BURNS MAUSOLEUM.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 90, 26 January 1938, Page 2

BURNS MAUSOLEUM.

SAID TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR. REPORT OF APPEAL DENIED. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, January 25. “With the utmost vigour and the utmost indignation I want to give the lie direct to the news in to-day’s newspapers,” said Mr R. H. Nimmo, who presided at the anniversary supper of the Wellington Burns Club to-niglit, which was attended by more than 200 persons. He was referring to the cablegram which stated ths>- the Burns Club had issued a wurfd-wide appeal for funds for the restoration of the Burns Mausoleum at Dumfries. The cablegram mentioned that only £570 had been received, when £2500 was required, and as a result, the club officials had had to pawn the priceless Kilmarnock edition of the poet’s works.

“I think it is a hoax,” Mr Nimmo continued, “published as it is on the eve of the anniversary of our immortal bard. In refuting this statement, we have referred it to several representatives of Scottish societies throughout New Zealand, who deny any knowledge of the appeal being issued from Dumfries. “Some of the people here to-night have inspected the memorial at Dumfries recently, and in their opinion it is impossible that the mausoleum can be in need of reconstruction. Further, £2500 could have been raised in Glasgow alone in 24 hours had an appeal been made.”