OUR SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 106, 14 May 1901, Page 2

OUR SOLDIERS.

It is expected that there will be a great gathering to-morrow morning to welcome homo the returning soldiers. They’ leave Napier to-night by the To Anau for Gisborne.

His Worship the Mayor received the following message yesterday from - the Hon. J. Carroll: “ Gisborne members of returned contingents leaving this afternoon. I suppose yon have everything ready to give them a good reception. Sorry cannot be with you to join in the felicitations.”

Later on Mr Townley received the following message from Mr Carroll: — 11 The following are the names of soldiers returning to Gisborne from here to-day: Sergeant Langford, Corporal Rees, and Troopers Yardley’, Richardson, Johnson, Gordon, and Gregg (Brabant’s Horse). Pitt has gone to Auckland via the West Coast.” The local committee extended to Pitt an invitation to come to Gisborne.

PREPARATIONS AT NAPIER,

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Napier, last night.

Preparations are being made for an official reception and luncheon to the returned troopers-to-morrow. THE MEN AT WANGANUI. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wanganui, last night. The Wanganui section of the returned troopers received an enthusiastic reception to-day. They’ were entertained at a garden party’, where addresses of welcome were delivered by the Mayor, Mr Hatriclc, and Mr Willis', M.H.R. This evening they are the guests of the local volunteer corps at a social and dance. In all, 78 officers and men wero detrained here, including a detachment of 15 Northerners. The reception was a decided success.

RECEPTION AT NELSON. By Telegraph—Press Association. Nelson, last night. The steamer Tutanekai, with the returning troopers, nine belonging to Nelson and nine for Westport, arrived shortly after one, when the troopers were received by the Mayor and Councillors of Nelson, Richmond, and Motueka, and then by the volunteer force. The returned men were provided with horsss, and a procession marched to town, the volunteers taking up a position at the base of Cathedral Hill. Speeches of welcome were then delivered, and a service of thanksgiving, in which the clergy took part, was held. To-night a monster social is being hold in honor of all who have returned from South Africa. The weather was perfect, and the enthusiasm was very groat.

To the Editor. Sir, —I am well pleased to think the Gisborne boys are coming back safe and sound to their homes. I also think they should have a good welcome in a fair and open way. I refer to the official luncheon at the Masonic Hotel, tendered by the Contingent Committee. Who they are I don’t know. In another part of the programme addresses are to be given by His Worship and the local clergy, for which the public are asked to pay 2s and Is. In fairness to Gisborne people, I think the whole affair should be open and free, as the public played their part when the boys went from these shores. This sort of thing is about done. It would be better, to my way of thinking, that the whole affair took place in Captain Tucker’s paddock, and not have the line drawn.—l am, etc.,

Young England. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I note that the returning troopers are to be kept back until 9.30 on the day they return to Gisborne, also that there is to be a lot more speechfying, as if the poor fellows had not already been sufficiently bored. As a friend of some of the troopers, it seems to me absurd that there should be delay in the landing ; it may suit men in offices, but deprives working men like myself of the pleasure of being present to welcome our friends. Seven o’clock should be a suitable time for everyone. Those who would not turn out at that hour to meet the boys should be invited to remain undisturbed in their slumbers.—l am, etc.,