RECOGNITION OF VALOUR.

Evening Post, Volume LXI, Issue 87, 15 April 1901, Page 4

RECOGNITION OF VALOUR.

The last to leave the fighting line of our first three Contingents, to the number of about 300 men, representing all parts of the colony, are now neariiig homo, and with a fair weather passage should roach Sydney about the 26th inst. These lads have .gallantly served the Empire, and upheld the honour of New Zealand, and the time has come to ask what should be done to welcome them. It is true that the purses of the citizen* have been heavily drawn upon during the past' year, and a further demand cwill presently be mado lo provide for the reception of Royalty, but to our mind a fitting welcome to our young soldienJ, fresh returned from the perils and hardships of a most arduous compaign, should take precedence in public favour of every other function. If, then, th© troops aye to come direct home, we trust that there may be quickly iound some publio*spirited citizens who will invito the Mayor to organise a committee for collection of subscriptions to defray the cost of a public luncheon to welcome thd men on their arrival. There is another way, however, by which a grace /ful and fitting compliment may be offer eu to thesa young • veterans," and one that would certainly afford them the keenest pleasure. Why may not the Government transfer ths men to Melbourne irl order that they may take part in the political inauguration of the Com monwealth on the 6th May? The Victorian Government would gladly provide them with accommodation, the Australians would give them a most hearty welcome, and the men would enjoy that which thoy have hardly earned, a royal holiday. .We commend the proposal to the consideration of the Premier, but at the sanio time hope that in any event tho oitizens will make ready for a welcome home.