered for a spell :

When they lifted, clear and bright
Glowed his eyes with wonted light,
And he spake in wonted tone,
With that smile that was his own;

"In the forum or the fight,

Trust in God and do the right,

True and steadfast to the end,

And I'll be there, my good old friend :
I'll be there."

At the hour when comes the day,
And night's shadows flee away,
Passed he then from mortal sight,
Passed from Darkness into Light :
Changed the cerement of clay
For that which never shall decay.
If there's in the Great Unknown

Mansions for the good alone,

Whose noble deeds gain Heaven's commend,
He is there, my good old friend:

He is there!

EDITOR.

CLUB NOTES.

[COMMUNICATED.]

BRIDGETON

BURNS CLUB

(Instituted 1870).

ANNIVERSARY REPORT--JANUARY, 1906.

The Annual Business Meeting of the Club was held in the side room, Mechanics' Hall, Canning Street, Calton, on the evening of Monday, 22nd January, 1906-Dr James Devon, President, in the chair.

The Directors much regret to record the death of the Rev. Wm. Leggatt, which took place on 12th November last. The Rev. Mr Leggatt was one of the first members of the Club, and was President in the year 1879-80. He was a long time Secretary, and since he resigned that position he was appointed an Honorary Life Member of the Directorate. Up to the last he took a lively and active interest in the affairs of the Club, and did everything in his power to further its interests. The Club has lost one of its most ardent supporters in him.

The Club competed in the Glasgow and District Burns Clubs Bowling Tournament. Three rinks entered for the M'Lennan Cup, but we were not successful in retaining the trophy.

The Summer Excursion took place on 8th June last to Maybole, Kirkoswald, &c. There was a good turnout of the members of the Club and their friends, and a most enjoyable day was spent by everyone.

The Directors have received an invitation from the members of the Rosebery Burns Club, and will visit that Club on 27th February, 1906.

The members of the Greenock Burns Club were the guests of our Club on 31st October last, and a very pleasant evening was spent, a large number of the members and friends being present to welcome our guests.

COMPETITIONS.

Gold Medal Competition.—The piece selected this year was "The Brigs of Ayr." There being only one entrant for this competition, however, it was decided to withdraw the competition this year.

Senior Recitation Competition. -Twelve girls and five boys entered for this competition. The pupils were from Newlands, Whitehill, Quarry Brae, and Hozier Street Public Schools, and Shawlands Academy. The piece selected for the competition was "The Address to the De'il." The examiner, Mr John Forsyth, F.S.Sc., London, elocutionist, after hearing the various competitors, made the following awards :-Silver Medal, Agnes Linning, Newlands Public School; Second Prize, David Munro, Shawlands Academy. He also recommended the Directors to award a special prize to Flossie Watson, Whitehill School, who showed special merit. The Directors agreed to give the prize.