RENWICK NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 168, 22 July 1902, Page 3

RENWICK NOTES.

(Own Correspondent.)

One of those reunions which is always a pleasure to report took p!aco at Shaw's Hotel this week. Trooper Brooks, of the Seventh New Zealand Contingent, the iirst Renwioktovm young fellow who volunteered for service in Africa, was the guest of the Renwick Defence Riflo Corps. Capt. tain W. Tapp occupied the chair, and said that it gave him very great pleasure indeed to preside that evening, inasmuch as they were present to welcome the return from South Africa of the son of a very old and respected personal fric-nd. Trooper Brooks, he continued, was the stamp of young man who, having made up his mind to fight for the Mother Country, was not rebuked by rejection when he first volunteered, but persisted in his application for enrolment and finally left the land of his birth in the King's uniform with the Seventh Contingent. How his father and mother felt at the loss of their son none of them could properly imagine ; and for months and months they must have had daily anxiety anticipating misfortune to their son. But happily no such misfortune occurred, and Trooper Brooks was once more amongst us safe and well. Capt. Tapp dwelt on the bravery of the Seventh at Bothasberg, and said that such bravery would never be forgotten throughout the world. He heartily welcomed Trooper Brooks, and asked him to accept a presentation from the members of the Renwick Club. A handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed, was then handed to the recipient, amidst cheers. Thecontingenter's health was drunk, and Mr Brooks suitably responded on behalf of his son. Trooper Brooks gave some account of his South African experiences, and toasted " Success to the Renwick Rifle Club." A pleasant meeting then broke up.

On Wednesday evening some 200 qnests assembled in the Oddfellows' Hall, at the invitation of Mr and Mrs Brooks, to welcome their sou. Major Rogers and a number of returned contingenters were present, and the former made a rousing speech in opening the proceedings. Dancing, cards, songs, and recitations wiled away many hours in a t?uh T enjoyable manner, and the excellent and ta«-ty supper was only in keeping with the whole complete arrangements made by the host and hostess. At 2.15 a.m. Mr W. Tapp made an expiatory address—without mention of which this report could not be considered complete—and the guests left for their homes.

On Wednesday evening next the ladies of Renwick are giving a public "welcome home" social to Trooper Rrooks and the Marlbbrough men of tKe Seventh Contingent.