DUNEDIN HIGHLAND RIFLES

Evening Star, Issue 22443, 14 September 1936, Page 14

DUNEDIN HIGHLAND RIFLES

REUNION OF MEMBERS The annual reunion of ex-members of the Dunedin Highland Rifles was held in Wilson Hall on Saturday night. There was an attendance of about 40, presided over by Mr J. C. Rigby. In his opening remarks, the Chairman said that they were holding their sixth annual reunion. It was very pleasing to see so many members present, and to know that the association was in such a satisfactory position. The membership was the_ second highest since its inception, which spoke well for the keenness of members. The speaker mentioned that the Dunedin Highland Rifles was formed in 1885, and celebrated its fiftieth aniversfiry last year. In 1888 an Association football club was formed by the members of the unit. This club was still in existence, and would celebrate its fiftieth anniversary next year. He referred to the Northern Club, which was formed by Captain Moncrief. Mr J.‘ G. Gillan proposed the toast of “The Old Company,” and referred to the good attendance at the function, which, he said, showed the calibre of the members who formed the company 40 odd years ago. The company had many distinctions, and was very generously complimented by visiting officers. He was sure no _ volunteer corps had made such a splendid response to the call of duty as the Dunedin Highland Rifles, and even to-day in the rifle clubs could be found ox-members of the company still able to hold their own.

In response, Mr D. Fraser recalled the enjoyable times spent in the company. At various times members had been called upon to fill vacancies on the battalion staff; one had been appointed to command the battalion and two had been elected to the mayoralty of the city. This showed the type of men who had comprised the company. “Our Patron—Colonel Stoneham,” was the toast proposed by Mr J. D. Cameron, who said that Colonel A. Stoneham had passed through all ranks in the company and was the possessor of a wonderful military record, comparing more than favourably with many present Territorial officers. Ho had been appointed to command the First Otago Battalion, in which position he did excellent work. The speaker then read a letter from Colonel Stoneham in which the writer sent his best wishes.

Mr J. McDonald, proposing the toast of “The Old Volunteers,” said that they had spent a very happy time in the company. He referred to the presence of Mr Kennedy, one of the original members of the company when it was formed iu the ’sixties. Many of the old officers and men of the unit were recalled, and episodes of the early days of the company were related. Other companies in the district were also referred to. The speaker said he knew of nothing which added to a man’s self-respect more than volunteering. Referring to the present depleted numbers of the Territorials, the speaker said that it was imperative that New Zealand should have an efficient defence force, and he hoped the Government would spare no pains to provide one. It was vital that New Zealand should be prepared to defend itself in the event of the Mother Country becoming involved elsewhere. The force would not be required for aggression, but for the protection of liberty and honour. Tho speaker hoped his listeners would do all in their power to build up the Dominion’s defence force.

Replying to the toast, Mr !A. Dempster expressed his pride at having been associated with the old volunteers. There was a totally different atmosphere in the volunteers than that which prevailed amongst the young men of today. Then they had to pay an entry fee, as well as a portion of the cost of the uniform. He then said that, had the old volunteers been treated as they should have been, there would have been no need of the Territorials. Mr G. Waldie proposed the toast of ‘Absent Comrades,’ and in doing so, said that the Dunedin Highland Rifles had given of their best. During the South African War they had given more than any other company. Mr K. Melville briefly replied. The toast of “ The Performers ” was also honoured. During the evening items wore contributed by Messrs W. Ruston, W. M'Kinlay, J. C. M'Clymont, G. Wiseman, A. Cooper, W. Strang, and A. Snell.