BURNS' ANNIVERSARY,

Otago Witness, Issue 1419, 1 February 1879, Page 28

BURNS' ANNIVERSARY,

AYRSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF OTAGO-

The annual supper of the Ayrshire Association, in celebration of Burns' Anniversary, took place on the 24th, at the Douglas Hotel. Mr George Findlay, occupied the chair, and Mr William Caldwell officiated as croupier. About 30 gentlemen sat down to supper, which was delayed till half-past 10 o'clock, to enable the Rev. Mr Inglis to be present. On the removal of the cloth, the < Chairman stated that he had received apologies for nonattendance that evening from the president of the Association (Mr Andrews), through illness, hia Worship the Mayor, Dr Stuart, and Mr Seaton, M.H.R. It was also announced from the Vice-chair that the '* mull " of the Scottish poet had been kindly lent by Dr Stuart to be examined by the members present.

After the usual loyal toasts had been disposed of, The Rev. Mr Inglis rose to propose the toast of the evening. It gave him great pleasure, he said, to find himself with them that evening, to enjoy for a little while Bocial intercourse round the social board. He was there not only as a brother Scot, but as a lecturer on their great poet. He held that if Burns had done no more for Scotland than writing " A man's a man for a' that," " The Cotter's Saturday Night," and "Scots Wha' hae," he would have deserved all the graceful tributes which had been paid to his memory. The speaker remarked that he could not do justice to the theme before him, on account of the work he had done that night in delivering his lecture. He had very great pleasure in proposing " The memory of Burns, the Bard of Scotland."

The toast was responded to with great enthusiasm.

Mr Macgbegor proposed "The Ayrshire Association of Otago."

The Chairman, in proposing the health of the Rer. Mr Inglis, spoke of the pleasure it must give those present to have a clergyman, of Mr Inglis' ability among them.

The Rev. Mr Inglis responded at length, and in doing so spoke of the advantages of the Association, and also of the kind way he bad beeu treated by one and all in the Colonies.

Mr C. F. Maclean, the hon. sec, proposed " Our Country Members," coupled with the name of Mr Robert Andrews. He mentioned that it was about four years ago that the Society was formed, and at that time there was a membership of 21. persons only. That number had gradually increased to 74, but he was sorry to say that two-thirds of the members live away in the country, and they could ba of little service to the Association, if he could except the paying of their subscriptions, which they did regularly. It was the intention of the Association, when in a suitable financial position, to have a scholarship in the High School, to be called "The Ayrshire Scholarship;" and if the Society advanced as rapidly as it had been doing, it would not be long before such would be the case.

The other toasts were : " Kindred Societies," " Our Native Land," " The Land we live in," " The Hon. Secretary," " Our Visitors," &c. The members dispersed after spending a most enjoyable evening.