ADDRESS BY TELEPHONE

Evening Star, Issue 24008, 6 October 1941, Page 9

ADDRESS BY TELEPHONE

PATRON SPEAKS FROM GISBORNE HIGHLAND RIFLES REUNION To be given an address by their patron who is at present living jn Gisborne was the novel experience of some 40 ex-members of the Dunedin Highland Rifles at the annual reunion of the association on Saturday evening in the Radiant Hail. The telephone in the hall was connected to' a loud speaker, and when the connection to Gisborne was made the voice of Colonel Stoneham was heard by. everybody present. The reunion was presided over by Mr J. T. Gillan. The Chairman, after welcoming members to the reunion, proposed the toast of “ The Old Company,” and expressed gratification at seeing so many old comrades present at the function. The toast was responded to by Mr J. S. Nelson, who said it was a great pleasure for the members of the old Highland Rifles to be able to fraternise informally each year.

At the stroke of 9 o’clock the toast of “ Our Patron ” was proposed by the chairman, and was enthusiastically honoured, and immediately afterwards the telephone connection with Gisborne was established, and Colonel Stoneham’s voice was heard.

Colonel Stonoham extended warm greetings to his “ boys of the old brigade,” and hoped they were enjoying themselves at their reunion. He reminded bis hearers that 56 years previously he had joined the Higldand Rifles as a drummer boy, and bad spent many happy years with the company. If he had his life over again he would not sacrifice one day of the period which he had spent with his old comrades-in-arms. He urged them to keep the old name alive, and then called on a number of the members by name, expressing the hope that all were well. Mrs Stoneham also spoke a few words, after which several of the members in the hall spoke personally to Colonel Stoneham over the telephone. Other toasts honoured were; “The Old Volunteers,” proposed by Mr John M'Donald, and responded to by Colonel E. 11. Smith, Colonel W. J. Strong, and Mr G. W. Ferens; “ Old Comrades,” proposed by Mr J, B. Stewart, and responded to by Mr John Wilson; and “ The Performers,” proposed by Mr J. K. Macfie.