TROOPER HEIFORD.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9926, 24 November 1900, Page 5

TROOPER HEIFORD.

His Return to Napier.

Enthusiastic Public Reception.

Trooper William Johu Heiford, of the Third New Zealand Contingent, returned to Napier last night, fiesh from the thick of the hostilities in South Africa, and was accorded a mostenthußiasticpublicreception. When the express from Wellington steamed up to the rail way platform the precincts of the station were densely thronged, and right from there along the line of march to the Marine parade rotunda crowds of people were assembled to cheer the returning soldier and participate ia the rejoicings. Flags were flying everywhere, many of the principal buildings w 7 ere illuminated, the town as a whole presented a most animated and brilliant spectacle, and iv every way the proceedings were worthy of an occasion so memorable. Trooper Heiford was received by the Mayor (Mr G. H. Swat.), Mr A. L. D. Fraser, M.H.8., Major Chicken, and the officers of the local volunteer corps, and conducted by them to a landau. In this vehicle, —drawn by four splendid greys with postilions and a guard of honor furnished by the Ahuriri Mounted Rifles — the party were driven to the Parade, the Battalion Band leading the way arfd playing appropriately martial music. The rotunda was brightly illuminated and surrounded by an immense gathering of the public, and as Trooper Heiford ascended the platform he was greeted by tumultuous cheering. Time having been allowed for the partial abatement of the popular feeling, the official ceremony of welcome was performed. Th-3 Mayor began by apologising for the unavoidable absence of Dean Hovell, and then proceeded to say that he believed he was the last to shake Trooper Heiford by the hand just before the departure of the Knight Templar from Lyttelron on the 17th February last. It was now his (his Worship's) proud privilege and pleasure to welcome him back, after nine months' hard campaigning, after being wounded at Uitval's Nek, and after having suffered from enteric fever, ague, and dysentery. It was almost wonderful that after these dangers and experiences they had Trooper Heiford back amongst them again,, and the assemblage of so many people to do him honor was another reminder of the greatness of the Empire to which they belonged. The response from all the colonies to the call ot the Mother Country had been truly marvellous, and among the mauy brave men who had gone forth here (indicating Trooper Heiford) was one of the best. (Uheersi He had returned not by hi.s own wish or desire. Ho had wanted to see the fiuiah of the campaign, but the authorities would not allow him. Being wounded he was ordered away, and the duty of a soldier was to obey orders. And so he had come home, and they were gathered to congratulate him on liis safe return. All would agree that it was a glorious occasion, and all would be proud not only of Trooper Heiford but of all the men and of how they had comported themselves. Upon the latter point they had the testimony of Lord Roberts, and there could be no higher compliment than that. His Worship i-oncluled by calling for three cheers for Trooper Heiford. The cheers were heartily given, and the band played " For He ; s a Jolly Good Fellow."

Mr A. L. D. Fraser was the next speaker, and expressed the great pleasure it gave him to welcome one of our boys tuck from the war. He knew that Trooper Heiford had been breaking his heart to go to South Attica. He hod tried per.-iatently to get into the contingent, had travelled to Wellington for the purpose, and on coming back had p-ac-tically " tomahawked " himself into the ranks. His only anxiety had been about hie mother, and that anxiety had done him infinite credit. Trooper Heiford had not come back with the Victoria Croa.", but he had come back with the noble distinction of a wound received in actual warfare. And not only had he fought for the Empire but he had been compelled to struggle for life against the diseases his Worship had mentioned. "Trooper Heiford," concluded the speaker, "I welcome you." Short addresses followed from. Major Chicken and Captain Halpin, the former speaking on. benulf ot the East Coast Battalion and the latter on behalf of T/ coper Hciford's old volunteer company, tin Napier Rifles, Trooper Heiford, on stepping forward to respond, was again cheered. 'do sv.-d he va: vu) ];rcud and glad to

have been honored with such a reception. He had only done his best to maintain the honor ot Hawke's Bay. As Mr Fraser had told them, he was anxious to get to South Africa, and with what he had seenofithewas satisfied. (Laughter). He again thanked them all for the great kindnese they had shown him. (Cheers), This closed the official proceedings, with the exception that Trooper Heiford was escorted home by the volunteers, the Battalion Band, the members of' the reception committee, and a large concourse of the people who had witnessed the ceremony.