MAHOENUI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XII, Issue 1218, 31 May 1919, Page 5

MAHOENUI.

Own Correspondent.

A very successful social was held in the school at Maboenui on Friday, 18tb inst., when a large and representative gathering of residents and visitors from Awakino, Pio Pio and Te Kuiti, welcomed home a number of returned soldiers. Some of those who bad been invited were not present, but Spcond - Lieut. Richard and Mrs Old, Sergt. S. Purdy, Private A. Old, Sergt. W. Seal and Private Jones attended.

During an interval in the dancing, Mr James Old, oar pioneer settler, called on Mrs J. Old to unveil a tablet to the memory of those boys who have remained on guard, 'star le champ d'honneur.' Their names were, Private Henry Thorenssen, killed at the landing; Private Eric Lawrenne, at Suvla Bay; and Private Donald Purdy, in France. After this impressive ceremony, Mr Old thanked the visitors for their kindness in attending and called the guests to come forward with their brides, so that they might be welcomed home in the heartiest manner. Mrs Old then presented each soldier with a gold Maltese cross suitably inscribed, as a souvenir of the occasion.

Each soldier, on replying, was accorded musical honours, and his reply was materially assisted by the jocolar interruptions of friends, who were desirous of removing any feeling of awkwardness. During the evening, songs were given by Mrs J. Old, Misses Thompson and Woolf, of Awakino, and Mr L. Riddlings. Master Stanley Roberts contributed a step dance. Mr J. Lindsay presided at the piano, assisted by Mr L. Riddlings. Dancing concluded about 3 am.