CLINTON.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1524, 6 June 1902, Page 6

CLINTON.

(From Out Own Correspondent.) On Tuesday last a welcome home social was tendered to Trooper Thos. Murray, who has just returned from a year's campaigning with the Sixth Contingent in South Africa. The hall, as on previous socials, was tastefully decorated with flags, etc., and with the tables beautifully laid out down its length, formed a very pleasing spectacle. The attendance was large, Mr J. W. Thomson presiding, and on behalf of the meeting tendered Trooper Murray a hearty welcome home. Suitable speeches were made by Messrs J. and T. Taylor, G. B. VV'att, J. Mayson, J. a. Thomson, and the Rev Mr Blair, iiuring an interval Mr J. Garden presented Trooper Murray with a nandsome gold medal, and when the recipient rose to reply, he was greeted with ringing cheers. A number of excellent songs and recitations were given during the evening, the whole finishing up with a Verse of " God Save the king." When the locomotive whistles sounded out the glad tidings that i-ca.ee haa been declared, there was great rejoicing among the people. All the available bells were rung and guns fired off. A meeting of citizens was held at 11 o'clock and a programme was drawn out. MeanLime several of the committee visited the school, and after addressing the children dismissed them for the day. During the afternoon many willing hands with keen axes visited Popotunoa Hill and got together a massive heap of firewood for a bonfire. In the evening this was set going and toe flare must have presented a pretty and unique sight for many mil?s around. At 7 o'clock a torchlight procession was arranged, and being lead by the late brass band, paraded the town, finishing up at the Athenaeum Hall. Conspicuous in the procession was a " Long Tom," made up during the day by returned troopers Martin and Francis. An impromptu concert was arranged and carried through successfully. Stirring speeches were delivered by Messrs J. W. Thomson, M.H.R., D. A. M'Lachlan, D. Williamson, Watson Rhodes, J. M'Phail, W. W. Mackie, and the Rev R. Blair. A number of excellent songs were also given. At the close " God Save the King " was sung, and much cheering indulged in.

At Kuriwao School the news was enthusiastically received by the children, who after hoisting the flag and cheering lustily were given a holiday.