ELABORATE CELEBRATIONS MANY PRETTY INCIDENTS.

Grey River Argus, 29 December 1915, Page 7

ELABORATE CELEBRATIONS MANY PRETTY INCIDENTS.

1 [PEE PJiESS ASSOCIATION— COPIBIGHT.] LONDON, December 26. Every Australian a»d New Zealuuder in England spent his Xmas merrily. Augio-Australians had been diligently preparing for months to 'ensure that none were overlooked. This necessitated elaborate . organisation to cover men in isolated provincial hospitals, but the Australian and New Zealand Ked Cross War Contingent Association arranged that the Australasians in English hospital be given special comforts. The principal functions were in London, Plymouth, Bostall Heath, Harefield, and Walton-on-Tlhames. The convalescents and recovered men were made to feel that it was Xitias, without the southern sun, far from their homes. Despite the war atmosphere, they can still be, merry. The dinner to the Australians at Hie Hotel Cecil was largely attended and was a splendid success. There were many jovial Australian and New Zealand parties at the Carltou, Piccadilly, Criterion and other •hotels, where there were lavish festivities. ' : ■ i- Soldiers thronged the Anzac buffet t all day long, where there Avere continuous lively entertainments. Some 250 New Zealanders dined at the Midland Hotel, the Hon.^Thomas ' Mackenzie presiding. The High Comuniwftoner, in the course -of a speech, said that he was proud of New Zealand's heroes. He read Mr. Massey's 'greetings, also General Birdwood's : message of good cheer to the boys from all their comrades in the firing line. "Return soon," this latter message added, "and we will see this 'through together," Mr. Mackenzie presented Miss Ada Crossley with the New Zealand, coat of arms. Lord Plurikett, who was ovationed, congratulated the New Zealanders on their gallant . a"d wished them good luck. . , Mr. Cecil Wray, formerly of Wangauui, distributed cigars from the residents of Kokatahi. The boys cheered, shouting, "Good old Kokatahi." ' Mr. Mackenzie and his daughter and Lord Plunketfc visited Walton, where there were forty Maori guests. Mrs Scott cooked pork, pigeons, eels, and kumeras in a Maori oven in a back garden/ The residents in the locality anxiously rushed to the windows when they heard the war whoops signalling Mr. Mackenzie's arrivalCrowds gathered in wonderment at the hakas, the ferocious contortions, and hunting and love songs. They sampled the Maoris ' turkey, -which was pronounced excellent, and inarvel•led at such a result from heaps of earth and hot stones. The Maoris continue the feasting-.: to-morrow- and hold a dance in the evening. There were lively scenes in festooned wards in the Walton Hospital. The 'patients.-' cheered Mr. Mackenzie and his son, who visited every bed. ■ A concert party of New Zealanders entertained /fehejpu ;--^.;....: ■;.;•■: j v >., .. ■:-./ -.-.-.