BURNS' ANNIVERSARY.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 4788, 28 January 1884, Page 2

BURNS' ANNIVERSARY.

The representatives of the several, clans of Scotland in Greymouth" assembled on the 25th inst., at Mr John Hall's Post Office Hotel, to commemorate the anniversary of Scotland's bardRobert Burns. About 35 of " John Tampson's bairns," besides a few admirers of Burns belonging to other nations, sat down to a sumptuous Scotch banquet prepared by Mrs Hall and Miss John ton. No better or more successful efforts to place before the Scotchmen of Greymouth a national banquet has been attained, and universal approval was manifested. The annexed Bill of Fare was submitted, and with the exception of the roast paitricks (which are out of season) all were placed on the table : — Bill o' Farm.' A wee Donal o' Glenlivat to gi' ye an apetit.' Hotch Potch. Saut Herrin' and TaHies. A wee Donal o' Glenlivat. Hens, biled and baket.' Stewed Doos wi' Puddock Stools. Curley Kail an' Stoved Tatties. A wee drappie o' Barlie Bree. Haggis. "Fairfa' yer honest soncie face, Great chieftain o' the puddin' race." Giggot o' mutton wi' reed curran' jeelie. Anither wee Donal o' Glenlivat. Singed Sheep's Heed. Bashed Neeps an' Biled. Ingins. StufFcl Bubbly Jocks, roastit. Biled Soo's Leg. Tatties biled an' champit. Roastit Paitricks. Mince Collops wi' Sma' Peas. Anither wee Donal o' Glenlivat. Scones, Oat Cake, an' Bannocks. Curds an' Cream. Cranberry an' Grosset Tairts. Ingins, Lettuce, Leeks, an' a Mixie Maxie o' Greens. Mitie Dunlop Cheese. Twa or three drappies mair o' Barley Bree just for auld Bobbie's sake. Mr James Payne occupied the chair, and Mr David Girdwood acted as croupier, both gentlemen discharging their respective duties in an excellent and agreeable manner. The Chairman gave Burns' celebrated " Selkirk grace," After winch the company set to work with a will. On the haggis being placed on the table, Mr James Kerr, in the words of Burns, addressed " the chief tan o' the puddin race," which address was loudly applauded. The cheerfu' supper done, the Chairman proposed the toast of "The Queen and Her Royal Progeny," making a few appropriate and complimentary remarks, which ;were well received. The toast was drunk with musical honors. The Chairman then proposed in an admirable speech the toast of the evening— "The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns." The Chairman taking Burns up at the "clay biggin" on the banks of Ayr, where he was born on the 25th of January, 1759, followed him through life, depicting many of his joys and =sorrows, and pointing out how Ins poetry and songs had mentally elevated his countrymen, infused into them a noble spirit'of independence, beat down rampant cant and hypocrisy, struck aside the arm of tyranny, and asserted the rights and liberty of the subject. The toast was drunk in silence. Mr J. M'Davitt sang nicely, " There was a lad was born in Kyle," which was loudly cheered. The croupier, Mr Girdwood, gave in a learned and excellent speech, " The Poets of other Natiens." Beginning with Virgil and Homer, he reviewed the poets of other nations down to the present day, reciting pieces and quoting verses from many of their works. His remarks oil

Scott, Macaulay, Schiller, Beranger, Shakespeare, Coleridge, and others were attentively listened to, and the appropriate citations much appreciated. The toast was drunk with all tho honors. Mr William Hamilton gave a capital rendering of Burns' " Bonnie Doon," After which Mr James Kerr recited Burns' world-renowned poem, "Cotter's Saturday Night." Mr J. Barrowman proposed the toast of " Our Native' Land," in a pathetic and telling speech, which Avas heartily and enthusiastically drunk. A number of patriotic, sentimental and humorous songs Avere then sung. Mr W. Rae proposed " Our Adopted Countiy " pointing out the many advantages avc enjoyed. — the opportunities offered to advance ourselves, and of making New Zealand a great country. The toast was enthusiastically drunk. The Chairman in sympathetic and feeling remarks proposed the -memory of Messrs J. Black, R.. Drew and W. Kittelty, which' was drunk in silence. Mr Kerr proposed the health of " Our Visitors" coupled with the names of Messrs F. W. Lahman and J. A. Eissenhardt, both gentlemen responding in a few well chosen and appropriate remarks. Mr Rae then sang a veif humorous song, a parody on "The Spider and the Fly," :in Avhich Avere introduced many local allusions about Langdons Hill, Bwefep's,"\fcc.; which were received by the company in a veiy mirthful manner. The Chairman proposed success to kindred meetings, especially those held at Brurinerton and Nelson Creek. The toast was duly honored. Mr' Gird wood proposed the health of Mr John M'Davitt, who had contributed so much to the succes of the meeting Avith *• The Auld Scotch Songs," expressing the hope that he Avould be spared for many years to take part in the anniversary of Burns. The toast was' drunk 'with" musical honors. Mr M'Davitt suitably responded. The health of host arid hostess- Avere then given, and Mr Hall responded. The toast of "The Ladies" Avas proposed by Mr Clements and responded to by Mr Payne. Messrs J. M'Davitt, W. Hamilton, F. Hinckley, R. Johnson, W. Robinson, D. Girdwood, R. Wilson, H. Hunt and others, enlivened the meeting by their singing. ■'■ '■'■■) The meeting broke up at "The Avee short hour ayont the twal" after spending a most enjoyable evening. At Brunnerton Burns' anniversary Ayas celebrated on the total abstinence principle, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr J. Petrie occupied "the chair and Mr H. Calders the vice-chair. At Nelson Creek a large gathering of Scotchmen and others took place, and the anniversary of Scotland's bard, Robert Burns, was- celebrated by a ball and supper. Dancing commenced at 9 o'clock. At 12 o'clock about i2O ladies and gentlemen sat down to supper. Mr James Laiv occupied the chair. A . most enjoyab c night Avas spent by all avlio were present.