BURNS INTERNATIONALISED

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 173, 16 April 1919, Page 2

BURNS INTERNATIONALISED

'Phis year's celebrations .in. London of the Anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns was u notable one, irom thu point of view of tho largo .number of visitor's to the function from the overseas dominions. The poet's genius ami individuality "make an irresistible appeal not only to Briton's, the world over, but wherever members of the English-speaking peoples have settled, a warm corner, is kept for tho Scottish bard. Mr. Kobert kunro, M.P., in speaking' at' tho jubilee of the Robert Burns Club in London this year, stated that, the spirit of the poet now radiated far and wide.. "Wherever a Burns Club is found," he said, "it stands for the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, so victoriously espoused by the Empire, and its Allies.-" | Attention was also drawn to the international character of the London Chili, its first honorary ..member having been Garibaldi. In stressing the democratic ideals which inspire the whole of the poet's works, the president of the club remarked- that Burns had written what might well be the hymn of tho League of Nations. The distinguished visitors to the club on the occasion in question included Lord Morris, Captain Bruco Bairiisfnther, Ralph Connor, Boyd Cable, ajjd General Sir lan Hamilton.

In this connection, it is interesting to learn that a movement is on foot for the establishment of a Robert Burns Club in Wellington, to meet a long-felt want. A strong committee has been formerf, which met on Monday evening last at the studio of Mr. Martin Duff, for tho purpose of drafting the constitution of the club, and' with a view to calling tho inaugural public meeting during May.