OUR SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 107, 15 May 1901, Page 2

OUR SOLDIERS.

AT NAPIER, AND WAIPAWA,

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Napier, last night. After the reception of the returned troopers to-day, the men were entertained at a luncheon at the Masonic Hotel, ns the guests of the Executive Committee. The. Mayor, McVay, presided. The toasts were “ The King,” “ Returned Troopers,” and “ Fallen Comrades,” the latter being proposed by Dean Hovell, who, in an eloquent speech, referred to those New Zealanders, and particularly those from Hawke’s Bay, who had fallen in South Africa.

The Gisborne Contingent left by steamer this evening. The Waipawa representatives amongst the troopers were accorded a most enthusiastic reception on their arrival home this evening. They were met on the arrival of the train by the AVaipawa Volunteers, the Chairman of the Town Board, Mr James Williams, and tho Reception Committee. The town was gaily decorated with bunting. Axldresses of welcome were delivered by the Chairman, Captain Rathbone, and Mr A. E. Pill, of the Waipawa County Council. HONORING COLONEL ROBIN.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Dunedin, last night. The New Zealand Natives’ Association entertained Colonel Robin and tho returned troopers at a smoko social to-night. The President, who is Mayor of Caversham, presided, and the Mayor of Dunedin was present. It was intended to present Colonel Robin with a pair of gold spurs, but these were not actually roady’, and speeches wore made proposing the Colonel’s health.

THE WESTPORT LADS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Westport, last night. The returned troopers were welcomed home by a large number of people, who assembled on the wharf when the Tutanekai .arrived in tho morning. A procession was held in the afternoon, and an open-air thanksgiving servico in Victoria Square. In the evening the troopers were publicly entertained at a social. The proceedings throughout were most enthusiastic. A POETIC WELCOME. [By a Salvationist.] They’ve returned from the South Gallant Soldiers of the King, And they'’ro giving them a welcome home to-day ; They obeyed their country’s call Went to fight—prepared to fall, They have served their King and Flag right well they say. They have faced the cannon’s smoke They can toll of battles fought, Of the trenches where the dead and dying were ; Of tho hardships bravely borne

Of the limbs by shrapnel torn, Of the ashen faces turned to God in • prayer. They have stormed the rugged heights And they tell of noble doeds, Of comrade snatching comrade back from l death ; Of the fearless rushing charge From which so few emerge, The memory makes them speak with bated breath. Just beyond the lino of fire They have seen the Red Cross nurse And the kind Salvation sister side by side, Striving here to ease a pain, There to cool a fevered brain, Bidding men look up to Christ before they died. They have seen the awful sight Of a fever-stricken camp, Where men, raving, fought their battles o’er again ; • Where the Army sisters knelt On the blood-bespattered veldt I And talked to them! as mother used to do. They have left the war behind, j But the same Almighty God Who took care and brought them safely through it all Is looking down to-day, Calling men to kneel and pray, And bo ready for the last great final call. When war shall be no more, Grief and suffering will be o’er, And the God of Peaco and Righteousness shall reign, Whore the great, great welcome Home To those who’ve fought and won, And when God shall come and have His own again. Welcome, welcome, comrades all, To your homes and loved ones dear, And may Heaven’s richest blessing on ' you rest. Live for God, and do the right, And for Jesus do the right, Then with God eternally you shall be blest.