BURNS NIGHT

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10318, 29 January 1927, Page 7

BURNS NIGHT

SCOTTISH SOCIETY’S ANNUAL FUNCTION^ ’ADDRESS BY MR. T. TODD. ‘ ‘The Immortal Memory—Robbie Burns” was celebrated in a fitting manner at a function held in the City Hall last evening when over 80 members of the Gisborne Scottish Society met at a grand Burns anniversary dinner. Air. J. R. Kirk presided. The chairman expressed "pleasure at seeing so many present to do honor to Scotland's national bard. He expressed regret that they had not with them this year two enthusiastic lovers of Burns, the late Sir James Carroll and Dr. John Ross. One had passed on the wav they all must go, the other had left Gisborne for another district. Many years had passed since the days of Robert Bums but his memory grew stronger year bv year. . “The man of Scotland of to-day” was how Air. Todd described Robert Burns in proposing the toast to “The Immortal Memory.” To learn •the full lessons from Robert Burns they had to study his life and realise liis difficulties. Burns told how they had lived very poorly in his childhood and had mentioned letters from scoundrel factors which used to set the family in tears. His father had done all possible to give their family every opportunity for learning, and their family life Jiad been immortalised in the “Cotter’s Saturday Nicht.’’ Burns was always ambitious and thinking of bis country, but he said himself the greatest misfortune of liis life was lack of aim. Without" an aim he drifted on to his twentyfifth year when his father died and the trials of the family fell on his brother Gilbert and himself. A few years later he reached such a state of misfortune that he made every arrangement to emigrate. At that time he was prevailed upon by his old landlord to go to Edinburgh where, under the patronage of Dr. Blackwood, he became an immediate success. His poems were published, lie received a great reception and was acclaimed everywhere as a genius! Yet Burns himself said: “I know not how it is, I find I can win liking, but not respect.” Burns \Vas hern poor .and continued during his life to chafe at his condition instead of ignoring it. After wanderng round the country for six months, continued Air. Todd, spending the money he had made by tne publication of his poems, he took over a farm. This lie could not make pay and he accepted a job as an exciseman. Within a year he had to give up the farm and though he continued to hold his position as an excise man for another four years, convivial nights at the taverns took their toll and a recurrence of an old ailment carried him away at the early age of 37 years. With all his faults, however, Burns was a genius and more than any other man revealed himself in his poems.

Air. F. R. Ball, in proposing the toast to the Gisborne Scottish Society, congratulated the members on the vigor they had shown since its inception. No better meeting place for Sccftsmen could be found than at Scottish Society gatherings. Air. J. R. Ivirk," in responding, sad* the present Scottish Society was < started in 1924 and the membership to-day was 222. To-day they had a credit balance of over £4O after rendering assistance during the year to the extent of £6O. The Society aimed at making new arrivals from Home feel that there were in New Zealand those prepared to do all in their power to extend to them the hand of hospitality and friendship. ■Other toasts honored during the evening were: “Kindred Societies,” proposed by Air. Crawford; and “The Lassies,” proposed by Air. W. Alorrison and to by Air. R. Waugh.

Added enjoyment was given to the evening by musical and elocutionary items contributed bv Airs. Kane, Misses N. Wilson and J. Park; Alessrs. T. MeAlurrav, D. Grant, Ay. Turbitt. Accompaniments were played by Aliss E. Hall and Piper A. McKenzie contributed pipe selections.