SOCIETY OP DORSET MEN

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2455, 7 May 1915, Page 9

SOCIETY OP DORSET MEN

A "oodly company of members and friends of the Dorset Society foregathered at the Burlington Cafe for their fourth yearly "veast" and reunion on Monday evening last, in celebration of Dorset Day. There were present representatives from the Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Eangitikei, Manawatu, and Wellington districts. This "ye'r" the South Island was unrepresented, which was very much regretted, and commented upon by all present. Telegraph and wireless messages were received from Stephen's Island and Sydney from members who regretted their inability to be present on account of distance and otherwise. The appearance of the "blue vinny" cheease of remarkably fine quality was the object of much admiration ana enjoyment, and the real "Dorset aider" with which it was washed down could not be surpassed. The "twoast" list commenced by the chairman giving "His Majesty the King and Royal Family," in a speech remarkable for its brevity. He referred in very appropriate words to the seriousness of the struggle in which the Ivmg and Empire _ were engaged, at the samo timo expressing his sincere conviction that, notwithstanding a few minor reverses just now taking place, ultimately for several reasons which it was needless to relate tho Allied forces must be successful. Tho "twoast" of the evening, "Dorset—Our County," was entrusted to the Eev. J. Lush, who referred to tho wonderful attachment which existed among the exiles from the County to the land of their birth and childhood. A song, "Dorset—Our Dorset," followed from Mr. H. S. Moore, the present hon. secretary, and the toast was responded to by Mr. T. Parsons, of Eketahuna. After a song, "Our Lads in Navy Blue," Mr. Jas. Hiscock, the toast, "Our Parent Society, ' was proposed by Mr. Jas. Besant, and Mr. Edward Mace responded. 'Brother Dorsets at the Vront and Elsewhere, ' suitable proposed by Mr. H. S. Moore, was responded to by Mr. Jas. Hiscock. A comic song, in character, "The Turmit Hoer" (the "oold" favourite) by Mr. H. S. Moore, was very well rendered, and was much enjoyed, all present joining hi the chorus with great heartiness. "Our President" was proposed by Mr. J. F. Atkins, who stressed that the branch was very proud of this year's president, who had come all the way from Dannevirke on purpose to be present that night. Mr. Hartgill had been with them since tho inception of the branch, and took a very keen interest in its affairs. An orchestral selection, followed, whereupon Mr. Hartgill, in responding to the toast of his health as president, testified to the pride ho felt in being the president of the society, and whilst on his feet he would ask the company to drink heartily to the toast of the hon. secretary and hon. treasurer of the New Zealand Society. Mr. H. S. Moore and Jlr. Edward Mace, respectively, suitably responded, and the function was brought to a conclusion about 11 p.m. by the company joining hands and sinning witli much enthusiasm and heartiness. "For Aultl Lang Syne," and thus ended (1 memorable occasion to the Dorset men present.