RETURNED TROOPERS AT NORTHCOTE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 165, 14 July 1902, Page 3

RETURNED TROOPERS AT NORTHCOTE.

The employees of the Chelsea Sugar Works to the number of about 130 gave an enthusiastic reception in the! Gladstone Hali, Northcote, on Saturday evening to their work-mates, Troopers W. Patterson and A. Gracie, of the New Zealand Seventh. Mr Speedy presided, and was supported by Messrs Kinnaird, Elston, Hubble, and others of the staff. The hail was specially decorated by a committee of the men, and the supper tables were tastefully laid out by Miss Violet Palmer, assisted by Mr Hubble. The guests arrived at about S o'clock, and entered the room amid deafening cheers, while "The Conquering Heroes" was sounded on the pianoforte. The cheers were renewed on the entrance of an old Indian Mutiny veteran, Colour-sergeant Hilditch, wearing the brilliant uniform of the 80th Foot and three silver medals gained during 1845 and 1546. Colour-sergeant Hildi.tch obtained distinction by capturing some colours which now lie In Lichneld Cathedral. Trooper Houchin, of Lake Takapuna., & wounded member of the Seventh, wa-s among the list of singers. There was the usual toast list after supper. Troopers Patterson and Gracie, in responding for "The Guests," referred modestly to the work of the Seventh during the South African campaign. Mr Harris, speaking as a naval veteran, referred to the proposal to have a training ship at Auckland, and said naval contingents, would be forthcoming when the next war occurred. Colour-sergeant Hilditch replied for "The Army." The musical programme was rendered by the following, Mr Consterdine playing the accompaniments on an instrument kindly Mlss Easdate:—Colour-sergeant -Hilditch, Trooper Houchin, and Messrs Buchan, Barnes, Wrighton, Grindel! Long, T. McLean, Kidd, and Blake. There were also graphophone selections- by Mr Lindsay, a recitation by Mr J. Taylor auto-harp solo by Mr Blake.