THE OLD VOLUNTEERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24422, 7 October 1940, Page 2

THE OLD VOLUNTEERS

EX-HIGHLAND RIFLES Although the passage of time has thinned the ranks of the survivors of the members of the old Dunedin Highland Rifles there was an attendance of about 50 at the annual reunion of the Ex-members’ Association on Saturday night. The history of this unit is full of interest for, as it was recalled by one speaker, the force owed its institution to the “ Russian scare " in the eighties of last century. The force was associated with the 42nd Highland Rifles, the historic 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 il was disbanded in 1911 were recalled with relish. Mr J. A. Armit occupied the chair and among those present were Mr J. Kennedy, a foundation member of the company. The toast of “ The Old Company ” was proposed by the chairman. He referred to its fine traditions and the effect that its associations had had on the lives of the members. Replying to the toast, Mr A. Dempster, a former captain of the company, strongly advocated the need for increased nhysical training and military training among the voung men of the Dominion. The value of such preparedness had been clearly shown by recent events but. apart from this, the effects of such training were undeniably beneficial to all who participated. A feature of the evening, in accordance with the custom of the association, was the honouring of the toast of “Our Patron, Colonel Stoncham ” 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 arragement that at a set time, the members join with him in a toast. On the stroke of 9 o’clock, therefore, the toast was honoured.

Other toasts were as follows: —“The Old Volunteers,” nroposed by Mr J. T. Gillan and replied to by Mr J. McDonald: “Old Comrades," proposed by Mr J. B. Stewart and replied to by Mr J. McPherson: “The Performers,” proposed by Mr G. Waldie and “The Press.” proposed by Mr J. K. Macfie. During the evening musical and other items were given by Pipe Major Maher (pipes), Messrs H. J. Parker. H. Guyton, W. McKinlay and W. Strang (songs) and J. Divers (reminiscences).