WELCOME AT MOTUPIKO.

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

WELCOME AT MOTUPIKO.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Yesterday morning week Motupiko railway station was the scene of unusual bustle and excitement. By the titno the train from town arrived the platform was crowded with people. Bunting was flying everywhere, and a waggonette stood iit the station gate with, strange to say, much bunting attachned but no horses. The cause of all this was that two of " Our Boys " were returning from the front Farrier-Major Mead and 'Trooper Thompson, both of the 4th Contingent. As the train drew up cheers were given, and the crowd closed round the tx.cn in khaki, warmly shaking them hy the hand aud welcoming them home. Cheers were called for the returned troopers, which were given with such vigour that the hills echoed. The troopers were th-n carried shoulder high and put into the waggonette, thoughtfully provided hy Mr 11. nrornoLl, of the erminu.s Hotel. Mr and Mrs Mead, parents of Farrier-Major Mead, were placed in the carriage with their son. Ibe crowd, with much cheering, drew them at spaed up to the hotel. Host Brotuell invited all to partake of refreshments free. In the evening a social and dance were held in honour ot the home comers. The ladies and others who supplied the excellent supper deserve the thanks of all who were there, as it was evident they had taken considerable pains, and had succeeded admirably. Supper and dancing room were lastefuhy decorated. During the evening Mr (.». Viacmahon presented Farrier-Major Mead with a handsome watch, beautifully engraved, on behalf of friends and residents in Motupiko. The engraving was done by Messrs Brown \- Kerr. Trooper '1 houipson is also to be presented with a watch .- but as he was not expected to arrive on Friday it was not given on that evening. The returning men looked well, although Trooper I houipson has had enteric fever. Both men made little speeches during the evening, and expressed their thanks for the warm welcome given them -on returning home.