BURNS, DAVID (1811-87) was born in Scotland and trained as a builder. He came to Nelson about 1848 and after working at his trade for a good number of years was able to retire. He took little part in public affairs beyond being a member of the school committee from its inception, a member of the Nelson board of works and of the City Council. As a freemason he was a founder of Victory Lodge and member of Southern Star and of the Royal Arch Chapter. He claimed relationship with Robert Burns and was himself a minor poet. His only published volume, Scottish Echoes from New Zealand, appeared in 1883. Burns died on 2 Sep 1887.

Nelson Evening Mail, 3 Sep 1887.

Reference: Volume 1, page 77

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