HIGHLAND EX-RIFLES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22985, 14 September 1936, Page 3

HIGHLAND EX-RIFLES

DUNEDIN ASSOCIATION REUNION The sixth annual reunion of the Dunedin Highland Ex-Rifle Association was held on Saturday night. The president (Mr J. C. Rigby) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of members. In his introductory remarks, the president welcomed the members to the function which was the first since the jubilee reunion last year. The Dunedin Highland Rifles was formed in 1885, and three years later, he said, an Association football club was formed by Captain Moncrieff under the name of the Northern Club. Next year the jubilee of the club would be celebrated and it would have the distinction of being the first Association, football club in the southern hemisphere to reach this milestone. The toast of “ The Old Company ” was proposed by Mr J. G. Gillan, who remarked that many there that night had enjoyed comradeship in the rifles 40 years ago, and it was very gratifying to renew the old memories of the days when they were what he claimed was the finest tartan ever worn in Otago. During its years of activity the company had won many distinctions and had set a high standard for other volunteer organisations. Even after so many years, its members were still capable of upholding the traditions in other forces. Replying, Mr D. Fraser said he was proud to have had the honour of being a member of the company. In camp or on parade the members had behaved in a manner which had won them only respect. The esteem in which the company was held was shown by the fact that several of its members had been called to positions on the battalion staff. Two members, Messrs J. M'Donald and J. Wilson, had also had the honour of being elected Mayors of the city. An unusual feature of the next toast, “The Patron, Colonel Stoneham,” was that, although it was proposed in his absence (Colonel Stoneham now resides in Gisborne), at the time it was being honoured at the prearranged hour, the patron was also honouring the toast of “The Company.” The toast was proposed by Mr J. Cameron, who said that Colonel Stoneham had passed through the ranks in the company, and was a captain when he was appointed to the battalion staff, where he attained the rank of commanding officer of the battalion. He was one of the most efficient staff officers that Otago had ever produced. He then read a letter from Colonel Stoneham conveying his greetings, and assuring them that he would share a toast with them during the evening. Mr J. M'Donald proposed the toast of " The Old Volunteers,” speaking in reminiscent vein of many of the personalities of the Dunedin Highland Rifles and of contemporary Volunteer corps 40 and 50 years ago. In conclusion, he remarked on the splendid training in manhood that the Volunteer system could give. He expressed regret that the system was not so well supported to-day as it ought to be, and hoped that the Government would spare no endeavour to put new life into it. It was vitally necessary that the young men of New Zealand should be prepared for the defence of their country. It was not for aggression that this was needed, but for the protection of liberty and honour. Mr A. Dempster replied. Mr G. Waldie proposed the silent toast of "Absent Members.” The reply was made by Mr K. Melville. Other toasts honoured were “The Performers ” and “ The Press.” During the evening items were rendered by Messrs W. Ruston. W. M'Kinlay, G. Wiseman, J. C. M'Clymont. A. Cooper, A. Snell, and W, Strang.