I just found another twist to Kelligrew's Soiree with the term Tar Twine. In the Dictionary of Newfoundland English the song is frequently cited for usage of a defined word. For example, in the definition of Turpentine Burke's work is cited with the term Tar Wine. Since the Dictionary is part of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador with access to the oldest and most historically accurate of available records, I do believe that's right. I also think oral tradition has taken the term Tar Wine to Tart Wine and finally to the written anthologies where the term has somehow become Tar Twine, a term which really makes little sense in this context. Burke, on the other hand, comedian that he was, may have actually written it as Tar Twine just so future generations like us could scratch our heads over what he meant. :-)