THE LAST POEM OF ROBERT BURNS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19206, 24 June 1924, Page 2

THE LAST POEM OF ROBERT BURNS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In reply to Air A. Bathgate and others relative to the correspondence on the subject of the last poem of Robert Burns, the Scotsman living near Dunedin passed away in July, 1923, at the ripe age of 86. Ho was a client of mine. The gentleman who published the poem in Scotland, whilst visiting New Zealand, made a copy from the original, which I understand was in my late client’s possession. Tho printed copy has several inaccuracies in it. I have asked the widow to call with the original, and will then endeavour to obtain particulars of how it came into the possession of her late husband I have promised to supply the data when obtained to the secretary of the Burns Club and yourself. 1 hope to be in a position to do this at an early date. You are at liberty to give my name to any bona fide inquirer.—I am, etc., Dunedin, June 23. E. A. Sir, —Concerning the alleged last poem of Robert Burns, published by you on the sth inst.. with comments from the Peebleshire Advertiser, I can now inform those interested that the poem was given to Mr William Smith, of Carluke, when he was here on a visit 18 months ago by the late Mr Donald Grant, of Waikouaiti. It may be remembered that Mr Grant’s son was killed in the railway accident at Ongarue, when ho was coming to his father’s funeral. On his way north Mr Smith called at Waikouaiti to see some Carluke friends, Mr and Mr s Hamilton, and be was taken bv Mrs Hamilton to see Mr Grant. They were kindred spirits, both being enthusiasts about Scottish literature and song. Mr Grant bad the Bums poem in one of his scrap books. From what I saw of Mr Smith when ho called on mo, I have no doubt that he believed the poem to bo the work of Burns, but he would get a disappointment when he showed it to more critical people at Home. It was some time after he arrived Homo that it appeared in the IVobleshiro paper.—l am, etc., June 23. Lothian.