Thames (NZ) - 'The First Time:' Formation of Burns Club

Background:
In 1886 there was an Auckland Burns Club, in April of that year they sought affiliation to the Premier Club at Kilmarnock and to the Burns Federation. The Burns Federation was formed in 1885.

THAMES:
A meeting was held Tuesday 15th November 1887, to form the BURNS CLUB. It was held at 8pm at Mrs SYMINGTON's Royal Hotel. Mr R N SMITH was chairman for the first meeting. The aims and objectives of the club were explained by Captain FARQUAHAR. (see report below), "to uphold the national songs, poetry, and dancing of their native country, and to counteract the influence of foreign music."

Thames Star 16/11/1887

The inaugural meeting was held 15th December 1887, at the St George's Hall, Thames. A report in the paper next day, noted it had been a successful night, with some ladies also present. The evening ending with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."