MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE

BURNS FEDERATION.

CENTRAL HALLS, BATH STREET,

GLASGOW, 1st September, 1917.

THE Annual Meeting of the Executive Council of the Burns Federation was held here to-day at 4 p.m.-Mr D. M'Naught presiding. The following Delegates were present :--

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No. 0, Kilmarnock, D. M'Naught. Geo. A. Innes, ex-Bailie Munro, T. Amos. No. 3, Glasgow Tam o' Shanter-T. P. Thomson, John F. Anderson, John Ballantyne, John Carmichael. No. 9, Glasgow Royalty-D. Gunn, G. F. Howarth, Geo. Guthrie. No. 21, Greenock-D. M'Callum, Wm. Nicoll. No. 33, Glasgow Haggis -Robert Wilson. No. 34, Glasgow Carrick-D. Norval, Thos. Ferguson, A. E. Collins, D. Sutherland. No. 36, Glasgow Rosebery -Geo. Armour, Alex. Pollock, Jas. D. Sloan. No. 49, Glasgow Bridgeton-John G. S. Sproll, Jas. M. Campbell, D. Baird. 50, Stirling-R. Sandeman. No. 57, Thornliebank-Andrew M'Callum. No. 63, Glasgow Mossgiel-Robt. Parker, Jos. M'Gregor. No. 67, Glasgow Carlton-Wm. Gardiner, D. Davidson. No. 74, Glasgow Mauchline-Wm. M'Adam Sharp, T. Killin. No. 85, Dunfermline United-P. Paterson. No. 113, Vale of Leven Glencairn N. M'Crimmon, D. M'Innes, G. Colquhoun. No. 118, Glasgow Albany-A. C. Riddall, R. Carmichael, R. D. Donaldson. No. 121, Hamilton Junior Wm. Ferguson. No. 131, NewarthillD. Crawford, James Smith, Thos. Nimmo. No. 135, Partick Western-A. V. Smith. No. 139, National--Alex. Groves, G. M. Hamilton, J. G. Galpine. No. 150, Kilmarnock Jolly BeggarsJohn Brown. No. 153, Scottish-Wm. R. Petrie. No. 165, Wallsend-Andrew Gray. No. 169, Glasgow Burns Clubs Association-J. Jeffrey Hunter, Alex. M'Kenzie, Joseph Martin, J.P. 181, Primrose-Thomas Sutherland. No. 182, Stane MossgielWm. Armour, Geo. Meikle, Alex. Walker. No. 192, Ayrshire Burns Clubs Association-John P. Dickson. No. 202, Ye Cronies, Govan J. Rellie, N. M'Kelvie, R. Coutts, D. Thomson, Isaac Chalmers, A. Nicol, E. J. Tait. No. 207, Cambuslang Wingate— Wm. M'Lean, Jas. M. Smith, John Williamson. No. 209, Greenock St. John's-Robt. Brown, Alex. M'Gavin, Wm. Gallacher. 218, Bannockburn Empire-Wm. R. Lennie, Jas. Kirkwood. 226, Dumfries-John M'Burnie, No. 234, Glasgow Southern Merchants-Wm. Patrick. No. 237, Uddingston Masonic-Jas. Donald, R. Nisbet, T. Barr. No. 244, Dalmuir-Alex. Dillon, Parish Councillor J. B. M'Intyre, Jas. M'Gregor. No. 245, Kinnaird -Jas. Turnbull, Geo. Cowan, Geo. Jenkins. No. 246, Lochore Wm. Clark, Jas. Bauld. No. 248, Lochgelly Thirteen Jolly Beggars -Wm. Whisker, Geo. Arrol.

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Apologies for absence were intimated from Major R. S. Archer, V.D., Liverpool; Philip Sulley, F.S.A. (Scot.), Elgin; and H. S. Murray, J.P., Galashiels.

The minutes of last Annual Meeting were read and approved.

SECRETARY'S ANNUAL REPORT.

Mr Amos submitted his Annual Report, which was in the following terms :

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We meet once again under the shadow of this seemingly interminable war. Notwithstanding trials and disappointments we find our country in the fourth year of this titanic strife more determined than ever to put an end for all time to the Prussian militarism which has been threatening our national life, and, thanks to our gallant sailors and soldiers, the day of victory seems each day nearer at hand.

In such a national crisis it is but natural that the lull in the Burns world should continue, and that many of our Clubs should be existing in a state of suspended animation; but when the day of victory comes, and it's coming yet for a' that,' none will welcome it with more enthusiasm than the members of the Burns Federation.

The long Roll of Honour which was published in the Chronicle of this year spoke eloquently of the patriotism and self-sacrifice of many of our members; and I ask you to pay your homage to the heroes who have died a glorious death since the beginning of this year, and also to record your sympathy with their sorrowing relatives. Glasgow Rosebery-Private Harry St. Clair Grey Gardner, Royal Scots Greys, attached to Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders ; Private Charles E. G. Biggs, Black Watch.

Larkhall Thistle--Corporal Peter Hamilton, 2nd Seaforths; poral James Shields, K.O.S.B.

Dumfries Burns Club-Lieut. Wm. Blacklock.

Ye Cronies, Govan-Trooper A. M‘Kinnon.

Sunderland-Private Wm. H. Calvert, Royal Canadian Rifles. Galashiels-Charles Brown.

Birmingham-Arthur Falconer, London Scottish.

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Cor

During the year several well known Burnsians have passed away, and we sincerely mourn the loss of Sir James Sivewright, K.C.M.G., one of our Honorary Vice-Presidents; Deacon-Convener Hugh Alexander; Mr Peter Glasse; and Dr. Wm. Findlay. Each of these by Scottish perseverance and uprightness reached a foremost place in his own particular line of life, and all four were genuine lovers of our Bard.

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Many who are here will remember with what eloquence and hospitality Sir James Sivewright welcomed us to his home on the occasion of our conference at Dunfermline.

"Deacon-Convener Hugh Alexander was born and reared in the very heart of the Land of Burns and quite close to the Catrine Woods' and Braes o' Ballochmyle,' whose charms he so sweetly sang. In the Town Council of Clasgow he won for himself the greatest respect by his business capacity, eloquence, and transparent honesty. He had been highly honoured by his fellow-citizens, and still greater honours seemed in store for him when he was called

away. His work in the establishment and endowment of the Mauchline Burns Homes deserves our admiration, and we shall always remember him as a man whose native kindliness had remained unspoiled by success.

"Mr Peter Glasse was only last year appointed one of our VicePresidents. In the great co-operative movement in Scotland he held a leading place, and his genial presence will be missed among Glasgow Burnsians and in many of the towns where he had made warm and attached friendships.

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'Dr Findlay was for many years a successful medical practitioner in Glasgow, and he had also gained a wide reputation as a litterateur, having published several volumes of charming sketches and contributed many valuable articles to magazines and newspapers. He had been associated with the Federation since its inception, and always evinced a deep interest in its affairs.

"I have also to mention with regret the death of Mr Alex. Smith, Secretary, Prestwick Club; Mr R. J. Charters, VicePresident of Jedburgh Club: Mr Boyd, Secretary of Irvine Club; Corporal P. Slavin, Secretary of Fauldhouse and East Benhar Club, who was killed in action; and Captain J. Main, Secretary of Hamilton Burns Club, also killed in action.

"Since we last met, the following four Clubs have joined the Federation - Dalmuir, Kinnaird, Lochore Shanter, and Lochgelly Thirteen Jolly Beggars. The number of Clubs on the roll of the Federation is now two hundred and forty-eight. There is still a brisk call for membership pocket diplomas, and of these I have issued during the year ninety-eight.

"In January the twenty-sixth volume of the Burns Chronicle was published. The literary matter reached a high standard, and once again we must express our gratitude to our veteran editor, whose labour of love has now extended over a quarter of a century. Financially, however, the Chronicle has not been such a success as in former years. Without the annual levy it would be impossible to carry it on, but our Clubs must understand that if their members do not purchase copies of their own Annual, it will be possible to continue its publication only at a loss to the Federation. The question as to the continuance of the Chronicle at the present time has been discussed at a meeting of the Executive Committee, and I am sure you will agree with the Committee that our Annual should be published as usual.

"The task of the Rosebery and Carlton Clubs of producing for the blind an edition of Burns's poems and selections from his letters now approaches completion. The Braille edition has been in circulation for some time, and Mr Pollock informs me that the Moon edition will soon be ready for publication. We cannot over-estimate the pleasure such volumes will bring to many of our soldiers who have had the misfortune to lose their sight in the present war, and we heartily congratulate the two Clubs on the success which has attended their efforts.

"The Glasgow District Burns Clubs have been adding to their property in Mauchline. In addition to the Burns House, they have, again through the generous assistance of Mr Charles R. Cowie, acquired the house that belonged to Dr M'Kenzie, the friend of Burns and his family. In announcing the purchase of the house,

Mr Cowie, in a most interesting speech, gave an account of the worthy doctor and his association with the Poet's wife and family. A quiet haven of rest has been found for several aged women in the Burns House, and its museum has been increased by the addition, of interesting relics.

"To-day there will be brought before us a report on the proposed removal of Highland Mary's Monument in Greenock West Churchyard, owing to the need of shipyard extension. It is hardly necessary to say that this proposal has created great excitement in the Burns world, and that not only in Greenock but throughout the West of Scotland the removal of the honoured dust of Burns's heroine from its resting-place will be looked on as an act of desecration. Already the cry, 'Hands off Highland Mary's grave!' has been heard from many Burns Clubs. In this matter there are two points of view--the utilitarian, with its cry of need of extension in time of national stress, as well as the so-called sentimental cry of the Burns worshipper, and I have no doubt that both sides of the question will be placed before you to-day."

The report was unanimously adopted.

TREASURER'S REPORT.

Mr Innes submitted an abstract of the financial statement, showing that the balance on hand was £227 Os ld, as compared with £266 last year, the decrease being accounted for by the loss on the Chronicle and the expenses in connection with the Gribbel album.

Mr J. Jeffrey Hunter moved the following resolution :

"That this meeting of the Burns Federation offers heartiest congratulations to President M'Naught on the celebration of his golden wedding and on his completing 50 years of successful work as a parochial schoolmaster and 25 years' arduous, admirable, and gratuitous labour as Editor of the Burns Chronicle; that the warmest gratitude of the meeting be expressed to the President for his past services, together with wishes for his continued health and happiness; and that it be remitted to the Executive Committee of the Federation (with the exception of the President) to consider the propriety of suitably commemorating this auspicious year of his life; further, that the said committee be forthwith called together with full power to carry to a successful issue any resolution adopted by them."

Mr Andrew M'Callum seconded the resolution, which was carried with unanimity and acclamation.

"BURNS CHRONICLE."

The President reported a slight loss on last year's publication. For the ensuing number he had more than sufficient material, and would make a judicious selection, paying special attention to current topics.

On the motion of Mr Hugh M'Coll, the usual donation of £25 was voted to the President for payment of contributors to the Chronicle.

SCHOOL COMPETITIONS.

Mr Alex. Pollock announced that he had received reports of School Competitions from Albany, Bridgeton, Shettleston, and Portobello Burns Clubs. The reports were of a very satisfactory character, and would be sent to the Editor of the Chronicle. Mr M'Burnie, Dumfries, and Mr Walker, Stane Mossgiel, also reported on very successful competitions which had been held during the past year under the auspices of their respective Burns Clubs.

BURNS'S WORKS FOR THE BLIND.

Mr Pollock reported that the Moon as well as the Braille editions for the blind were now absolutely completed, and that two sets of the Braille edition, and full sets of the Moon edition had been sent to all the Blind Associations in Scotland, the teaching societies for the blind, and also to the hospitals in all parts of the United Kingdom where heroes blinded through the war were residing. He acknowledged the liberality of the late Sir James Caird which made this excellent work possible, and he thanked Mr J. C. Ewing, Mr Stone, headmaster of Craigmillar School, and Mr Henry Stainsby, Secretary of the National Institute for the Blind, London, for their disinterested labours in carrying out the work to a successful issue. The President moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Pollock for his report, and his invaluable work in connection with this committee of the Rosebery and Carlton Clubs.

HIGHLAND MARY'S GRAVE.

In introducing the subject the President said the question had arisen from an article which had appeared in the Glasgow Herald early in May. This article announced that Messrs Caird & Co. required an extension of their shipbuilding yard, and the proposed extension necessitated the removal of the Old West Church and Churchyard, which meant the removal of the grave and memorial shrine of Highland Mary. From enquiries he was under the impression that when the Memorial was raised by public subscription in 1842 it was handed over to the Trustees of the West Kirk, and actually became their property. He considered the Federation could not make any move in this matter unless the impetus proceeded first of all from Greenock. He understood the firm in question had approached the Burns Clubs of Greenock and made two offers, either to allow the tomb to remain and have it surrounded by a wall, or to remove it to any place the Burns Clubs wished it to be placed. If the shipyard extension was imperatively necessary to defeat the Germans he was willing to allow his sentimentality. to go, but if it was merely a matter of a private firm needing extension, then it was a totally different question.

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Bailie M'Callum, representing Greenock Burns Club, said he knew nothing at all about the stories which had been circulated about the removal of the Memorial. At a meeting of his Club, called to appoint delegates for this conference, the minute read as follows: After a free discussion as to the question of the removal of the Highland Mary Memorial and Highland Mary's Grave in the Old West Kirkyard which appears in the agenda of the meeting, the representatives were authorised to report that up to the present time there had been no proposal to remove the Highland Mary Memorial or her ashes."