THE COUNTESS CASSILLIS

Southland Times, Issue 19157, 29 January 1924, Page 4

THE COUNTESS CASSILLIS

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND. Countess Cassillis arrived at Auckland oB Thursday in the Ulimaroa from Sydney for a month’s visit. She said she had retained many pleasant memories of the visit she paid to New Zealand many years ago. “During the war,” said Her Ladyship, ‘1 saw much of the New Zealand troops and I cannot tell you how much we admired those men, when we met them in England. They were, indeed, splendid, and they were favourites with all who met them. I went to France not so long ago, and was very pleased to notice how well the war graves were kept, including those of New Zealanders.” The Countess intends to spend most of the time in the North bland. During her earlier visit she toured the South Island, visiting the Sounds. The Earl of Cassillis, who is in Sydney, will join her later, his arrival in the Dominion having been delayed by a very long motoring tour. The Earl of Cassillis is First Grand Principal Royal Arch Masonry. A family bereavement has caused a shortening of the world tour of the Earl and Countess. They will proceed Home, via San Francisco, and expect to arrive in England at the end of June. Although their tour is essentially a pleasure one, it is entailing much work in connection with Freemasonry for the Earl of Cassillis. The Countess is accompanied by her sister, Miss S. B. Stewart.

The Earl of Cassillis, born in 1872, is the eldest son of the third Marquess of Ailsa. He married in 1903 Frances, third daughter of Sir Mark McTaggarl Stewart, Bait. He was a major in the 3rd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers and served in the South African war. He was with the British Expeditionay Force from December, 1914, to May, 1919, and was mentioned in despatches. He is a member of the Royal Society of Archers, HAL Bodyguard for Scotland. His Scottish home is Cubzeau Castle, Ayr.