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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Dunedin Highland Rifles

Dunedin Highland Rifles.

The Dunedin Highland Rifles were first formed in 1885, with a strength of sixty-eight, and Captain Alex. McGregor in command. Lieutenant Alexander Dempster is now (1904) in command of the corps.

Lieutenant Alexander Dempster , Commanding the Dunedin Highland Rifles, is the second son of Mr. George Dempster who came to Dunedin in 1860 by the ship “Pladda.” He was born and educated in Dunedin, and learned the business of a builder and contractor with his father. As early as 1876 he joined the Union Street School Cadets, and three years later, the Naval Cadets. In 1885 Lieutenant Dempster joined the Dunedin Engineers, and transferred in the following year to the Highland Rifles, then only a short time in existence. He advanced through the various grades, from corporal upwards, until he was appointed lieutenant of the corps in 1897. Lieutenant Dempster is well known as a successful shot in Dunedin. He won his first prize in 1877—a prize given by the Government for competition in the district school; and also won fourth prize in the district prize firing of the Naval Cadets. At the Otago Rifle Association meeting, held at Dunedin in 1898, he won the prize for the highest aggregate score. He took part in the New Zealand Rifle Association matches held at Wellington in 1895, at Oamaru in 1896 and 1898, and at Wanganui in 1899. In the Highland Rifle Company's matches he has held the position of champion for six years, and still (1903) retains the distinction. Lieutenant Dempster is a bass singer of considerable local reputation, and at the Dunedin Competitions Sociey's gathering, in 1902, was awarded second place. He holds the New Zealand long service medal. As a Freemason he is a member of Lodge Celtic, 477, Scottish Constitution, and is an Oddfellow of many years' standing

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Lieut. A. Dempster.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Lieut. A. Dempster.

Lieutenant James Duncan Cameron , of the Dunedin Highland Rifles, is descended from an old military family. His maternal grandfather was Sergeant-Major Muir of the 71st Highlanders; and his father, the late Mr. James Lawson Cameron, of the Seventh Dragoon Guards, served in India, and died in Otago in 1899. The subject on this article was born in Paisley, Renfrewshire Scotland, and accompanied his father to Dunedin in 1880. He was educated in Dunedin, and since 1895 has been in the employment of the Westport Coal Company, of which he now is local manager. Lieutenant Cameron first started volunteering in 1894, when he joined the Highland Rifles, and having been promoted through the various ranks, was elected lieutenant in 1900. He is a successful shot, has won numerous prizes at various rifle matches, and won, twice in succession, Captain Stoneham's gold medal for shooting. He has also won several prizes for gymnastics, and was deputy captain of a football page 133 (Association) team. As a Freemason, Lieutenant Cameron has gone through several chairs, and is now a member of Lodge Celtic, 477, Scottish Constitution. He is also an Oddfellow of several years' standing.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.Lieut. J. D. Cameron.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Lieut. J. D. Cameron.