A NIGHT WT BURNS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12354, 26 January 1926, Page 9

A NIGHT WT BURNS

. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CALEDONIAN SOCIETY FORGATHER. Last night the Wellington Caledonian Society held a supper in the Concert Chamber in celebration of the 167th anniversary of the birth of the Scottish poet, “Robbie” Burns. Long tables were set in the hall, and the ladies’ committee waited on the guests, who were all welcomed hy the chieftain, Captain Nimmo. T-e extended a special welcome to His Worship the Mayor and Mrs Norwood, Sir John and Lady Luke, who always attended their celebration, Captain and Mrs McArthur, Dr. and Mrs McCrae, Dr. and Mrs Doctor, and Mr Stuart-Wilson, who was going to help them with their financial campaign. Apologies had been received from the Prime Minister, the chief of the Hutt Valley Caledonian Society, Mr Forsyth, M.P., and Sir Alfred Robin, who was one of the latest members of the society. Telegrams fiom other societies of good wishes had also been received. ADDRESS BY MR TROUP ' The chief toast of the ' evening, that of Robert Burns, was proposed by Mr Troup, who gave an address on the poet, dealing chiefly with the qualities of the man as expressed in his poems. Burns was read again and again because the truths in his work were inexhaustible. One could read them and never tire. Other writers’ work seldohi could stand such exhaustive attention. Burns was horn on January 2oth, 1759. He received the usual Scottish education of his day, and Scotch education was then and is still the best that can be obtained in the British Empire, whether primary, secondary, or university. He began to write poetry at 16. Burns was a man of the people, and through all his work runs the love of his own people. He has lived and will continue to live because he touched the hearts of the people. He was a great lover of nature, and in his description watches her down to the slightest detail. Also he had the great quality of tenderness; he was above all a lovable man. He was also deeplv religious. as is shown in his poem, i ‘The Cottar’s Saturday Night.” His memory is as fresh as ever it was, and wifi always remain so wherever there are Scotsmen. ' Mr Troup said "he was particularly/ pleased to be called upon to propose this toast as a Scotsman on both sides of his family. His Worship the Mayor spoke #f the good work of the society, and said he hoped it would go on and prosper. He would always do whatever he could for the society. Captain C. McArthur proposed the toast, “Kindred Societies,” ancT this was responded to by Mr McCrae, of the Hutt Valley Society, and Sir John Luke proposed the health of the visitors, responded to by Mr Stuart-Wil-son. Captain Nimmo thanked the speakers and the performers of the evening. These were the’ Pipe Band, who gave selections; Highland dancers, and Mr and Mrs Stark, who sang a duet; and Mr Lothian recited Burns’s poem to a haggis. This was during the great event of the evening when, the haggis was brought in. First a small one, carried by a small boy, then the real one, led by pipers and guarded by the hearer of the carver. The lights were turned out, the only illumination coming from tiny electric lights on the haggis dish. It was then placed, before the chieftain, and Lady Luke performed the office of carver, and served the haggis, which was handed round steaming hot, and very fragrant to all present. Scotch songs and tunes were heard, and the whole evening ended with “Auld Lang Syne” in true Scottish fashion.