OUR SOLDIERS

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 108, 16 May 1901, Page 3

OUR SOLDIERS

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME HOME,

The returning troopers by the Te Anau yesterday morning received a reception worthy of the occasion, and tnc arrangements, whicli were in tiTTT hands of a committee consisting of the Mayor (Mr John Townlev), and Messrs A. F. Kennedy, A. Hoes, W. Miller, Captain Winter, and ! Major McCredie, were carried out 10 the letter, and were all that could be desired. The above-mentioned committee, with the exception of Mr Miller, who remained behind to see to the management of affairs at the wharf, went off to the Te Anau m the launch, and on going aboard gave tnc returned soldiers a cordial welcome home. After a short sojourn on board, during which the troopers and committee had breakfast together, a start was made for the wharf, where the shipping and buildings were gaily decorated with bunting. On arrival in the river the first intimation the men had of what was instore for them was a haka of welcome given by a body of Native ificn and women stationed on the ICaiti wharf, whilst on the Gisborne side of the river an unusually large con- ' course of people had assembled. When tlr Waihi was berthed alongside a good hearty cheer was given by the crowd, and 5 the men on landing wore inarched along the wharf to a platform, which had been erected under the supervision of Mr M. Morgan, Borough Overseer,The East Coast Mounted Itilles, Gisborne ltifics, and Gisborne Cadet Corps had assembled in good force, and wore stationed along the wharf as a guard, whilst the City and Whataupoko Bands played a few appropriate airs. On reaching the platform, addresses of welcome wire delivered by Mr Townley, r Mr Maefiirlanc, Mr W. L. Keen, and the Hov. Father O’Connor, who all spoke in praise-worthy terms of the manner in which the men had upheld the prestige of the Empire. Three hearty cheers were then given for the Premier and Government, and also for Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchonor. The men, together with the local corps and the two hands, were then marched to the firebel 1 tower, where they were dismissed, but wore soon surrounded by a large circle of friends, who had been , anxiously waiting to have a few words with them. At two o'clock the men assembled at the Masonic Hotel, where the Committee had provided a sumptuous luncheon for 1 them, and to which representative citizens had been invited. Mr Townley occupied the chair mid called upon Canon Webb to say grace, after which a start was made. When full justice had been done to tiic good things provided, the Chairman proposed the toast of “ The King,” remarking that this was the first occasion on which the toast had been proposed in Gisborne. The Loast was received with musical honors, as was also the toast of ” Our Boys,” proposed by the Chairman. Sergeant Langford, in replying, heartily thanked the citizens for the splendid reception accorded them. The toast of “ The Memory of Our Late Queen ” was proposed by Captain Warren, mill drunk in silence. Mr Bright, in a nicely-worded speech, highly eulogised the good works, and qualities of our late beloved Sovereign. Major McCredie proposed the toast of “Our Boys at the Front,” which was drunk with musical honors.

The toast was responded to by Corporal Bees, who in the course of bis speech made reference to the statements that had recently been made about Colonel liobin, for which he said there was not the slightest foundation. Mr It. N. Jones proposed the “Medical Stall',” and referred to the good work (tone bv thorn during the present war. ‘ Dr Valentine responded, and gave a In-ief outline of tho arduous work that fell to the lot of this branch of tho army. Mr A. E. Kennedy then recited a poom by Banjo l’aterson, cutitlod “ How I Won the V. 0.,” which proved rather an amusing item. The Chairman read apologies from Captain Winter and Mr C. A. De l. an tour, who were unavoidably absent. Mr W. I). Cysnar proposed the toast of .“Tho I’rcss,” whiih was suitably rc- > sponded to by Messrs A. L. Muir and IL ’ Burns.

| Mr W. L. Rees proposed the toast of “The Chairman," and spoke in pniisoi worthy terms of the work Mr Townloy I had .done in connection with tho sending 1 away of ttic various contingents. 1 Mr -Townloy suitably repliod to the j toast.