WELCOME TO TROOPER JACKSON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 50, 28 February 1901, Page 5

WELCOME TO TROOPER JACKSON.

A very successful smoke concert was field last night at the Bay View Hall, Northcote, to welcome home Trooper Fred Jackson, of the Fourth Contingent, who "*!_ just returned home invalided from South Africa. About one hundred and thirty residents and friends sat down. to * Sumptuous cold collation provided by a Committee, who were greatly aided in the liberal catering by handsome presents ot comestibles and fruit from settlers in ™c districts. Mr J. H. Witheford. M.H.R., occupied the chair, supported °y Messrs Jackson Palmer, M.H.R., Malcolm Niccol, J.P., A. Bruce, J.P., — Tarry, J-P.., Joshua Jackson, J.P., J. M. Shera, «• Peacocke, Troopers R. Witheford and Mills (First Contingent), the veteran, Bergt. Hllditch, and the principal inhabitants of the district. The Chairman, in •wing the toast o£ "King Edward VII,"

spoke in eulogistic terms with reference to the good work the New Zealanders have done in South Africa. The "Guest of the Evening" followed in flattering terms by Mr Palmer, M.H.R., and was toasted with musical honours. Numerous other toasts were given, such as our "Boys in South Africa," "Our Veterans," to which Troopers Witheford, Willis and Sergt. Hitditch responded. A very successful vocal programme was contributed by the members of the Waiata Glee Club, and several patriotic and martial songs were rendered by Messrs Horace Stebbing, T. Allen, P. White, etc., accompanied by Mr D. Restori on the pianoforte, the whole being received with applause, the large company joining- heartily in the choruses. Mr Wrightson, on behalf of the committee, in a few words thanked those present for so heartily responding to the efforts of those who had taken an active part in promoting the gathering, which demonstrated by the large number present what an important position the district was attaining. Tho usual compliments to the Chairman (Mr Witheford) brought a very eventful evening to a close, and the large company dispersed amid the strains of "Auld Lang Syne."