COLIN G. MITCHELL, 104 West George Street, Glasgow. J. HAMILTON MACKENZIE, R.S.W., 242 West George Street, Glasgow. DAVID FULTON, R.S.W., 183 West George Street, Glasgow. THOMAS HUNT, R.S.W., 88 Bath Street, Glasgow. HENRY MORLEY, The Gables, St. Ninian's, Stirling. JAMES PATERSON, R.S.A., R.S.W., R.W.S., 17 India Street, Edinburgh. WALTER M'ADAM, R.S.W., 259 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. We give the following extract from an enthusiastic report of the Gribbel function read to the Sunderland Club by Mr A. W. Semple : It was a most appropriate speech, and the fact that Mr Gribbel delivered it without notes was an accomplishment any orator might have envied. Yet he claimed to be just a plain business man, but the company took him at their own valuation, and voted him one of the jolliest good fellows that had ever graced a Burns Federation function. After honouring the Artistes and Chairman, the latter said—as the Kilmarnock contingent had to leave for home shortly after nine o'clock, he would vacate the chair, and he suggested that Mr Cowie should preside and carry on for an hour or so longer. During the interval we were shewn the contents of the album, which is, I believe, unique in the annals of art. The meeting was resumed, and the singing of the three Scottish artistes-Miss Marquis, soprano; Miss Norman, alto; and Mr Macgregor, baritone, was a musical treat of the highest order. Near the close of the function Mr Pollock referred to the fact that a deputation from the Sunderland Club was present, and suggested that Mr Turner should be called on for a few words. The Chairman accepted the suggestion, and Mr Turner delivered an impromptu speech that fairly brought down the house, and confirmed the Sunderland Burns Club's reputation as one of the most loyal Clubs that appeared on the roll of the Federation, and it also added to Mr Turner's well-known reputation as an after-dinner speaker. I am sure the memories of that memorable night will long remain fragrant in the minds of all present as one of the most pleasant chapters in the history of the Burns Federation, 'Twas thoughts like these that weighed with you, And no doubt centred in your mind; With breadth of vision known to few If mortal men could bridge the bourne, Kilmarnock. W. MUNRO. THE BURNSIAN WELCOME. (To be sung to the old American air, “ John Brown's Body.") We welcome Johnnie Gribbel frae the land across the sea, 66 CHORUS Welcome, welcome to the land o' heath and glen, Ye meet us here in Glesca' toon beside the famous Clyde, And our great Scots Poet was born! CHORUS. There's no' a chiel among us a' but's Scottish to the core ; CHORUS. The time will come when man to man a' brithers kind shall be, That vision great of Robert Burns shall stretch from sea to sea; Let's do our best to give it shape and then we shall be free! That's the star o' the 25th! CHORUS Welcome, welcome to the land o' heath and glen, Glasgow. T. C. F. BROTCHIE. MR GRIBBEL IN AYRSHIRE. ΟΝ IN AYR DISTRICT. N Thursday, 5th August, the Officials of the Burns Federation met Mr Gribbel at Ayr Station, and proceeded to Turner's Bridge, from which a fine view of the Auld Brig was obtained. They then proceeded to the Auld Brig, where Mr Hyslop, acting as guide, showed the many points of interest. Mr Gribbel was much interested in the story of the successful efforts which had been made some years ago to strengthen the bridge and keep it as a monument for all time. After visiting the Auld Kirk the party proceeded to the Town Hall, where Provost Morton, supported by the Magistrates and local Burnsians, extended Mr Gribbel a hearty welcome. Amongst those present were Mr George Willock, President of the Ayr Burns Club; ex-Provost Hunter, Ayr; Bailie Murray, Bailie Terry, ex-Bailie Milne, Treasurer McDonald, Dean of Guild Stewart, Councillor D. A. Wallace; Mr P. A. Thomson, Town Clerk; Mr T. L. Robb, Town Chamberlain; Mr T. Hart, C.A., Glasgow, Burgh Auditor ; Mr J. D. Sloan, Glasgow; Mr James Hyslop, and Mr Robert Stewart. After lunch Burns's Cottage and Monument were visited. In the Cottage Museum the guest of the day would fain have lingered long over the many fine manuscripts and other Burns treasures which are housed there. After tea in the Doon Gardens, the party proceeded to Kirkoswald, where the Rev. Mr Muir took the party through Souter Johnnie's house, which is at present being overhauled, but is being kept as far as possible in its original condition. The visit to the old Church and Burial Ground was much enhanced by the Rev. Mr Muir's extensive knowledge of local history and legend, while the condition of the churchyard, for which he is mainly responsible, was much admired by Mr Gribbel, who expressed his appreciation in no unstinted way. IN KILMARNOCK AND DISTRICT. 66 Mr Gribbel arrived in Kilmarnock on Friday morning with the ten o'clock train from Glasgow. He was met by the officials of the Burns Federation and by Provost James Smith, ex-Provost Mathew Smith, and Mr John Haggo, Town Chamberlain. The party visited the historic Laigh Kirk, the scene of Burns's poem, The Ordination," and afterwards proceeded to the Burns Monument in the Kay Park. Mr Gribbel was highly pleased with the external appearance of the structure, and he regards the statue as one of the finest he has seen anywhere. He spent a considerable time in the interior, being very deeply interested in the unique collection of Burns manuscripts and the numerous editions of the Poet's works, and he warmly congratulated the community, through the Provost, on having such a rich store of Burnsian treasures. The party afterwards visited the Dick Institute, which he described as one of the finest buildings he had seen in any provincial town, and he was much interested to learn that it had been utilised as an Auxiliary Red Cross Hospital during the war. After having a passing glimpse at the old building in Waterloo Street where the famous first edition was printed, the party adjourned to the Club, where an excellent luncheon was admirably served. Mr M'Naught occupied the chair, and ex-Provost Smith officiated as croupier. The others present, besides Mr Gribbel, were Provost James Smith, ex-Bailie Finlay, Mr Amos, Mr Innes, Mr D. Yuille, Mr George Clark, Mr John Haggo, and Mr J. P. Dickson. After luncheon Mr Gribbel and the officials of the Burns Federation proceeded to Tarbolton in two cars, travelling via the Ayr Road. The weather was bright and bracing, and the run was thoroughly enjoyed. ExProvost Smith and Mr M'Naught pointed out to Mr Gribbel |