Maori Battalion Returns

RECEPTION TO LOCAL MEN

The Maori Battalion, comprising men from all parts of the Dominion, readied Auckland on Saturday last, and the troops having a clean bill of health, the men for the 'Vest Coast districts of this

Island, also the South Island men, entrained and: came through to Wangantii where a big welcome was accorded them by representative natives. On Tuesday it-lie men for the Levin and Otaki districts continued their journey home, and reached Ixrvin at 4.30, where they found another reception awaiting them.

The party included the following men: Captain Tahiwi (Otaki), Lieut. Jacob (Levin), Lieut. Horo -Ivara-uti "(Manakau), Sgt. Wehipeihana, Privates Ransfield (3), Roha, Royal (2), McDonald, E. Kingi, McGregor, A. George, "P. King, P. Ellison, Parata, S. Cook, A. Cook, W. Hapeta. -Holiipuha, W. Hori, IH. Mohii, A. Mita, Wilson, Carkeek, Skipworth, 'Ivatene (2) and D. Simeon.

At the railway station a large party of natives gave the soldiers a characteristic welcome and the Town Band under Conductor Davison, led a procession to tho junction of Oxford and Queen street, where the Mayor and a larg-;> gathering of citizens gave the warriors tho .heartiest of welcomes.

Tho Mayor said he was pleased to extend to the troops a hearty welcome to their home town and district. With the other citizens, he was proud indeed of the fine record the troops had established in the field (applause). When the men went away, the hope had been expressed that they would all come back, but this was too much to expect, and some 'unfortunately, were left behind and would never return, but we had the satisfaction of -knowing tlwt ,if there were better things for good soldiers in the Beyond, as he believed there was, then that -would be theirs. He expressed .his sympathy with the bereaved. It was not his intention to make any extended remarks as their Maori friends had prepared great things for their returning kinsmen, with a social that evening and then receptions at Hokio, Muhunoa, Tvuku and Otaki, and he hoped they would have a very enjoyable time. "1 know you will appreciate this," said the Mayor, "but I want to impress upon you that we Europeans are no less pleased and proud 1 than your own people are that you! have returned safely, and to show this I will ask the Europeans present- to give three c-hcers for our returned Maori troops." A round l of enthusiastic cheering followed. At the request of the Mayor, Major Buck replied on behalf of .the troops and expressed thanks for the kind welcome accorded them and appreciation of the part the Europeans had taken in the welcome. It had been the same ever since their return—at Auckland and Wanganui they had -been splendidly j received by Europeans as well as Maoris and now they had this experience of the people of Leviin. In their experiences at Gallipoli, 'France and in Flanders they had been in close contact with the European soldiers of New Zealand, and'their common sacrifices in the field had won a warm respect for one another—(applause). If either wanted assistance it was readily given and tliiis had led to a mutual confidence and cooperation. The two races were now cemented iby ties of blood and he hoped "this would continue in the future years when the war was only a memory—(applause.) Major Buck again thanked the Mayor and townspeople for their reception and said they were all glad to l>e back in their homeland after their long and weary wanderings. Further cheering followed, which was returned! by the troops, after which the gathering dispersed and the soldiers were entertained at afternoon tea.

In the evening a largely attended social was .heild in the Druids' Hall, which passed off most successfully. Dancing,

interspersed with musical litems, made up an enjoyable evening, which was thoroughly appreciated by all.