RETURNED TROOPERS WELCOMED

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10888, 13 February 1901, Page 7

RETURNED TROOPERS WELCOMED

On Friday evening the residents of Prebbleton and surrounding - district held a social gathering in honour of Trooper K. Hodgen, of the First New Zealand Contingent. The gathering took place in the Prebbleton Town Hall, which was tastefully and appropriately decorated for the occasion. There were not less than 250 present. Mr W. Haden, on bahalf of the residents, presented Trooper Hodgen with a very handsome illuminated address suitably framed, a watch and chain, and a pockst knife. The guest of the evening, who met with the warmest possible reception, said that he would sooner face his enemies, the Boers, on th>& veldt than stand before his friends upon a platform on such an occasion and attempt to express his thanks. Indeed, if he had known what was in store for liim on his return he was not sure that lie would not have remained in South Africa. Short speeches were also made by Messrs G-. W. Russell and C. Lewis, M.H.R.'s, and songs were given by Messrs J. Prebble and L. Harper. A successful social was given in the Oddfellows' Hall, Woodend, on Friday, to welcome homa Trooper Fear, invalided from South Africa. ■Mγ J. Dumpier Crossley occupied A most substantial cake and sandwich lea was provided by the ladies of the distriot, and to which about 200 sat down. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, one of the flags being a Boer flag commandeered by Trooper Fear in South Africa. The following toasts were given:— "The King" and "Our Guest," by the .Chairman; "Defence Forces," by Lieutenant d'Auvergne, replied to by Lieutenant F. Horrell; "British Forces in South Africa," by Lieutenant Winsloe, replied to by Troopers Morris, Johnston, and Fear; "The Ladies," by Mr Shilton, replied to by Mr Gee. McDonald. Songs were given by Miss Horrell, Miss Palmar and Miss Fear, Messrs Solomon, Leggett, and Bennett, and recitations by Messrs Ayers and Holland. The tables were cleared about ten, and dancing kept up to early in the morning. ».

At the Druids' Hall on Saturday Trooper J. D. Hean, of the First Contingent, was entertained at a social by a number of Christchuroh friends. Several troopers lately returned from the front wei-e also present. During the evening Trooper Hean was presented with, a valuable gold watch, bearing the following inscription: — "Presented to No. 139, Trooper J. D. Heun, First New Zealand. Contingent, by Christehurch admirers, in appreciation of the services rendered to his colony and to the Empire during the South African war. Period of active service extending from 7th October, 1899, to 25th January, 1901." Outside the case were the words—"Remember," With Frenoh at Kirnberley," and "New Zealand Hill." He was also tiie recipient of v, handsome writing-case.