THE RETURNED TROOPERS

Evening Star, Issue 11603, 27 July 1901, Page 3

THE RETURNED TROOPERS

TROOPER MOORE'S RECEPTION. The residents of Ca-versha-m gave a public "welcome last night to Trooper J, G. H.. Moore (son of Mr W. J. Moore), one of the Caversham representatives in the Jbourtu Contingent who returned by the Tagus. The hall was prettily decorated and there was a large attendance. The mayor (Mr T. K. Sidey) presided, and seats on tire platform were also occupied by the Rev. D. Dutt%n, Captain Easther, Mr W. G. P. O’Callaghan, Captain Loasbv, Trooper Riddell, Messrs T. Cole, J. F. M. 1* laser, J. 11. Thornton, and three Imperial veterans in Messrs Macfarlane, Schofield, and lates. A number of volunteers and troopers were also present, the Caversham Rilies being represented not only by their captain but by Lieutenants Smith and Hume and a fair proportion of noncoms. and privates. Mr A. Morrison. M.H.R., sent an apology, in the course of which he wrote iroin Wellington: “I am extremely sorry that one of the lads whom we equipped lost his life. But it was in doing ids duty. Can a man do more than give up lus life for his county's good? Trooper Sorenson’s name will he inscribed on the roll of heroes who have sacrificed their lives for their country. If my health had been good I would have come down by hook or by crook to assist you in doing honor to one who I am sure richly deserves all the appreciation that cau be bestowed upon him.” The Chairman opened the proceedings with a hearty speech, in which he mentioned that of the suburbs which had joined in the movement, to raise the Fourth Contingent Caversham was an easy first, having purchased five horses and equipped three men. Of the men, Trooper Sorenson had been Rilled, Quartermaster-sergeant Christie (now lieutenant quartermaster) had joined the Seventh Contingent, and the third member was on the platform. He (the mayor) had much pleasure in welcoming Trooper Moore on behalf of the citizens, and in presenting him with a gold pendant bearing the inscription : “ Presented to Trooper J. G. H. Moore, Fourth New Zealand Contingent, by the citizens of Caversham, in recognition of military services in South Africa, 1900-1901.” (Loud cheer's, those preseut joining in the chorus ‘ For he’s a jolly good fellow.’) The Rev. D. Dutton made the speech of the evening. Our boys of the Fourth had lived up to the reputation of the First and Second, and if the need had arisen we could have sent thousands more of the same stamp. There' was something significant in that fact. Were the nations of Europe keeping their lingers out of the pie simply because of their love for England? Slot a bit of it. They saw that thousands of men were ready to pour in from all quarters of the globe to help if required, and they left .John Bull alone. And if we were proud of our men who went to Africa, we were proud of our women too. If Nurse Ross did not object, he would like those present to rise to their feet and sing ‘ For she’s a jolly good fellow.’—(The hint was at once taken.)

Mr J. F. M. Fraser said he never drew comparisons between the . contingents we had sent to the war; but no contingent that had left the colony could hold its head higher than the Fourth. They had proved it by their deeds, and by their conduct on and off the field. He had received confidential reports of their doings, and on all sides he heard nothing but praise. He believed that no one who had come back to Australasia had won greater honor than the commanding officer, Lieu-tenant-colonel Davies, and be trusted his services would not be lost to the colony. Captain Loasby said it was with feelings of pleasure he added his quota to the night’s proceedings. He had known Trooper Moore since he was a boy, and knew he was made of the right fighting stuff. He welcomed him back on behalf of the volunteers. Before this war started volunteers were looked upon somewhat in the light of tinsel soldiers, and the officers as nincompoops; but the war had given volunteering a fresh impetus, and volunteers were now getting the, respect to which they were entitled. Mr J, R. Thornton in the course of his humorous speech said that New Zealand had sent her full quote to the help of the Mother Country and was the first colony to offer help, and for this honorable lead we had to thank the Premier. . Mr W. J. Moore said he felt grateful for the welcome offered to .'bis son, and Trooper Moore briefly and in soldierly terms returned thanks •to the mayor and residents* The musical programme consisted of songs by Miss Anna Fergusson, Miss Caldpw, Messrs R. T. Caldow and W. Stewart ; Mr J. G. Briggs gave a comet solo; and an orchestra under Mr Briggs’s leadership played two selections. Miss Caldow acted as accompanist. Refreshments were afterwards handed round and a dance followed. ROSLYN’S WELCOME. There was a very large gathering a* . St. John s Schoolroom in Reslyn last evenin'* to formally welcome home the returned troopers. Mr L. Kominta /

occupied the chair. The guests of the evening were Captain J. N. Nicolson (Fourth Contingent), Q.M. S. B. Ellis (First Contingent), Troopers J. D. Hawks (Second Contingent), W. E. Bunting, C.N. A. Cornish (Forth Contingent), J. S. Thom, J. A. Millar, and Bugler A. M. Don (Fifth Contingent). There were also on the platform : Canon Mayne, the Rev. R. R, M. Sutherland, Mr R. Chisholm; and - Captains Haig and Washer. The Chairman said he had apologies from Troopers W. P. Davidson (Kitchener's Horse) and T. W. Cubitt (Fifth Contingent), who were unable to attend. He expressed the gladness of the people of Roslyn at seeing their men return home safely. He had much pleasure in presenting to each of the Roslyn men who had returned a gold Maltese cross, suitably inscribed, which would serve to commemorate the event. Amid tumultuous applause, the Chairman pinned the medals on each trooper. Fervent patriotic speeches were made by Mr R. Chisholm, Canon Mayne, and the Rev. R. R.M. Sutherland, each being received with applause. Captain Nicolson replied for himself and the troopers, thanking the people with feeling. He also gave a short account of his experiences. _ The first part of the evening- was diversified by the rendering of the following programme:—Overture, Mr Sonderhof; song, ‘The young grenadier,’ Mr J. Armstrong; recitation. “fiie Last Shot,’ Miss Famie; song, ‘ The King's own,’ Miss Sutherland; song, ‘ Queen of the earth,’ Mr W. Townsend ; song, 1 Hark, the drum,’ Mr Carey; song, ‘The letter song,’ Miss J. M’Nec; recitation, ‘ Wee Johnny Paterson.’ Mr W. Young; song, 4 The Boers have got my daddv,’ Miss A. Weir; violin solos (two), Mr B. A. De Lautour. The accompaniments were played by Herr P. Sonderhof •and Miss Morton. Every item was received with great applause, and the concert was decidedly successful. Li the dance tjiat followed about 150 took part, and some enjoyable hours were spent thus. An excellent supper was supplied by the ladies of the district. Corporal Evans (Wakari RifleS) and Mr S. Morrison were the m.C.s, and Heir Paul Sonderhof and Mr De Lautuor supplied the music.

SOCIAL TO TROOPER WEST. Trooper West (Fourth Contingent) -was the honored guest at a social tendered him in the Provincial Hotel last night by the members and ex-members of the Dunedin Rifles (who arc.unofficially known as Burt’s Rifles). There was a numerous attendance, and the evening passed pleasantly. Captain Burt was in the chair. The toasts proposed and honored were “ The King,” ' “ Our Guest, Trooper West,” ‘‘ Burt’s Rifles,” a.nd “The Finn.” The Chairman, in proposing the health of Trooper West, said they gladly welcomed him back. Trooper West was the first of the firm’s employes to secure a place among the “ Soldiers of the Ring,” and his fellow employes raised £SO to buy him a horse. The firm, not to be beaten, covered this with another £SO. and instead Of one horse being provided there were two. He had much pleasure in presenting Trooper West with a malacca cane (silver mounted) to servo as a memento of the occasion. Trooper West, who was received with cheers, thanked them for their kindness. In proposing the toast of “ Burt’s Rifles,” Mr Munn said that in all seven of the firm’s employes had gone to the war, not all of them members of the corps, but most of them, and he thought that the corps had in this way fully justified their existence. Songs were sung by Messrs Munn, Gibson, Hutton, and Wigley, Privates Heatley and Capon, Lieutenant Jackson, Corporal M’Farlane, and Sergeant Hay, and a recitation was given by Trooper West. During the evening the patty had an agreeable surprise in the shape of a visit from Lieutenant Brcbnor, who arrived last night from Lyttelton, having reached the colony only yesterday. Lieutenant Brebner, who joined the Fourth os a private, was formerly a member of the Burt fraternity, and ho was heartily welcomed back by his late fellow-workers.

A welcome-home social to the returned troopers was given in the Garrison Hall, Mosgiel, Inst night. Troopers George Williams, Miller, Andrews, Smaillie, Sutherland, G bson, Smeaton, Findlay, Allan, and Orange were present. The haffwas crowded, and a most enjoyable time was spent. Our Arrowtown correspondent wires that there was a great demonstration there last night to celebrate the return of Sergeant J. D. Paterson and Trooper Thomas Shanahan (of the Fifth Contingent).—Bonfires and fireworks were displayed on the surrounding hills, and 200 people attended a social gathering in the Athenaeum Hall.