“NICHT WI’ BURNS.”

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 344, 27 January 1937, Page 4

“NICHT WI’ BURNS.”

SUCCESSFUL GATHERING, Anniversary Social Of Scottish Society. The Taranaki Provincial 'Scottish Society’s “Night wi jßuma," held at the Parish Hall last ievening, was attended with great success. This commemoration of the anniversary of the birth of the great poet coincided with the founding of the Taranaki Sonlelty 25 years ago.

Chief T. W. Smith, who presided, extended a welcome to members and visitors and apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr W. L. Kennedy, first chief of the Society, ahd Mr S. Macalister. The Haggis was played in by Pipe Major R. Macdonald and the Address was recited by Chief T. W. Smith., The toast list whs: —"Th 6 King." , "Caledonia,” proposed by Mr J. McAllister and responded'to by Mr S. Sinclair; “Thd Land we Dive In” (itr W. Liddell—Mr T. T. Murray); “The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns” J. Paterson); "Ladle?" (Mr T. W. Smith); “Artists" and “The Press." A splendid concert programme was contributed to by Mr P. T. Aitken, Miss M. Brunton, Mrs E. McCullough, Mr Baden Bellringer, Miss E. Dive and Mr Anderson. Accompaniments were played by Miss E. Galbraith. “Caledonia/* Proposing the toast of “Caledonia,” Mr McAllister said the fact that tI)S toast was honoured year by yeiar proved the loyalty of Scotsmen to their country. The love of country enobled the mind and in a sense was lhe truest evidence of cltizenslOp. There was no question but that tha love for the Old Land yvas dominant In the Scottish nature and there was much that could be looked back tq with pride. It was not claimed tTikt Scotland was the ideal country tn the world, but Caledonia claimed-the love and affectioi) of all true Scotsmen. Mr Sinclair in his response, said that Scotsmen had made a contribution to the welfare of mankind of which all could be proud.

“The Land we Live In.” “New Zealand was a land wonderfully endowed,” said Mr Liddell in proposing the toast of “Th® Land we Live In.” After narrating the discovery by Abel Tasman and the early history of New Zealand, Mr Liddell referred to the regime of the late Richard John Seddon when New Zealand was regarded as a pioneer in social legislation. In the Great War the soldiers put the Country on the map. The wool, butter and cheese sent a'broad was another advertisement. New Zealand had produced notable men whose fame was worldwide. In conclusion. Mr Liddell made reference to the beautiful scenic attractions of the country. “I as a young man chose Ifew Zealand to live In and arrived ,25 yesirs ago,” said Mr Murray tn replying to the toast. “While we may be Scotsmen and have a great admiration for our country we realise that we must live and work feu- the country of our adoption.” The evening was brought to a close with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne.” The text of the Rev. J. Pattersoh's address is given on page 2 of this’ Issue.