UNVEILING THE BURNS STATUE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1567, 25 May 1887, Page 2

UNVEILING THE BURNS STATUE

DuNEDitf, May 24,

The weather dnrlng the morning wsb threatening and chilly, a north-east wind giving indications of rain, but the clouds lifted towards midday, and the ceremony of -unveiling the Burns' status waß conducted m reasonably fine weather, thus te-nptlng a large crowd (estimated at 6000) to witness the proceedings. Shortly before one o'clook the various Societies commenced to muster on the replaimed ground at the back of the railway station, and some 3COO or 30C0 people assembled to Bee it start. About half past one the proceaaloQ Btarted along Bond street, li passed through the Octagon at a quarter to two, by which time the streets and open space adjoining were thronged with an orderly but chaffiig crowd, who were easily restrained by the strong force of police employed m keeping clear the Bpace round the platform. The column arrived m front of the etatue at two o'clook precisely. Ten minutes later Sic George Grey made his appearance, accompanied by Messrs T. Fergus, T, Bracken, W. D. Stewart, Hatoh, Reese, and Bruoo, M.H.R.s, the patty boiog escorted to seats on the platform by Mr J. B. Thompson, Chairman of the Statue Committee. Sir Geo. Grey was received wltu hearty oheers.

Mr Fergus apologised for the. absence of their fellow townsman Sir R. Stout and also for the absence of Sir Maurice O'Borkd, who had made all arrangements to come down but bad been prevented from doing so. Ho (Mr Fergus) would read a telegram that had been received by Sir George Grey from the Earl of Aberdeen, It was as follows : — " Will you kindly convey an expression of my regret at having been prevented from viaitiug Dunedin owing to the necessity of leaving New Zealand by to-day's mail, and to offer my best wishes m connection with the unveiling of the Burns statue.—Aberdken."

Sir George Grey, on rlsiDg, was received with tumultuous cheering, and cries of "The grand' old man." Some one standing by called out to him to keep his hat on, which he Bald he would do m a few moments ; but he had first of all to introduce to them the great grand niece of the mighty poet. To them it was a most touching faot that she should be present, and m the name of those assembled and on their behalf he would call upon her to unveil the Btatue of her illustrious kinsman.

The statue was then unveiled by Miss Burns, amid rounds of cheering, and the Engineers band played " A man's a man for a' that."

Sic George Grey then delivered eta «loquent address upon the Scottish poet, and the applicability of his writings to the needs of a young country like this ; and after a few remarks from others present, the meeting terminated. A banquet Is being held to-n!;»ht m the Lyceum to celebrate tie occasion