PRESENTATIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12394, 7 January 1901, Page 3

PRESENTATIONS.

A very pleasing ceremony took place on Friday evening in the Tai Tapu Schoolroom, where the inhabitants met to welcome Trooper Mark Cossar, Canterbury Mounted Rifles, a local Volunteer of the First Contingent, who has lately returned from South Africa, and to present him with a slight token of their Appreciation of his services thus rendered, and the esteem in which he is held. The gathering took the form of a “social,” over which Mr R. A. Forbes presided. In making the presentation (which consisted of a silver watch, suitably inscribed, guard and pendant, and also a pair of field-glasses, bearing Trooper Cossar’s name), Mr R. H. Rhodes, M.H.R., expressed his pleasure at being present, and his satisfaction in the,knowledge that, although the War Office authorities had accepted New Zealand’s offer of men and horses much as a matter of courtesy, they now recognised our contingents as one of their most efficient fighting forces in South Africa, quoting Lord Roberts’s remarks that “ they had behaved like heroes on the battlefield and as gentlemen when off duty.” He was pleased that Trooper Cossar, as la member bf the First Contingent, had done his duty as a soldier, and merited, the praise bestowed from such a high source. Trooper Cossar expressed his thanks for the compliments paid him by the speakers, the "large number present to welcome him, and their kind presentation. Cheers were given for the returned trooper, Mr Rhodes, the Chairman, and those who ■had assisted in the arrangements of the evening. Refreshments, provided by the ladies, were dispensed, and after various amusements, a most enjoyable reunion was brought to a close by the singing of “ AuIA Lang Syne.”