the first-mentioned Robert Graham was his son John, who, coming to the Cape of Good Hope as a Major in the 93rd Regiment, was in command of a battalion in the operations in January, 1806, which resulted in the capitulation of the Settlement. Colonel John Graham was subsequently appointed Commissioner in regard to both civil and military affairs in the districts of Graaff-Reinet, Uitenhage, and George. In recognition of his services the site chosen in the Zuurveld for the seat of the assistant landdrost of Uitenhage was given the name of Grahamstown by Governor Sir John Cradock. Colonel John Graham's only son, Robert, held successively the appointments of Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate of Albany, Governor's Deputy of British Kaffraria, and Collector of Customs and Member of the Executive Council of the Colony. His surviving sons are Sir John Graham; Francis G. C. Graham, Esquire, Civil Commissioner and Resident Magistrate of Albany ; Mr Justice Graham, Judge of the Supreme Court; and Major Malcolm D. Graham, of the Cornwall Regiment, at present stationed at Bloemfontein.

(From the State, Cape Colony, for January, 1910.)

SCOTS GUARDS AT SUTTON HALL.
GARDEN FETE FOR WARRIORS.

In ideal weather, and amid surroundings of rural beauty and charm, a number of soldiers-for the most part members of the Scots Guards and in all about 200—including many wounded, enjoyed to an extent almost beyond expression a garden party arranged for their delectation in the grounds of Sutton Hall, the residence of Mr and Mrs F. E. Becker, on the afternoon of Saturday, 22nd July, 1916.

Recently the members of the London Robert Burns Club turned their attention to the men of the Scots Guards at home, who, it seemed, were not participating so largely in the treats and numerous other good things which a thankful and appreciative public are now providing for the gallant warriors who have rallied to the country's call, and the function on Saturday afternoon was the second of a series of garden parties which the Club has arranged for the men frae the North. But without Mr and Mrs Becker's co-operation and kindness in placing at the disposal of the organisers the grounds of Sutton Hall, and generously acting as hosts, the good intention and benevolent purpose of the Burns Club members could not have been given effect to.

The occasion was invested with a particular interest, for it took place on the day following the 120th anniversary of the death of Burns, the Poet, who "Left his land her sweetest song, and earth her saddest story."

The guests were between 150 and 200 of the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion Scots Guards, among whom were many who took part in the memorable retreat from Mons, and others who have returned wounded from time to time and been attached to the Reserves at home, the remainder being recruits awaiting their turn to cross the water; a party of wounded of various regiments from the Hounslow Military Hospital, and some more from the Temperance Hospital, London. The Scots Guards arrived at Heston Hounslow Station of the District Railway shortly after three o'clock, in charge of Battalion Sergt.-Major F. Wadham, and proceeded to Sutton Hall by way of Lampton-Road and the Hedges. They were all looking forward to a good time, as was shown by the unmistakable answer given by one to a lady who, hearing the tramp of the Tommies, emerged from her cottage and asked: Is there a funeral on at

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Heston ? The reply which the inquisitorial female received was only second in decisiveness to the loud No' which sounded from the throats of the men in response to the query, "Are we downhearted? when they commenced the return journey.

On arriving at Sutton Hall they received a cordial welcome, and were not long in settling down to the games provided for them. With great zest and jollity they entered into the races which Mr J. Trueman superintended, and much amusement was caused by their antics in the obstacle events. At tennis the men in convalescent blue-some still with limbs or head bandaged-were most agile and all Mark Tapleys. The occasional droning of an aeroplane engine from above caused all eyes to turn skywards-a contrast with the scramble for shelter that follows the sighting of a flying machine over the lines at the Front.

At five o'clock all adjourned to a large marquee, where for a time they had a change from the broiling heat of the sun, and partook of a delicious tea, the catering for which was carried out by Messrs Buszard. On behalf of the London Robert Burns Club, Mr Whyte extended a hearty welcome to the soldiers, and hoped they would enjoy themselves. The weather, he said, was splendid; the hospitality of their worthy hosts, Mr and Mrs Becker, was also splendid; the place was beautiful, and the several professional artistes of such rank who had responded to their call ensured them having a programme of super-excellent quality. It therefore only rested with the guests to enjoy themselves. It would always be a pleasure to him that he had been able to attend and fraternise with such gallant fellows (applause).

Tea over, Col. Savage presented the prizes won in the races to Robinson, Black, Hepworth, Mackintosh, and Cpl. Gibbons—all of the Scots--and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the venerable officer for so doing.

The remainder of the evening was occupied with a concert, every item of which elicited keen appreciation. The vocalists were of the best, and encore numbers would have been very frequent had not the lack of time prohibited.

The closing incidents of the day were of an impressive nature. The thanks expressed by Mr Whyte to the kindly host and hostess were followed by something more than an echo in the hearty cheers of the men ; Mr Whyte further glowingly referred to the valour of the Scots Guards in the past, and made known his conviction that those who were preparing to follow the footsteps of their forebears would do so with equal gallantry and devotion; more cheering ensued: all' then joined hands and sang "Auld Lang Syne" and "God Save the King," and after an interval of a few minutes the warrior-guests, enthusiastic in the extreme, marched out homeward bound, after a most enjoyable time among the rural delights of Sutton.

It should be mentioned that Mr Lynwood Palmer generously placed his two-horse brake at the disposal of the promoters, and in addition drove the vehicle himself, fetched the party of wounded warriors from the Temperance Hospital, Hampstead Road, and took them back in the evening. Messrs Samuelsons, the cinema film producers, of Worton Hall, took pictures of the party during the afternoon, and on Wednesday these were shown at the Hounslow Alcazar, when many wounded warriors from Percy House were present.

SUNDERLAND BURNS CLUB.

The Nineteenth Annual Report of our Sunderland Burns Club still' finds us waging a just and righteous War. Since our last Report war has been waged incessantly, and the very flower of our land has gone forth to lay down their lives in the cause of truth, liberty, and righteousness. We had hoped that our first words on this occasion might have been words of congratulation on the cessation of hostilities and the inauguration of an honourable and abiding peace; but, alas! the war still goes on as furiously as ever, with all its consequent horrors of bloodshed.

Let us hope and pray that the day may soon come when there shall dawn upon the world a glorious and lasting peace.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The Annual General Meeting of last year was well attended. The Secretary read the following letter :

My Dear Sir,

"1513 Race Street,

Philadelphia, U.S.A.,

April 14th, 1915.

I beg leave to say that I am forwarding to Messrs Maggs Bros., 109 Strand, London, to be sent to the Sunderland Burns Club, in your care, two volumes. These volumes are literal reproductions of the two volumes of the Glenriddell Manuscripts, accompanied by the circular-letter and descriptive matter which was sent out by the Committee which was organised in Glasgow at the time of the sale by the Liverpool Athenæum to a London firm. The volumes also contain a transcript of the Deed under which the volumes have been deposited in Scotland as a perpetual gift to the Scots people.

I ask that your Club will accept these volumes with my kindest regards. I am, Yours faithfully,

M. Neilson, Esq., Hon. Secretary,
Sunderland Burns Club."

JNO. GRIBBEL.

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These volumes have since come safely to hand and have been deposited with our Librarian. It is indeed a great honour to our Club that we should have been one of the comparatively few Clubs to receive such excellent and highly prized volumes. The thanks of the Club was duly conveyed to the Donor.

DINNER.

An excellent company of members and friends met to celebrate the 157th Anniversary of the Poet's birth. Our Hon. President, W. H. Turner, Esq., presided, and directed the proceedings with a dignity and grace worthy of such an important occasion. The honour of proposing the important toast, The Immortal Memory," was entrusted to our esteemed president, W. M. Donaldson, Esq. The oration delivered by Mr Donaldson was a fitting tribute to the life and work of the Poet of Humanity, while the extracts selected from his poems were splendidly rendered.

A feature of the gathering was the presence of a number of wounded soldiers, including Lance-Corporal J. Boyd, Privates J. MacCreadie, P. Layden, C. Underwood, while our member, BugleMajor J. Dent, 7th D.L.I., previously wounded, was also able to attend. We are indebted to the kindness of Messrs Saxon, Semple, and Short, for the presence of these men who had already done noble service on the field and had suffered, but who were able to spend a pleasant time with us. We learn that the kindness shown on this occasion was much appreciated.

CHRONICLE.

The Chronicle was again issued in spite of the national crisis through which we are passing, and is well worthy of the perusal and support of every lover of the Poet. With the work of the Federation and the Burns Clubs in a state of suspense during the year it is surprising we have such a fine production.

The work is embellished with an excellent reproduction of the President with his Chain of Office. We trust that he may be long spared to occupy this honoured position, and also to supervise the work entailed in editing this important publication.

THE PIPE BAND.

Owing to the enlistments recorded in our last report the work of the Pipe Band has been very much disorganised during the year. We are pleased to be able to record that our enthusiastic Pipe-Major Murray, in order to fill the depleted ranks, has been successful in training a number of smart youths to take the place of those on active service.

We are glad to report that A. D. Mitchell, H.M.S. Magpie, is still doing active service with the Fleet. Pipers W. Clark and J.