DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 15600, 17 September 1914, Page 4

DUNEDIN BURNS CLUB

The ••Monthly meeting was held at the Art Gallery Hall last night, and the attendance somewhat taxed the seating accommodation. The ushers were kept busy procuring additional seats. The club were honored by the presence of Colonel T. W r . M'Donald (CO.), Expeditionary Force, whp was on the platform along with the president (Mr J. Loudon) and the vice-presidents (Messrs W. Bro.vn and T. Fleming). The newly-formed pipe band of the Otago and Southland Expeditionary Force, under Pipe-major A. M'Donald, played a selection at the front of the hall before the opening, and gave a very creditable performance considering the very short time the members have had for practice. The Chairman referred feelingly to the loss the club had sustained by the death of Mr James Nelson, who was an old member and active worker in committee, and extended the sympathy of the club to Mrs Nelson and family in their bereavement.

A very hearty welcome was given t.) Colonel M'Donald, who was introduced to the meeting. The chairman named Fieldmarshal Lord Roberts, Lord .Kitchener, and General Sir John French as being officers who were particularly careful of their men. and was quite certain that Colonel M'Donald would be equally so. Colonel M'Donald, shortly addressing the rneunhers, mentioned the excellent physique* and conduct of thu Otago and Southland men, and the pride he had in his command. He acknowledged the liberality of the ScDttish sooieties of Otago, who had provided eight sets of pipes and drums to efficiently equip a pipe band tor the force, and the" manner the gifts were appreciated by the men. No doubt, when they reached Britain they would be doubly welcomed. He assured the parents of any of the members going that their sons would have ©very, care.