BURNS' NIGHT

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3663, 3 February 1940, Page 4

BURNS' NIGHT

CAMBRIDGE CALEDONIANS THE TRADITIONS OF SCOTLAND The true sentiments of Scotland were expressed in the Peace Memorial Hall last evening, when the 181st anniversary of the birth of the immortal poet, Robert Burns, was celebrated by the Cambridge Caledonian Society. The Chieftain, Mr R. D. Fisher, presided over a large attendance, which included visitors from Otahuhu, Matamata, Morrinsville and Te Awamutu. Numerous toasts were honoured, and an excellent programme provided by local and visiting artists. Supper was an. important item, when the haggis was piped in, and Burns' "Address to the Haggis" and "Grace," delivered by Mr J. M. Deas, of Otahuhu. A welcome to the visitors and members was extended by Chieftain R. D. Fisher, who explained that he was presiding in the absence of Chief T. C. Wallace (Captain), who had left New Zealand with the first echelon. Mr Fisher said that the society was proud of its Chief, who was one of the first io enlist. All would wish him a safe and speedy return. A letter was read from Chief Wallace, thanking members for the wristlet watch that they had given to him pcior to his departure. "The Immortal Memory" The main toast to "The Immortal Memory," was in- the capable hands of Mr A. J. Sinclair, of Te Awamutu. In all quarters of the world the 181st anniversary of the birth of Burns had been celebrated during the past week, he said. The great poet was the voice of the people and had become the greatest national poet of all times. It was a great achievement for a poor man's son who lived through a life of poverty. More than wealth, Burns was endowed with a rich intellect and this he used to express in song the life, character and customs of the Scottish race. He endeared himself to the people, as" he was one of them, sharing their joys and sorrows. He sang of Scotland's independent spirit and so it was in the years that followed—she was never beaten.. Today, the men of the hills were coming down in their thousands to answer the call, as they always did when Scotland was in danger. Further tributes were paid to Burns by Mr Sinclair. "Let who will make Scotland's laws, Burns made her songs—the symbols of a great race," he concluded. Toast of Scotland Burns had not been ashamed to sing the praises of his own country, although he experienced most of its hardships, said Mr A. M. Campbell, in proposing the toast of "Scotland." iHe had at first considered that such a toast should be proposed by someone not of the race, who could justly sing Scotland's praise, but Burns himself had proved that this was not .essential.

Scotland had a wonderful history, he said. It had experienced a great battle to hold its own, but had won out and occupied a very high place in the industrial and farming world today. The speaker mentioned the textile industry and engineering, with special reference to the shipyards where such great vessels as the "Queen Mary" had been built. Toast of the Services "With the war much in our thoughts today, it is appropriate to proposed the toast of the 'Army, Navy, and Air Force'," said Mr W. A. Fisher. He referred to the activities of the three branches of service, and expressed the hope that war would soon be over and the men would return home safely. In reply, Mr J. M. Deas, of Otahuhu, spoke of the part that Scotland had always played in wars for freedom and independence. The Scots would stand true to the tartan in this war and fight shoulder to shoulder with other British forces. Mr Deas expressed regret that the New Zealand Scottish Regiment would not fight in the tartan of the Black Watch which had been allotted to it. He considered a great opportunity had been lost to maintain Scottish tradition. Chief's Example A tribute to Captain T. C. Wallace was paid by Mr Deas. The Chief had set an example to the society and the district, he said. The toast of "The Lassies" was proposed by Mr C. H. Maisey, who expressed appreciation, of the

efforts of those who had worked so hard to make the function a success. Mrs W. A. Fisher replied, saying what a pleasure it was to work with the ladies of the society. They were a very happy family, she said. The splendid work carried out by Caledonian. Societies throughout New Zealand was- referred to by Mr F. Kingsford, in proposing the toast of "Kindred Societies." He spoke of the great assistarfcS that Cambridge had received from the neighbouring Caledonian organisations. Mr W. G. John, Chief of the Matamata Society, replied. Outstanding on the excellent programme were solos and duets given by Mr W. Gemmill and Mrs Rattray, of Otahuhu, who have become favourites with the Cambridge Society. The local Pipe Band of six players gave two numbers, and other items were recitations by Miss Lily Bone and Miss Margaret McCathie; songs by Miss Gwenda Nickle and Mr W. Miller; and dances by Miss Rober*son. The accompanists were Miss Gwenda Nickle and Miss Faye Nickle.