BURNS' ANNIVERSARY.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13020, 8 February 1911, Page 5 (Supplement)

BURNS' ANNIVERSARY.

SUPPER AT THE MASONIC HALL

(From "The Colonist," Jan. 25.)

Last overling about fifty of the local admirers of Robert Burns partook of supper in the Masonic Hall in commemoration of the great poet's birthday. Mr J. Barrowmau, in the attire of a Highlander, presided over the proceedings and the vice-chair was occupied by Mr W. J. Smith, also in Highland dress. The "haggis" not being quite ready the company spent about ten minutes in pleasant conversation, after which the "haggis" was brought in, prb':cded by Piper Tyson. The chairman, in proposing the. toast of the evening, "Scotland's Great Poet," remarked upon the lack of appreciation of Burns displayed by people in the south of Britain. One of these had said it was a great pity that Burns had not received a classical education, lor if he had had this advantage he would have been a great poet. (Laughter.) Tennyson hud said that if there ever was a heaven-born poet, Burns was the man. (Applause.) The toast having been honoured, Miss Urquhart sang very sweetly "My Nannie's Awa'." She was loudly encored, and in response gave an excellent rendering of "Annie Laurie." Mr It. Allan, Laird of Drumclog, treated the company to a line recitation from the works of Sir Walter Scott. The vice-chairman proposed the health of Messrs Mackie, of Glasgow, who had taken so d;:op an interest in Burns societies, and the toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Mr Paterson said he was glad to see they had such a prosperous Burns society in Nelson. It was a social t:o----ciety, and it was well to cultivate the social side of their nature. It was a great happiness to meet together and leave the cares and wrangles of the world outside. They had come there that night to do honour to the memory of a man whom Thomas Carlyle said was the greatest poet of the eighteenth century, and it was good for them to meet once a year to honour Burns. Those who had nothir.g but pity for Burns needed pity thoinselvos. Burns had a religious mind. He (the speaker) had always hold that "The Cotter's Saturday Night" was ore of the noblest defences of r;ligion. (Applause.) Burns had done mr.ch to hasten the time "When men the warkl o'er would blithers be for a' that.'1 ■ (Applause.) 'Recitations from the works of Burns were admirably given by Mr Black and Mr W. J. Smith. Miss Urquhart was vociferously encored for her beautiful rendering of "The Old Moose." She responded with "Comin' Thro' the Rye." Miss Tyson was warmly applauded for a well executed sword dance, and the vice-chairman for a capital exhibition of the Highland fling. By special request Miss Urquhart sang, "Come Ye by Athol." This was the gem of the-evening and created great excitement amongst the Highland blood, who still cling to the House of Stmrt. Mr Richards rendered with grmt effect th? Scottish song, with great effect the Scottish song, "All the Arts the Win' can Blaw." Mr Betts, a rising tenor, also rendered two songs very creditably, and which were much appreciated. The gathering broke up with the customary singing of "Auld Lang Syne." It was the, most successful gathering the society has had since its inauguration.