A NICHT WI BURNS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2988, 27 January 1917, Page 12

A NICHT WI BURNS

In token of the anniversary of tho Scottish national poet, a large number of Scots met at their social hall on Thursday evening for a "Burns nicht." The Chief, in his oncning- remarks, emphasised the influence of national song on national character. No comment, he said, could bo more, eloquent on llobert Burns than that supplied by thoso who could sing his songs. These songs engendered thoso elements which are tho essentials of true patriotism. "The sangs ma faither liked to hear, the sangs ma mither sang" kept alive that spirit of chivalry, of manly courage and of a high sense of duty which the Scottish mother knew how to impart to her son. Those songs awakened memories which kept many a young man from deviating from the path of •rectitude. That there was not a single member of the Scottish Society present in the hall who was liable to he called in the first ballot, could be fairly regarded as a corollary to the training of the Scottish mother.

The programmo was a long one, and ranked as the best which the society has produced since its inception. Tho Pipe' Band, under the capable leadership of Pipe-Major Taylor, gave several selections which were much appreciated. The first vocal item, "Rantin Rovin Robin," was given by Mrs. M'Lellan in orthodox Doric, followed by Mrs. Bait, with "My Nannie's Awa." Miss Meg Ramshothani, the well-known lyrics "Annie Laurie" and "Bonnie Doon" ; Miss Horc, "Mary of Argylo" and "Angus Macdonald" : Miss Jessie Grant, "Ma Heart is Sa'ir for Somebody"; Mr. Crewes, "Tho Mountain Lovers" and "Yeoman's Wedding"; Mr. Millar, humorous items; Mr. Musso, "The Queen of the Earth" and "The Snnds of the Desert"; Mr. M'Grogor, "Scots Wlia Hae" and "Gae Fetch to mo a Pint o' Wine" : Messrs. M. and J. L.vdon sang "O Wort Thou in the Cauld Blast" and "Eileen Aroon" ; Mr. Jack Lydon, "O' a tho Airts" and "My Love is Like a Red Rod. Roso": Mr. A. Gibson, violin solo, "Auld Robin Gray." Mrs. M'Millan presided at the piano.