BURNS NIGHT

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 115, 8 February 1935, Page 13

BURNS NIGHT

Caledonian Society The Wellington Caledonian Society celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns at a function held on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance, representatives being present from the Scots Social Club, St. Andrew Burns Club, and the Wellington Gaelic Club. Mr. G. Lauchlan (chief) presided. The speaker of the evening was Mr. G. T. Savege, who traced the history of the Burns family and Robert Burns's ancestors.

An excellent musical programme was provided as follows: —Songs. "The Border Ballad” and "Wha’ll be King but Charlie,” Mr. W. Bentley ; “Cornin’ Thro' the Rye,” “John Anderson, My Jo,” Mrs. Gwen Clayton; "Afton Water,” “Mary of Argyle,” Mr. H. Seaton, jun.; “My Hairt is Sair,” “Can Ye Sew Cushions,” Mrs. Emma Astill; “My Ain Folk,”“The Piper of Dundee,” Miss Ruby Jackson ; “Of a’ the Airts. the Wind Can Blaw,” “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose,” Mr. Ray Trewern. Misses Marjorie Flanagin, Adeline Burnette. Margaret Oates, and Master C. Stewart danced the Reel o’ Tulloch and the Highland Reel, and Miss Ann Boe danced the Highland Fling. The pipe band also played several selections. A feature of the evening was the play-ing-in of the haggis. With the hall in l darkness, Pipe-Major W. Fraser and Piper C. Stewart led and piped the procession, Drum-Major M. R. Price carrying the haggis, which bore a St. Andrew's cross of electric light bulbs, Drummer A. Hunter carrying the necessary knife and fork, and Drummer A. MacWhiunie the proverbial bottle. After the gathering had finished cheering, the lights were switched on, and Mr. J. Stirling recited Burns’s “Ode to a Haggis.”

Dancing was then begun, .Mr. \V. E. Boyd officiating as M.C. The accompaniments during, the evening were played by Pipe-Major W. Fraser, Mr. A. Barclay (piping), and Misses Bessie Ferguson and L. Brady and Mr. Rostron.