CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16431, 27 January 1919, Page 4

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

: BURNS NICET. Next to New Year's Eve no night in the your ia celebrated more by Scotsmen thau January 25th, the date of the birth of Robert Bunis, Scotland's national bard. The great poets of other countries and of tboir own arc held in high esteem by Ejcotsmcn, but to them Burns is kinj; o' a'. • This ia not, because Burns was a Scot, but because more than all th& others ho sings of their iiomo lives and through biß songs breathes ideals which appeal to the hearts of the masses. So ciuus and societies of Scotsmen where er they bo meet in honour of the birth of Burns, and where there are no organisations, a few Scots viJl meet iu a. "neebor's hocse" or a wayback hotel, or farm, or lofiely ehepherd'B "biel" (shelter). At such gatherings, the beautilul songs of the poet will be sung, and his verses recited. There also the tastio Scottish dishes will be eateu and her national beverage drunk, while the pipes skirl the marches of her warriors, and the dance musio of her people in tuues of peace. And so, according to old-time custom, the Canterbury Caledonion Society held a gathering on Saturday night in honour of Scotland's great bard. Mr Charles S. Thomas, thepopularpresident,occupied the chair, and on his left were Sir John Dennis ton, 3tc Geo. Ritchie, and Mr 3. McKonzio (vicepresidents), and Mr 0. J. Dougall and Mis a uougaii, and Lieut. McFarlace ./JV \v«.ra). On tlie right were Mr A. McGillivray, chief of tho cscottisli Society/ and Mrs Mcuillivray, Mr and Mra A. McPherson, Mr and Mrs J. M. McLean and Miss McLean, Mr P. Graham, Mr W. I'raaer (vice-president), and Mr ana Mrs J. Porrester. The proceedings wore opened with the "Selkirk" gracc. The toast of "The King" followed in true Scottish style, one toot on tho table, and one on the chair, with hearty cheers. Then taties and herring opened the menu, then came the disli of the evening, the haggis, ushered, in by the pipers, Mr J. Erskine giving the address to the "Groat . Chieftain o' the Puddin Itace" Other delicacies followed, while popular Scottish liquids were not absent, the catering being most satisfying indeed. Highland dances were given by Miss Prussia Turner, Miss Agnes Manson, and Master Leslie Edginton. Mrs Forres tor played an aopropriato selection on the piano, aiui iut J* Allan a march on the great war pipe. Sonsa were sung, by Messrs W. McKay, Bracey ""Vilson and B. Malcolm, the laot-named s eong bcintr a welcome to "Chairlie," written by Mr K iTonaldson. Mrs K. Smith acted as accompjaist. The president read an eloquent address on Burns, written by Sir John Denniston's father, which was first read many rears ago to the Duncdw Caledonian Society Then only too-soon, camo "Auld Lang Syne, and the large number of members and friends went to their "ain ingle neuks.'