Annual Burns Chronicle and Club Directory

Mr R. Brown, acting president of St. John's Burns Club, Greenock, homologated what had been said by Bailie M'Callum. His Club and the Greenock Club had an assurance that Messrs Caird & Co., or their representatives, were quite willing to entertain any proposal which would safeguard the remains and tomb of Highland Mary, and preserve them to the nation.

Bailie M'Callum added that with such an assurance they understood their duty was at an end, as they had no right whatever to interfere as far as the graveyard was concerned.

The President said that, besides the question of Highland Mary's grave, there was the question of how the lairholders would regard the proposal, as they certainly had a locus standi.

Mr Pollock thought it absurd if Highland Mary's grave alone was to be preserved. He hoped they were better Burnsians and better patriots than to imagine that any grave, however humble, was not sacred.

After a discussion, in which the President, Bailie M'Callum, Mr Wm. Gallacher, Greenock, and Mr M'Gavin, Greenock, took part, the President said the best course was to appoint a committee to act along with the Greenock representatives to watch the evolution of matters. The shipbuilding firm could not proceed without a provisional order or Act of Parliament.

A Watching Committee, consisting of the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Mr Jeffrey Hunter, Mr H. M'Coll, Mr Robt. Wilson, Mr Alex. Pollock and Mr Joseph Martin, was then appointed.

ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS.

Colonel Alex. Gibb, R.E., Rosyth, was appointed an Honorary Vice-President on the motion of Mr P. Paterson, Dunfermline, and Captain Wm. Douglas, Glasgow, was elected a Vice-President. Mr P. N. M'Farlane, London, was elected London's representative in place of Mr Jas. Thomson, who had resigned. The other Officebearers were re-elected.

The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

SOCIAL MEETING.

The Delegates afterwards partook of tea in the Royal Hotel. Captain Douglas, President of the Glasgow Burns Clubs Association, occupied the chair. After tea, an enjoyable hour was spent in song and sentiment.

THOMAS AMOS, Hon. Secy.

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List of Clubs which have Subscribed for the Publishing Fund from 20th December, 1916, to 22nd December, 1917.

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