A NIGHT WI’ BURNS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3128, 26 January 1911, Page 7

A NIGHT Wl’ BURNS.

GISBORNE CELEBRATIONS. FINE ADDRESS BY MR. 'J. R. KIRK. AN E XTHU SI ASTI O GATHERING. A dinner to celebrate the 152nd aniniversary of the birth of Robert Burns was held at Woottoirs rooms last evening. Mr. J. R. Kirk presided, and there we:e about sixty gentlemen present. v After justice had been done to a real Scottish repast the health of the King was honored in loyal fashion, and the chairman welcomed those present. He said that lie was very pleased to see such a large gathering. This augured well for the future of the Burns Society, and lie was certain that even greater popularity would attach to the gatherings in the years to come. “A Company of Nations.”

The toast of the the “Navy, Army, and Teritorial Forces” was proposed by Mr. W. L. Clayton. t He said that generally the anniversary of the birth of a poet was associated with peace. At the same time they must recollect that the bards of old fanned the warriors into a warlike fever to fight for their country, and they fought in the way those heroes of Scotland, Ireland and Wales fought. The British people formed a. nation tliat had been pre-emi-nent in the past, but there was no doubt that if they had not had the strongest navy and army they would not have been so respected by other nations for so many generations. Britain was always just and quick to succour the weak and to fight the strong if need be. Britain was a company of nations,, and New Zealand was one of the portions of that company. The Dominion was one of the first to adopt compulsory service, which was simply volunteering by another name. They trained men to fight, and they knew they would fight. They had to fight to make themselves respected and maintain their prosperity and position. They congratulated themselves on the fact that New Zealand contributed a Dreadnought to the navy, and congratulated the Government on making the proposal. It was above the financial ability of the Dominion when considered in proportion of other parts of the Empire, but still he thought it was a very wise move. New Zealand was the first to send contingents to the South African war, and in doing so they showed the whole world that the colonies were united to the Empire, and thaC they were a company of nations. They were all proud of the army and navy, and he had much pleasure in coupling with the toast the name of Colonel Porter, a soldier who had seen warfare, and who had distinguished himself in the field. ■ British Supremacy Must be Maintained.

Colonel Porter, in reply, said that he felt it a great honor to respond to the toast, more especially as he had served in the three branches. Of course, that was the fortunes of war. Speaking about the navy, he pointed out that from a strategical point of view that was the first line of defence. In all the records of the past—at the end of tile seventeenth century, the beginning of the eighteenth century, and carried through to the nineteenth century—the nations of the world united to deprive Britain of the sovereignty of the &ea. He was not going into details, but Britain fought for ve.irs to maintain that supremacy. It did not moan an aggressive policy or a policy of aggrandisement, but it meant the privilege of maintaining commerce throughout the world. They maintained that right single handed owing to the navy, and the nations that tried to inflict punishment had it recoil on them. He pointed out the disastrous results that would ensue if Britain lost the supremacy of the sea, and said that she must maintain it no matter what the outlay. Dealing with the army, lie said that it was only by the co-operation of the two arms of the service that they were able to protect themselves and avoid invasion. He had always been an advocate of havinor one strong man at they head of the defence forces in New Zealand, and he thought that Major-General Godley was the maiYTor the position. He was of opinion that as long as the statesmen did what was right, the three arms of the service would do their duty. Immortal Memory of Burns.

The Chairman, in proposing the “Memory of Burns, said:— When life’s pleasures pall; when the friends of yokith and of manhood pass to that bourne whence no traveller returns ; when old age peers half longingly and half affi igbtedly into the 'beyond where is the promise of perpetual spring and perpetual youth, and the dust of to-day is in preparation to crumble into the dust from which it came, it is not unnatural that the brow should relax and the eye which long since became dim should lighten as memory conjures up the scenes of childhood, and once again (but now thro’ a long vista of eventful years) the scenes of earliest days, softened and hallowed •by the touch of time, are marshalled. How often the experiences, the events, the very atmosphere of those days, affect the after-life, giving to .it the coloring it adopts, the ruggednoss or polish, the strength or the weakness with which it is subsequently identified! One hundred and fifty-two years ago to-day, in a small thatched cottage in the district of Kyle, within two miles of the town of Ayr-—Aulcl Ayr, wha ne’er a town surpasses for .honest lads and bonnie lassies —and within few hundred yayds of Allowa- Kirk—a church which bis poem of “Tam 0’ Shanter” has rendered immortal—a child, whose name was to be as that of one of the great ones for all time, was born. You who come from that Scottish land, know that not under skv so blue and sun so strong as we are accustomed to at this time of the year, but with tlie cold blast of January for trumpeter, was his voice first heard. “An Expectant Wee Thins.”

His father, William Burns, was a peasant—fully' representative of those strong, "i-c'vis minds that are especially the growth of Scotland, and as the child grew, one can see him to use his own language, ‘‘ail expectant wee thing, toddlin’ to meet his dad wi J flichterin 7 noise and glee,’’ and as his years numbered, forming part of that family circle when, every Saturday night, with his tarn ily around him, the saint, the father and the husband prayed. One fancies him,'too, eyes hie with expectation, and mind open for all impressions, sitting on the knee of the old dame who lived with the family, a woman, Burns says, who had th<> largest collection’ in the country of tales and songs concerning devils,, ghosts, fairies, brownies, witches, warlocks, spunkies. kelpies, elf-candles, dead-lights, wraiths, apparitions cantraips, giants,' enchanted towers, dragons, and N other trumpery.

Scenes and environment of this nature generally affect the beholder, and it is little wonder that along defined lines the natural and supernatural genius of Burns developed. No surprise is occasioned that “Tam 0’ Shanter” and “The Cotter’s Saturday Night” stand pre-eminently the woi'k of his pen.

His Sympathy and Enthusiasm. Burns stands a monument not only to genius, but to the Scottish system of education. The son of a, Cottar, it was not his portion to receive anything more than the means of education provided by the State, and yet (apart from his poetry) his letters, his correspondence, the partial account of his life written by himself, are not easilv excelled in style or "in beauty of diction. He bad an observant eve a heart overflowing with the milk of human kindness, and the works of the Great Architect of the Universe, inspired in him that reverence which is easily traceable in many of his best works. His labor as a ploughman but provided that necessary space wherein his latent genius could develop and one at this distance of time can well imagine how lie “walked in glory and in joy behind his plough upon the mountain side,” the song of the mavis and the blackbird in liis ear, the delight of the mountain daisy in his eye, and in his heart the largest sympathy and tlie most generous enthusiasm. He lifted the lowly lot of the ploughman, and such men found an inspiration in their work, unknown before, because of the labor of their poet brother. He compelled attention toJJhe peasantry of Scotland. 0? their .Toys and their sorrows, tlicir loves and their fears their affections and their common round of daily life, he sang with such tenderness and knowledge, such sympathy and almost divine insight, that he held a mirror up to them, and, looking upon it, they were pleased,, and, taking a renewed interest in their lot, acquired that “pride of place” which but added to their strong, sturdy, manly independence. “A Poet of Nature.”

Robert Burns was. first, a Poet of Nature. By the sweat of his brow, lie was early taught, must he earn his bread, and in earning this, there was disclosed to him by Nature lier truths, and truthfully, to Nature and to himself, did he interpret them. AYith little knowledge of life, the cottar’s son looked out upon the lowly life around him—upon the river winding past its banks, among its braes, and under its overspanning bridge, passing the daisies and gowaned borders, and later when no longer lie held the reins, but walked in gay company, it was still the same clear, undimmed eye that saw, still the same hand that painted, society high and low. homely or ornamented. With a ready percent-ion did he appreciate and note all tliat was sterling and good, generous and kind, pathetic or humorous in liis associates, with a piercing insight how faithfully did he portray any hollowness, oretence or cant in those he met, and" with what warmth and cordiality, in what living burning sentences did he inflame the patriotic tide that streamed through Wallace’s undaunted heart in that greatest of all war-odes—- “ Scots wlia hae wi Wallace Bled.” Do I need to say more of him as a Poet of Nature? If so, may I be permitted to add that “'as the heart of the poet is particularly awake to every inipression of beauty and sublimity, with the higher order of poets the beautiful is less attractive than the sublime,’ and it was Burns himself who declared that his delight was to ascend some eminence during the agitations of nature.. to stride along its summit while the lightning flashed around him, and amidst the bowlings of the tempest, to apostrophise the spirit of the storm, for then it was, he said,, that “Rapt in enthusiasm, I seem to ascend towards Him who walks on the wings of the wind.” Few names are breathed with that of Shakespeare, yet Hnzlitt, one of the first of English critics, finds the works of Burns to be mentioned with those of that great Englishman, while Thomas Carlyle says that “No n-ooit- of any age or nation is more graphic than Burns;” and Scott. AYordsworth, 'Campbell. Coleridge, Montgomery, and Lowell have recognised him as one of the masters- of their land. How better can I illustrate what I mean than by making a comparison between what 1 believe is familiar to you—Tennyson’s “Brook.” or part of Thomson's “AA’inter” and the following lines from Halloween; —

“AYhyles owre a linn the burnie plays, As through the glen it wimpl’t: AA’hyles round a rocky scar it strays: Whyles in a wiel it dimpl’t; Wlivles glitter’d to the nightly rays, Wi’ bickering dancing .dazzle ; Whyles coket underneath the braes, Beneath the spreading hazel, . Unseen that Night.” —one of the finest instances of description which the records of poetry afford. “A Jolly Beggar,”

Burns was a jolly beggar, full of wit and humor as well as of that sensitive sympathetic nature of which I have spoken. To such an extent is (this evidenced that one who surely had not a true appreciation of the Scottish nature has described him as being an Irishman, born of Scottish parents! Be it so! His ready wit, his warm and fervent spirit, his patriotic zeal were worthy of the best of Erin’s sons, but those here of that generous nation are among the first to acclaim his immortal lavs. But whatever he may be claimed as—Scotch, Irish, English, or Welsh, the* characteristic which warms the heart of every one to him is not that of poet or ploughman, exciseman or farmer, but, whether we remember or forget his frailties and his failings, his absolute and straightforward manliness.

“A prince can male a- belted knight. A marquis, duke and a’ that; jhit an honest man aboon h:s might, Guid faith, he munna. fa’ that; “For a’ that, and a’ that, Their dignities, and a’ that; The pith o’ sense, a-ncl pride o’ worth, Are higher ranks than a’ that.”

One hundred and fifty-two years ago today, the name of Burns was known but to'a small circle; -to-night, not alone in -Scotland_l)ut in every land where there may be a handful of Scotchmen, and here in this, one of the furthest civilised outposts of our Empire especially', his memory is being revered. Of him stories will be told ; concerning him eloquence- will be called forth, and because of him hearts will recall with a feeling of joy-iu-pain memories' ot that, deaf home-land, never perchance, to be seen more, but in lia.ud clasping band, vows of friendship will be renewed, and “For ail Id long syne” the cup o’ kindness will be taken—“ For auld lanq- syne.” The Gift of hi- Songs.

For the gift of his songs the British nation can never give too great reward, and these alqne have justified the costly monuments erected to liis memory for they are such as to draw together and hold in bonds of good-fellowship, in whatever clime they

niay bo sung men who speak the English tongue. As Principal Sharp, formerly Professor of Poetry m the University of Oxford says: —“They appeal to all ranks, they touch all ages, they cheer toil-worn men undei every clime. Wherever the English tongue is heard, beneath the suns of India, anud African deserts, on the Western prairies of America, among the squatters of Australia, whenever men of British blood would give vent to their deepest, kindliest, most genial feelings, it is to the songs of Burns they spontaneously turn, and find in them at once a perfect utterance and a fresh tie of bi otherhood. fit is this which forms Burn’s most enduring claim on the world’s gratitude.” _ , , T Quite inadequately, 1 know, have I attempted to fulfill the high honor conferred moon, me in entrusting to me this toast, and I crave your loigiveness. Much more might he said, many more points might be made, but in the tune allotted to me I have mentioned those that appeal most to me If I have been selfish, pray overlook it, for subsequent speakers will compensate ior my defects.

A Magnificent Prayer. Let me therefore conclude with but one thought more: Burns is frequently quoted by those ignorant of the beata-' ties of liis imagery as being but the Poet of the Flowing Bowl, and his failings and frailties are unduly exhibited. Truly, “the evil that men do lives after them”’ hut- those who thus regard him wiU surely be silenced by the words of that magnificent prayer made in the prospect of death : “Thou unknow Almighty Cause Of all my hope and fear! In whose dread presence ere an hour, Perhaps I must appear! If I have wandered in fose paths Of life I ought to shun— As something loudly in my breast Remonstrates I have done—- “ Thou know’st tlialt Thou hast form’d me With passion wild and strong; And list’ning to their witching voice Has often led me wrong. “Where human weakness has come short, Or frailty stept aside, Do Thou, All-good: for dueli Thou art, In shades of darkness hide. “Where with intention I have err-d, No other plea I have, But Thou art good; and goodness still Dclighteth to forgive.”

A perusal, too, of his “Epistle to a Young Friend” brimful of sound philosonliv and morality, .shows him who had experienced the things of which he wrote a proper mentor for youth. 1 intend to sav no more, and I thank you for your patience. “Let him that is without sin amongst you cast the first stone.”

“Who made the heart, ’tis He alone Decidedly can try us, He knows each chord—its various tone, Each spring—its various bias: Then at the balance let’s be mute, AA’e never can adjust it; AA'hat’s done we parwy may compute, But know not what’s resisted. I give you: “The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns.”

Other Speeches. Dr. Chas. F. Scott then gave an historical sketch of “The Poet’s Birthplace,” describing the cottage in the town of Ayr, where Burns was born, and the “Twa Brigs.” Mr. J. B. Leydon proposed the toast of “Our Legislators,” and instanced the strenuous time the members of Parliament had had recently. They worked day and night in order to plat, s measures on the Statute Book which would be for the benefit of the community, and New Zealand was proud of its legislators. Mr. W. D. S. MacDonald, in reply, said it was always a pleasure to respond to the toast of “The Legis itors.” Ever since New Zealand was granted Responsible Government >t had been extremely fortunate m rts leaders of the Government, and lie mentioned the names of the vayci s gentlemen who had held that position. Thev had, he said, devoted the v lives to the building up of this yc.mg JL - minion, and they had brougnt it to one of the foremost parts of the Empire. Thev felt proud of the position that had been brought about by those legislators who had passed away and those in power to-day. He then dealt with the Dreadnought given by the New Zealand Government, and said that when one of the greatest Powers was threatening, New Zealand kindled a beacon fire that stirred the whole of the Empire. The Government wanted to do what was right for the people and to unhold the masses, and see that they received a fair remuneration for their labor. During the evening a number of other toasts were honored, including “The Chairman,” “The Croupiers, “Messrs. Mackie and Co., Glasgow, the “Future Burns Society of Poverty Bay,” “The Lassies,” and “The Press. A number of entertaining items, were contributed bv Messrs. Grieve, Birrell, Grieve, Kells, Barclay, and McClymont.

To "“t up in the morning and be faced with the necessity of shaving before leaving home for work, is an experience which most men have. A local gentleman who had slept in rather long, the other morning hastily jumped out of bed with half, an hour to shave, dress, ha ye breakfast, and reach his place of business. His razor was not m the best ot order, and he regarded the operation of shaving with no favor. However to Ins utter surprise and joj' his good wife had, on the previous clay, had the foresight to purchase one of Morse’s patent Saiacto razors, which she there and then presented to him. lie tried, it, and reached work in time and smiling. Call and see the “Safacto” at either of Morse s shops in Gladstone Road. Twelve months guarantee given and setting free.*

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