SCOTLAND TODAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 45, 23 February 1939, Page 10

SCOTLAND TODAY

VISIT TO HOMELAND

VIVID IMPRESSIONS

An address on his recent visit to Scotland was given at the last meeting of the St. Andrew Burns Club by Mr. J. R. Baird, the senior vice-presi-dent, who was the only delegate from the Southern Hemisphere at the federation meeting at Dumfries. The Rechabite Hall was crowded with members and friends, and all spent an enjoyable evening. Mr. Baird told of historical and interesting points of places visited on the journey, but dearer, to the heart of all Scots: were his impressions of the' Homeland. Many years had passed since his last visit to Scotland, and many changes had taken place during that time, but the Scots folk were still as they always were and always would be, very friendly and hospitable. The housing question, which was of most vital importance, was the greatest change noticeable. Since 1919 over 280,000 new houses had been built, chiefly with State assistance, but Scotland needed as many again and more, owing to the fact that over 22 per cent. of the houses standing today were overcrowded, and 45,000 were unfit "for habitation. Motor trips took Mr. Baird over 5500 miles and included the Highlands as far north as Inverness and to the south coast of England. Much time was spent in the country made famous by Burns; Scott, Hogg, and a host of Others whose works would be honoured for all time, Alloway, Burns's birthplace, was visited, also the priceless treasure at the museum adjoining, and various places connected with Burns, in Ayrshire and Dumfries. After seeing most of Scotland and England, the speaker made a trip to France and Belgium. The latter part of the holiday wap spent in England during the war crisis, when everyone was sup-! plied with a gas mask. Mr. Baird gave a demonstration of'fitting the mask and its use during a gas attack. I During the evening items were given by Miss Janet Stirling, Mr. George Gunn, Mrs. Bryant, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Anderson, and Mr. J. McCallum. Mr. D. Keith was'song leader; Mrs. W. Hall accompanist, and Mr. J. MacCallum supplied the pipe music. Mr. W. B. , Mcllveney proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker and artists. .This was carried with acclamation. The proceedings closed with "Auld Lang Syne," sung in the time-hon-oured manner.