HIGHLAND RIFLES

Evening Star, Issue 23700, 7 October 1940, Page 2

HIGHLAND RIFLES

MEN OF THE OLD BRIGADE In the ’eighties of last century, through the “Russian scare,” the old Dunedin Highland Rifles was formed. About 50 members of the Ex-members’ Association of this body met on Saturday night at the annual reunion. The force was associated with the 42 Highland Rifles, the histone Black Watch, and was the oldest unit overseas entitled to wear this famous tartan. Most of the speeches were of a reminiscent nature, and the various activities, camps, and parades of the company until it was disbanded in 1911'were recalled with relish. Mr J. A. Armit occupied the chair, and among those present was Mr J. Kennedy, a foundation member of the company. The toast of “ The Old Company ” wai proposed by the Chairman. He referred to its fine traditions and the effect that iU associations had had on the lives of th» members. Replying to the tcast, Mr A. Dempster, a former captain of the company, strongly advocated the need for increased physical training and military training among the young men of the Dominion. A feature of the evening, in accordance with the custom of the association, was thn honouring of the toast of “ Our Patron, Colonel Stoneham,” at 9. p.m. Colonel Stoneham, who is now advanced in years, is a resident of Hastings, and as he cannot be present at a reunion there is a standing arrangement that at a set time the members join with him in a toast. On th* stroke of 9 o’clock, therefore, the toast wa* honoured. Other toasts were; " The Old volunteers,” proposed by Mr J. T. Gillan and replied, to by Mr J. M’Dotiakl; “ Old Comrades,” proposed by Mr J. B. Stewart and replied io by Mr J. M. l PUersout The Performers,” proposed by Mr G. Waldie: and “ The Press ” proposed by Mr J. K. Macfle. During the evening musical and other items wore given bv Pipe-minor Maher (pipes’!. Messrs H. .t. Parker, H. Guyton. W. M'Kinlay, and W. Strang (songs), and J. Divers (reminiscences)’.