RETURNED TROOPERS

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 168, 29 July 1901, Page 8

RETURNED TROOPERS

Trooper George Wilkins, of the Fourth Contingent, was welcomed home at Mount Albert on Saturday last at a social by the young men of the Mutual Improvement class. Mr. Caughey was in the chair, the guest of the evening being on his right. The. chairman, vice-chairman and several of the young men gave addresses of welcome, expressing pleasure at the return of Trooper Wilkins, and the hope that the quiet occupation of a peaceful life would satisfy him now that he had been honourably relieved from the stirring duties of the battle-field. Mr. Wilkins acknowledged the honour done him, and briefly thanked the members of the society for the hearty reception they had given him. He was frequently interrupted by applause. Songs, recitations and musical selections were also given, after which an excellent repast, was partaken of. Those who attended at the tables were Misses Harbutt and Spragg. The gathering broke up with the singing of the National Anthem.

A concert and social was held in the Howick Hall on Tuesday to welcome Mr. Vincent Hat.taway, a returned Trooper of the Fourth Contingent. The hall was beautifully decorated. The Rev. Mr. Boler, in a very kind and cordial manner, welcomed back "Our soldier boy," who said he was glad to be home again and amongst his old friends, whom he sincerely thanked for the splendid reception. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Hirst, and a capital programme was provided, the songs being of a national and patriotic character. An excellent supper was provided, and was followed by the- inevitable dance, which was kept up until long after midnight.

On Friday the Auckland College Rifles Volunteers entertained the re-cently-returned troopers of the Fourth and Fifth New Zealand Contingents who were formerly members of the College Rifles at a smoke .concert in the Masonic Hall, Princesstreet. Lieutenant McHardy presided, and amongst those present were a number of officers oi the Auckland Garrison and other guests. The guests of the evening were Privates E. 9. Coates, S. H. Atkinson, Percy Bayly, R. D. Connell, E. Innes and T. H. Roberts, and Bugler C. Macindoe. After the toast of "The King" the Chairman proposed the toast of "The Guests," and in doing so said that probably no corps had contributed more men towards the South African contingents than the College Rifles. They had sent in all eighteen men to the contingents. Three of them had left their bones on the South African veldt, and Sergeant Dawson and Private Steele had accepted commissions in the Imperial Army; and they would learn with pleasiare that Sergeant J. D. G. Shera had also accepted a commission with the Seventh Contingent. He read a communication from Major Major, regretting his unavoidable absence, and expressing a trust that the corps would hang closely together in the future. The toast was enthusiastically honoured, and .several of the troopers responded. Surgeon-Captain King also spoke on behalf of Trooper Roberts, who was absent. The toast of "The Navy, Army and Colonial Forces" was proposed by Mr. J. McK. Geddes, and responded to by Lieutenant Bosworth and Surgeon-Captain King. The Rev. W. Beatty proposed the health of "Our Members at the Front," and made reference to Sergeant Shera's success in getting a commission in the Imperial Army. Mr. J. M. Shera responded. During the evening songs were given by Messrs. Whelan, C. T. Phillips, F. Buddie, J. Cullen, Bagnall and the Rev. W. Beatty, a banjo solo by Mr. Charles Macfarlane, recitations by Messrs. Palethorpe and W. B. E^re, and. a yioija goJLQ bj; Mj;. J. E.ejd,,,