WELCOME AT DOVEDALE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXV, Issue 169, 27 July 1901, Page 4

WELCOME AT DOVEDALE.

(From our own Correspondent

Our roopers are home at last. The two who went from Doveddle a-e being heartily welcomed by their fnendß in this district. A mo<t eny yable social was htld in the Churchill schoolroom on Monday evening last jfor the purpose of welcoming home Trooper Snook and Gunner Uuinetl. Hie schoolroom, which had been tastefully decorated with evergreens, flags, etc., in spite of the inclemency of the weather was well filled. The chair was occupied by Major Franklyn, of Wakefield. Proceedings commenced at half-past seven. After the Chnirman's address, all joined in singing '• Home, Sweet Home." Pianoforte bolos warn given by Misses Hawkes and Muriel Thorn, andi ?tru.mental|duet9 by "Mi s and Miss Colrman, also by the Mi6seß Lnmmas. The programme was enlivened by songs from Mrs E. W. Win, Mrs.T. \V. Win, Misses I)avi-s, F. and K. Win. Mr Johnson, of Wakefield, k ; ndly contributed two comic sonjp, and one from Mr J. Inwood was niU'h enjoyed. K citations were given by Miss Snook and Amy Burnett. Two girls sing ■•Won't You i»uy ily Pretty Flowers?" and th se young ladies, dre3sed appropriately, al-o sa.ig " The Red, White, and Blue," while the audience joined in the choi us. Sergeant Stephens, o? Wakefield, gave a lengthy and exceeding y interesting account of some of h s experiences in South Africa. He, being a m- tuber of tlie Gd^l Contingent, h£L& seen more act ye service than our ewn boys, and doubtless they are thankful they have not been obliged to witness such sights as Sdrge,.no Stephens but briefly described.

During the evening Trooper Snook and Gunner Burnett also told a few of their experiences, 10 which the audience 1 stenfld with great at lenti n. Koth Troopers thanked the Dovedale people for the kindly welcome which had been accorded to them; and Gunner Burnett brought his interesting : duress to a close by reciting a military poem which he had learnt in Mrtfeking. Mr J. W.Win's speech was short but to the point. Mr Hawkes also spoke a few words of welcome to the troopers and called for three cheers for " The Boys," to which the audience most enthusiastically responded. The Chairman called for ""one more for their sweethearts" ; this also met with a heariy response. Votes of thanks were t-n---dered to the Chairman and visiting friends. After the National Anthem had been suog, Gunner Burnett called for three cheers for "Our ßoys still in South Africa."

Refreshments ivero handed round at the close of the concert. AfUr the r<-ry leng'hy programme the room was cleared fur dancing, which was kept up with gioat spirit, till 611) the following morning. All seem to be united, and no pains were spared in giving ''our boys "a hearty welcome home.

The troopers were also to be welcomed home by the D vedale people at a concert, to be hell in the Dovvdale Public Hall , act evening. Do\edule, 25 7 "I ,