LIEUTENANT HEATHER ENTERTAINED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 209, 3 September 1900, Page 5

LIEUTENANT HEATHER ENTERTAINED.

HAMILTON, Saturday,

The members of the No. 1 Contingent, Waikato Mounted Rifles, enter-

tamed' Lieutenant Heather at a social or" smoke concert in the* Hamilton Hotel last evening (Friday). There were about thirty present, and Mr William Dey, an honorary member of the corps, occupied the chair. The Chairman, in proposing the health of the "Guest of the Evening," said he Avas sure everyone was pleased to welcome Lieutenant Heather back again among them, although they were sorry that sickness had compelled him to return before the end of the campaign. He trusted that when their guest was again restored to health he would have an opportunity of again serving his Queen and country.

Lieutenant Heather, who on rising was received with prolonged applause, said he could not help being feelingly impressed by the cordiality and heartiness of the reception extended to him by his old comrades. He had been fortunate enough to take part in one o_ two engagements; but also unfortunate in that he had taken ill on the march to Bloemfontein, and was unable to proceed any further. He was glad to have an opportunity of com*bating the statements made regarding the treatment of the wounded in the hospitals. Of course, he said, a man could not expect the treatment in a field hospital, where they were often rushed and short-handed, that he would get in town; but as soon as possible, they were removed to tho Mcc hospital, where they were overloaded with kindness. At least that had been his experience, and also that of his comrades. He was proud to say that'the Waikato boys had done exceedingly well at the front,. and an ofi-c'erVho had been in charge of a number of them had told him that he would not wish to have better men. Ke was sorry that sickness had compelled him to*return home before the end of the war; but he was only out on leftve, and, as it expired on the 21st of next month, it was quite possible that be would be sent back. He fondly hoped that this would be the case, as he would then have an opportunity of reaching the goal of his ambitionPretoria. A number of other toasts, including "The Boys at the Front," and* "The No. 1 Company Waikato Mounted Rifles," were duly honoured, and songs and recitations wlnlecl away a very pleasant evening.