all were agreed that the day had been a most enjoyable one. The arrangements for the comfort of such a large number were ably carried through by the Clubs of the City of Glasgow and District.

We would specially remember at this time our esteemed Hon. President, Ald. Wm. Burns, J.P., who has been laid aside for a considerable time by a severe illness. May the change of air and scenery have the effect we all so much desire to see, that he may return with his strength and vigour renewed, and that he may be spared for many years to go out and in amongst us.

M. NEILSON, Hon. Secretary.

May 8th, 1912.

DUNFERMLINE UNITED BURNS CLUB.

The Dunfermline United Burns Club celebrated the Centenary of its institution as well as the Annual Festival, in the Royal Hotel, on Thursday evening, 25th January this year. Sir James Sivewright, K.C.M.G., of Tulliallan, Hon. President, presided over the largest gathering in the history of the Club. The Right Hon. Lord Bruce, Broomhall (also an Hon. President), proposed the Immortal Memory." Letters of apology were intimated from Provost Husband, Dunfermline, and the following Hon. Members, viz. :-Hon. J. N. M'Cunn, American Consul, Glasgow; Mr J. Crabbe Watt, K.C., Edinburgh; Mr Allan Reid, Edinburgh; Mr Philip Sulley, Galashiels; Mr James Lucas, M.A., Glasgow; Dr Hew Morrison, Edinburgh; Mr Charles Dougall, M.A., Dollar; and John D. Hope, M.P., Edinburgh.

The Club was instituted on 25th January, 1812, under the name of "The Haggis Club." On 24th January, 1817, another Club styled "The Dunfermline Junior Haggis Club" sprang up. From the records both Clubs seem to have flourished, and on 24th September, 1847, a joint meeting of both Clubs was held, when it was agreed to "effect a union of the Clubs," adopting as the title "The Dunfermline United Burns Club." The membership contains a long list of honoured names, these including many of the Provosts and most of the Bailies and ex-Bailies and Councillors of the town, along with one Sheriff, three Masters of Song, and a nephew of the Poet -Robert Burns Begg. The Club possesses many relics handed down, amongst which are a Loving Cup cut from the Wallace Oak, Ellerslie, and presented to the Junior Haggis Club, Dunfermline, by J. Philip Paislie, 25th January, 1818; a handsome silvermounted Ramshorn Snuff Mull, presented by David Swan to the

Junior Haggis Club, 25th January, 1824; Loving Cup cut from the Dunfermline Abbey Oak, presented in 1831; Plaid which belonged to Sir Walter Scott; besides bannerettes used by the members in the Reform Bill Demonstration, 1832, as well as a few Portraits of the

Poet gifted by the members.

The records from the institution of the Club to the present day are intact. It can hardly be expected that a Club with such a long record could have existed without its ups and downs, but these have been survived, and at the present ( day it is one of the most flourishing of the Federated Clubs, at the same time the fourth oldest.

P. PATERSON, Hon. Secretary.

THE LONDON ROBERT BURNS CLUB.

Founded, 1868. Federated, 1885.

OBITUARY.

The London Club, No. 1, has to deplore the sad and unexpected death, on October 11th, of Mr Andrew Gifford Soutter, the Father of the Club, who had been an active member for over 42 years. Mr Soutter was in the 73rd year of his age. Only two days before his death he wrote the Hon. Secretary a polite note enclosing his 42nd annual guinea subscription to the Club, written from his City office. He did not feel very well after lunch, went home early, and to bed. He seemed much better the second day, when a blood vessel in his throat burst and caused his passing to that bourne whence no traveller returns. Mr Soutter was born in London, of Scottish parents, who returned to Scotland, so that his childhood was spent in the north; but the family returning again to London, his boyhood was spent in the Metropolis. He was educated at the City of London School, and joined the John Carpenter Club (the old boys of the C.L.S.), of which he was a member many years. In business he was a varnish manufacturer, engineer and brassfounder, and has left a considerable fortune.

He was a popular citizen-a Freemason and a thorough Burnsian. He was a staunch supporter of the No. 1 Club, and a warm admirer and friend of its chief founder, Colin Rae-Brown. In late years

he had been a sufferer from gout, and consequently unable to attend every meeting, but his family was always represented. At the last whist party it was happily commented upon that he, his daughter, and one of her twin sons were playing at the same table.

The interment took place at Abney Park Cemetery, and was attended by a large number of mourners : many past as well as present members of the Club.

Mr Soutter was twice elected President-in 1888 and again in 1900-both red-letter years in the Club's records.

He had a gracious and winning personality, and endeared himself to all the members, many of whom, and their families, were also close personal friends, and his loss will be an abiding sorrow to all.

NOTES AND REVIEW.

1st October, 1912.

The Forty-fifth Season commences to-day, and members are herewith reminded that their Annual Subscriptions are now due, and the Hon. Secretary will be very pleased to send receipts for remittances of a guinea.

The Hallowe'en Meeting this year is the Forty-sixth Festival, held by the Club on 31st October without a break in the record, owing to National bereavement or other untoward events such as have happened in January.

The President was unable to attend at Carlisle as one of the Club delegates at the Convention of the Burns Federation, of which a full report is given in the Annual.

The Hon. Secretary was also unable to be away from the City owing to several excellent reasons, but both Past-presidents Wilkinson-Pimbury and Durham were present and enjoyed the gathering of the Clubs very much, notwithstanding the deluge of rain that fell in the old Border City all day.

The Committee have arranged for an Amateur Concert and Whist Party for Friday, 15th November, to be holden in the large Hall of the Portman Rooms, of which particulars will be given in the November circular. The Committee will be pleased to hear from any Member who can assist with the Amateur Concert programme.

It is also hoped to revive the Highland Dances in a more commodious and central meeting-place-Furnival Hall, in Furnival Street, opposite the "Pru." Buildings in Holborn, and adjacent to the new Patent Offices. Several members have petitioned the Committee for a course of six practices, and if granted at the Committee meeting on 10th October, the opening meeting will be held on Thursday, 24th October, and continue for five consecutive Thursdays.

The names of several new members elected by the Committee shall appear in the next circular.

The Committee have altered Bye-law 9 by raising the charge for additional tickets for guests to the ordinary assemblies from 5/6 to 6/- each. Kindly note this and oblige.

10th October, 1912.

NOTE. At the last moment (and hence the lateness of the issue of this circular), owing to most unforeseen circumstances, the President-elect has been compelled to relinquish the office for the ensuing year; consequently, in accordance with the Constitution and Rules of the Club, Mr Chas. W. Richards, having expressed his ready willingness, accedes, without further election, to the office, and becomes the President-elect, to be installed President on Hallowe'en. The Committee, therefore, hope a large and full attendance will support the new President on this occasion-before which time it is expected a Vice-president will be elected at a special Committee meeting to be called in accordance with Rule XXI.

JAMES THOMSON, Hon. Secretary.