WELCOME HOME SOCIAL.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 1328, 5 April 1922, Page 5

WELCOME HOME SOCIAL.

The Town Hall was well filled last Thursday evening, 30th March, on the occasion of the Welcome Home Social to Lieut. O. Magnus, who is presently on 12 months leave of absence from the Royal Navy. The Mayor (Mr W. Black) occupied the chair and was accompanied to the platform, in addition to the guest of the evening, by Mrs O. Magnus (wife of the guest), Mr J. Magnus (father), Mrs W. Black, President of the Women's Patriotic Association as also other members of the association.

While the public gathered, the local Brass Band rendered selections outside the hall, thereafter 1 an interesting programme of vocal and instrumental music was rendered by several artistes, the local orchestra starting the programme with an overture. The following ladies and genkindly gave items which were well received, the audience insisting on encores : —Miss Marshall, Miss Hannay, Mr Robertshaw, Mr Burke, Mr Hutton, Mr Arnott, Mr G. Campbell, Mr P. Campbell, and two humourous recitations by Mr C. E. Richards. Miss Rivers, Miss Robertson, Miss Whitefield and Mr Robertshaw played the accompaniments. The chairman in extending a civic welcome home to Lieut, Magnus, expressed on behalf of the citizens, their appreciation of the war services rendered by the guest of the evening to New Zealand and the Empire. It was gratifying to know that in the great British naval service the district had at least one representative. The speaker touched on the great and arduous task performed by the several branches of the British Navy in patrolling the seas, and safeguarding the commerce and transport of munitions to the armies at the various fronts. He briefly outlined the part which Lieut. Magnus had taken during his several years of active service under the Blue Ensign. Lieut. Magnus was then presented with the gold medal which has been gifted to all local Returned Men, the medal being pinned on his breast by Mrs Dewar, the company endorsing the gift by hearty applause and musical honours.

Lieut. Magnus briefly replied, emphasising the value of the war services of the Mercantile Marine,, who for a period had to face the dangers of submarine practically unarmed and defenceless. He expressed his great appreciation of the gift, particularly the good spirit in which it was given. After an enjoyable supper, which was in charge of the ladies of the Patriotic Association, the hall was cleared for dancing. Messrs J. Carline and J. Padget acted as M.C., and the music for the dancing was supplied by several willing volunteers including members of the orchestra.