A BURNS NIGHT

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 105, 28 January 1931, Page 14

A BURNS NIGHT

Hutt Valley Celebrates Members of the Hutt Valley Caledonian Society celebrated the anniversary of Robert Burns in the Oddfellows’ Hall, I Petone, last Saturday night. The society’s chief, Mr. W. Marshall, presided. Among the guests were Mr. Walter Nash, ■M.P., and Mrs. Nash, Mr. J. Kerr, Mr. Kerr, of Dysart. Scotland, who is visiting New Zealand, and Mr. Bowden, president of the P.etone Working Men’s Club.

Letters of apology for non-attendance were received from the Mayor of Lower Hutt (Sir Alexander Roberts), the Mayor of Petone (Mr. D. McKenzie), and Captain McArthur. The chief spoke on the genius of Scotland’s national poet, after which, led by the drum-major, the haggis was piped-in by Drummer McCaskill, who was accompanied by Piper Pexini, to the skirl of Pipe-Sergeant MacDonald and Piper

Chief Marshall gave the "Address to the Haggis,” and congratulated the maker, Mrs. Baker, on the excellence of the offering. The following toasts were honoured: The King; The House of Representatives, proposed' by Mr. N. F. Cameron and responded to by Mr. Walter Nash, M.P., Kindred Societies and Visitors, proposed bv Mr. D. McLeod, and responded to by Mr. J. Kerr, Mr. Kerr of Dysart, and Mr. Bowden.

Drum-major Roy delivered an address on the life and character of Robert Burns, illustrating it with copious extracts from the poet’s works. Musical items were given by Airs. Goldie, Mrs. Millward, and Miss Lumsden. Miss Marshall performed some Highland ' dances.