DORSET SOCIETY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1345, 24 January 1912, Page 6

DORSET SOCIETY.

FIRST ANNUAL DINNER,

"The New Zeidand Society of Dorset lien Beyond the Sfias" is the latest addition iii this Dominion to tho Jist of associations formed.by natives of particular counties out of a. .regard for local patriotism. Though',only recently inaugurated it already has over eighty members and the nifmber ]is expected to-increase. Tho first annual dinner of the society, held in the Burlington.Cafe last evening, was attended by about- 25 persons. Mr. A. M. Smith presided and those present included Lieutenant-Colonel A. Huiue, .T.l'., Mr. J. F. Atkins (lion, secretary), Mr. V. Williams (assistant-lion, secretary). Mr. H. S. Moore (lion, treasurer), and Messrs. (director of tho Dominion T. Neave, E. Mace,-E. Tonus Jinti W. .TT. Hartgill. Tlie toast of Ibe evening was proposed by 11 r. A. Hamilton,'director of the Daminion Museum. ■ Inviting his hearers to drink to Dorset—Our County," Mr Hamilton said lie felt it a great honour to be asked to 'propose this toast at the first dinner of the Dorset Society. "It is some- time,", ho continued, "sinco I had'the honour;of- treading upon Dorset soil, but I still retain a very lively recollection of the beautiful-hills and downs of Dorset." Mr. Hamilton , claimed the honour of having been born in a place that was town, city, and borough in one — Poole. Not everybody could claim as much. He would always look back with pleasure to tho many happy days he had spent in Dorsot. ■ ■

Messrs. H. S. Moore and E. Mace, responded. The ■former dealt- mainly with the military traditions of the county. In proposing the toast of "The Society of Dorset Men in Londoii," the chairman spoke warmly of the arduous work carried out by Jtr. Atkins, in organising a body locally that could affiliate with the London Society.-.:.-The...chairman also mentioned that Sir-Frederick Treves, who had been for two years'president of their •Society in London, would shortly visit New Zealand. ■ Quite the most effective musical item contributed during the evening was a *one, /'The Turnip Farmer," sung by Mr. H. S. Moore. Another capital item was "The Praise of Dorset," sunn by Mr. ]•. Williams. Other soiurs were rendered by Messrs. Cornish and Hartgill.