OUR SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 110, 18 May 1901, Page 3

OUR SOLDIERS.

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET,

There was a large attendance last evening in the Theatre Koyal at the banquet tendered by the Gisborne Rifles to tho returned troopers, between 70 and 80 sitting down to the splendid supper provided by Mr J. Craig. Captain J. Warren presided. A blessing having been asked by the Rev. H. Williams, a start was made with tho supper, and by nine o'clock full justice had been done to the good things provided, and the social portion of the programme was proceeded with. Captain Warren proposed the toast of “ His Majesty the King,” which was loyally honored. Then Chairman then called on Major

McCredie to give the returned troopers a soldiers' welcome, which he did in a neat speech. lie spoke in praiseworthy terms of the manner in which they had defended the old flag and upheld the prestige of the Empire, and concluded by giving them a hearty welcome home. Captain Warren then contrioutcd a song, which was well received. Ilis Worship the Mayor (Mr John Townley) proposed the toast, “ The health and success of the native born of KdVf Zealand,” and briefly referred to the good work they had done in connection with the war in South Africa. Messrs Wakelyn and Needham favored the company with a duet, “ Life’s Dream is O'er,” which was rendered in first-class style, the audience demanding an encore, and the singers repeating the last verse. The Lev. H. Williams, in responding to the toast of the native born, said he felt highly honored in being allowed the privilege of replying to the toast proposed by Mr Townley, and to the kindly remarks made by him. In the course of a rather witty speech lie referred! to many interesting points to New Zealanders, and concluded by returning thanks for the hearty manner in which the toast had boon drank.

Corporal Wakolvn contributed a song in a very pleasing manner. “ Out- Lons ” was proposed by Captain Warren, who made a speech which greatly interested the volunteers present. Lieutenant Lewis, who was in fine voice, sang “ A Soldier and a Man,” and as an encore piece “ The English, the Irish, and Scotch.”

Sergeant Langford, on rising to reply to tho toast of “ Our Boys,” received a warm reception, lie said he could hardly find words with which to return thanks for tho hearty manner in which their health had been drank, and for tho numerous congratulations they had received since their return. There were numerous incidents in the campaign which ho could relate, but be felt that it was quite beyond him on this occasion. Speech-making was not in his line, and be would much rather at any time face the enemy than deliver an address. Ho hoped they would allow him to conclude by again returning thanks on behalf of himself and comrades.

Mr A. Webb recited ‘‘ The Dandy Fifth," in good style. “ Our Men at the Front,” was proposed by Mi- If. N. Jones, who highly eulogised tho work being done by the New Zealanders. Mr Needham then favored the company with “ He Like a Soldier Fell.” This gentleman is a first-class singer, and his services were in groat demand during the evening.

Songs were given by Bugler Cooper and Mr E. Clirisp, the latter bringing down the house with his rendering of the plantation song, “ Do Old Umbrella,” tho uudioneo joining in tho chorus. On being encored lie repeated tho last vorsc. Mr Townley proposed the toast of tho “ Army and Navy.” The toast was drunk with musical honors.

A song by Solomon Kiwi was pleasingly rendered, and evoked considerable applause. Major McCredie, in replying to tho toast of the “ Army and Navy,” thanked those present for tho hearty manner in which tho toast had boon honored.

On Mr Needham being called on for another song, ho gave “ Mona ” with good effect, tho item being generally considered to ho tho gem of tlio evening. Lieut. Lewis proposed the toast of “ Tho i’ress,” which was responded to by the representatives present. Mr D. West sang two comic numbers, which greatly amused those present. Tho gathering broke up shortly after 11 o’clock with tho singing of “ Auld Lang Syne,” cheers being given for the guests of the evening.