Soldiers Honored.

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2641, 22 September 1919, Page 5

Soldiers Honored.

AT TAJIK AB. | AX APPROPRIATE FUNCTION. On Friday evening last, Tunas Woolsheel was the centre of the greatest and most important function that the district has ever known. The pivot of the function was to extend a due appreciation to the young men, some forty strong, who went forward to take their part in the great war. The committee adopted the wise course of delaying this appreciation until the struggle had ended, and as many as possible had returned to their homes. That the enthusiasm of the community had not subsided was evinced by the large gathering which assembled. For some days an energetic committee had been bard at work in the details, with Mi- K. K. Smith the kingpin in the arrangements, and they were rewarded by an assemblage which was a. gratification to those- concerned, and a fitting tribute to the services of the soldiers Days before, every available •conveyance in Cromwell was booked. In addition to this, a'l the back country and surrounding districts were represented, visitors from Ilawea, Pembroke, Luggate, and Queensbenv being there in force, and altogether the attendance -must have totalled over-three hundred, including many returned men from all parts, who accepted the invitation The committee went to a great deal of -trouble in arranging the woolshed for the occasion A stag? was erected, the building was tastefully decorated, and a commodious space was available for dancing, which monopolised the greater part of the programme. The Cromwell Brass Band generously gave their services to the committee, and the Glee Club also journeyed north and piesented the comedy faro " Bubbles/' staged in a most pleasing manner. After several selections by the Cromwell Brass. Baud dancing commenced with the Grand March, in which some seventy couples took part. At an early interval the most important part of the function took place—the presentation of medals to the distiiets men. As an introductory the Cromwell Brass Baud played "Our Heroes Return," ("When Johnny Comes Marching Home.") The only speaker was Mr R. K. Smith. In the course of his remarks he said :—"On behalf of the Reception Committee I wish to extend thanks to all present for coming so far to give the boys a hearty welcome —to the Cromwell Brass Band, the Cromwell Glee Ciub, and all who assisted. The committee had delayed the public reception until a late date," hoping that all the boys would have returned. Some had not yet returned, and sad to relate, three would never return Priv.s. Small, Brounan, and Young, who had been killed in action in France. lie asked all present to stand in silence for one minute as a mark of respect. This was silently observed. To the men he wished to extend sincere thanks for their services to the Empire (applause.) He regretted he was not able to enlarge on the services their men had rendered to the Empire, as he felt he could not do it justice The men of New Zealand had made a name as lighting men second to none, and oil'duty they had proved thorough gentlemen To these, he said -. "We thank you and appreciate your services. We all wish you long life, happiness and pros perity." He hoped as a community the services would never be forgotten We were apt to forget The soldiers had fought our battles of life and it was our duty to assist them in fighting their battles of life. H°. felt proud that their small district had sent forward forty men on active service. It was a proud record. lie had pleasure in asking Mrs W. Bell to present to each an inscribed medal in appreciation of their services. If anv had been omitted he asked that the committee be informed iu order that their names might be included in a Roll of Honor to be placed in the Tarras School. (Applause.) Each soldier in turn mounted the platform, and amid loud applause, Mrs Bell pinned a medal on each. The medals were inscribed : " Presented to for services in the Great War.' The soldiers honored were : 11. Gibson, G. Henderson, W. Henderson, B. Ford, B. Sanders, R. M'Lean, 11. B. Hyde, Geo. Hyde, Win. Hyde, I). M'Gibbon, J. Lawless, W. Forth, VV. Robb, J. Aitken, S. Muuro, S. Bell, .!. Colling, G Waters, .1 Lethbiidge, J. Marshall, B. Harvey, J. Davidson, A. Davidson, J. Oliver, H. Faithful, J. M'Gregor, T Jopscn, J. Mahoney, P, Sullivan, J, Helm, B. Ballatityue, W. Alexander, T, Waide, and J. Wheeler. Lieuts. Lethbridge and Collings (Royal Flying Corps), appropriately replied. They thanked the residents for their token of appreciation, and made special reference to the receipt of what tie boys called "buck-slice" parcels, which conveyed the spirit in which the women of New Zealand were working.

Dancing continued until the small hours of the morning. Music was supplied by Messrs J. and A. Camcror, with Mr IX Ectts, in the capacity of M.G. The catering was in the hands cf Mrs Davy, Cromwell, and an excellent spread was prpvidub The supper won Haltering remarks from all present. All tlii-ouf.il, the function was a huge success, and the object thereof worthily achieved.

Aoglipau Church Services l\-r Sunday nc.\t will be conducted a.-: follows;--Cromwell 7 p.m., Evensong.