WELCOME HOME.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 12024, 10 December 1901, Page 3

WELCOME HOME.

At the conclusion of the usual weekly parade of the Napier Bides held last evening, at which there was a good muster, an adjournment was made to the suppor-room, where a smoke concert was held as a reception to Sergeant Hawthorne, who has recently returned from South Africa, whore he wont as a member of the Third Contingent. Captain Hatpin occupied the chair, and was supported by Major Chicken, the chaplain of the corps, the Very Sev. Dean Hovell, Captain Eagar, of the Banfutly Bides, and the guest of the evening. The toasts of "The King," "Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” were proposed by Dean Hovell and responded to by Sergeant Hawthorne, Trooper Heilford, Sergeant White, and Major Chicken j “ Our Boyo at the Front," proposed by Major Chicken and replied to by Dean Hovell j “ The Staff,” proposed by Captain Eagar and responded to by Major Chicken; “ Non-oommisßioned officers,” proposed by Captain Halpin, and replied to by all non-coms present, were drunk with musical honors.

The toast of " Sergeant Hawthorne " was proposed in a pithy speech by the chairman, who said the company wore proud of their representatives who had seen service in South Africa, and of the way in which they had acquitted themselves. In welcoming back Sergeant Hawthorne they were receiving amongst them the last of the members of the Napier Eifles who had been to the front, and the corps extended to him their heartiest congratulations upon having' 1 risen to the rank of sergeant during the campaign. Sergeant Hawthorne had expressed his intention of resuming his place as a member of the rifles, and the chairman proposed that he be received into the company with the rank of sergeant, which was carried by acclamation. Captain Halpin, also on behalf of the company, presented Sergeant Hawthorne with a handsome silver medal suitably inscribed, similar to those which had beau presented to the other members of the company who had gone to South Africa. Major Chicken also paid a flattering tribute to Sergeant Hawthorne for the enthusiasm he had shown in volunteering and the perseverance with which he mastered all the details, He felt confident that in securing their late comrade as a sergeant they had gained a really good oflioer for he had been a flret-clasa recruit, and a good recruit made a good ranker, and a good ranker a good officer. Sergeant Hawthorne suitably responded. Songs and recitations were contributed by Captains Halpin and Eager, and Messrs Heiiford, Currant, and Skews, the accompaniments being capitally played by Captain Eagar/