RETURNED TROOPERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11716, 26 July 1901, Page 5

RETURNED TROOPERS.

Last evening Mrs. Parker, mother of Ser-geant-Ma, Parker, regimental sergeantmajor of the "Fighting" Fifth New Zealand Contingent, entertained a few friends for the purpose of meeting h#r son, who has just returned from South Africa. SergeantMajor Fletcher,'of the Fifth Wellington section, was also present. A very pleasant evening was spent in various 1 games and dancing, and at supper both sergeantmajors' health was drunk with great enthusiasm. ; Sergeant-Major Parker replied on behalf of Sergeant-Major Fletcher and himself, thanking all present for the hearty manner in which the toast had been received.' ... Gunner G. H. McLeod, who recently returned from South Africa, was entertained by the officers of the Post and Telegraph Departments at a complimentary " social" held in the Cook-street Hall last evening. There was a large muster of his comrades present, and the gathering was of a most enthusiastic character. Mr. H. F. Seager, officer in charge, ; very ably discharged the duties of chairman, and the following toasts were duly honoured:—The King," proposed by the chairman Army, Navy, and Volunteers," proposed by Mr. Senn, and responded to by Lieutenant Bosworth ; " Our Guest," proposed by the chairman "Our Boys at the Front," proposed by Mr. Bosworth ; "Returned Troopers," proposed by Mr. Scully; and "The Postmaster-Gen-eral," proposed by Mr. Cumming. At intervals vocal items and recitations were contributed by Messrs. Whelan, Whitehead, Wallace, Rosser, Broody, and Boliard. Mr. Sharland acted as accompanist. The arrangements, which were very complete, were carried out by the following committee, of which Mr. F. Cunnold made an efficient secretary :Messrs. F. W. F. Burnett, J. H. Watt and T. and J. Murray. Our Pupakura correspondent writes: — Friday, July 19, was an eventful day here, when the returned troopers were welcomed on their arrival at the railway station. All the flags of the township were hoisted, and the people turned out ip great numbers, and with great enthusiasm. The Wairoa mounted men attended in great force, with their fine band, which played ? suit-able tune as the train stopped. Mr. Walker, chairman of the Town Board, and the Rev. T. Nome'' gave short speeches, in the way of welcome to the troopers, and spoke of them as a credit to the districts that had sent them. Trooper McEwin was especially welcomed, as the one sent from Papakura, and a large party were entertained at the hotel, and congratulatory speeches were again delivered, and thanks given. A grand banquet, ,and smoke concert was provided for the returned troopers hi the Public Hall, on July 24, when upwards of 70 persons sat down to a sumptuous dinner, catered for by Mr. McEwen, of the Papa-kur.-i. Hotel. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags and greenery. _ Mr. D. W. Jones presided, and in a loyal speech, "The King," which was responded to by singing "God Save the King;' "Our Guests" followed, proposed by the Revs. Norrie and Hewlett, in congratulatory speeches, and replied to by Trooper McEwin, who expressed his thanks to the Papakura people for their sending him to the war, and equipping him for; the duty. "The Army and Navy and Colonial Forces" was proposed by Mr. J. B. Hay, as a colonial who had done good service in the Maori War, and could Jfcestify to the valour and success of the other branches of the service. The Rev. T. Norrie responded, and gave some interesting reminiscences of his intercourse with General Cameron,; and the value

of the Imperial forces, as well as the col** nial troops. ; " The Parents of the Returned Troopers" was proposed by Mr. E. IX MeLennan," and suitably responded to by Mx.. McEwin. A lengthened programme was provided, including songs by Messrs. Brad-" bury, McGlymont, Absolum, McGonagle, i Miirtry, Monro, Richardson, Pollock, and' Smith; and recitations were given by the Rtevs. Nome and Hewlett, and Messrs*; Steele, Lupton, and E. D. McLennan. Misa McEwia ably acted as piano accompanist,, and the singing or " God 5 Save the King' r brought to a close a most successful and en* thusiastic meeting. Our Rangiaohia correspondent writes: —« On Monday last the usual quietude of this district was disturbed, ; the cause being thareturn of Trooper Kerry Holdeu, from as*! sisting to uphold the honour of the flag in; South Africa. Unfortunately, it was only],shortly before hi"3 arrival that his return was known. In consequence, all idea of aT formal reception had to be abandoned, but! the young men of the district were determined to give their old schoolmate a hearty; reception. As many, therefore, as could do! so on such short notice, rode to the where they tendered a real hearty welcoma i to their popular chum. They cheered him lustily, and shook him vigorously by thai hand. They then escorted' him to his homo at Rangiaohia, and before leaving gave him" a few more hearty cheers, Mr. sen., may well feel proud of his family, foil no less a number than three of his sons hav«( served in South Africa. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS association*.} s Tijiartj, Thursday. * The social reception to lately returned! troopers last night was spoiled by wet wea« ther, but about 200 were present. Surgeon* Captain Thomas and half a dozen men wevt] warmly welcomed home by the Mayor and! company. '.' ■;'."..-:■ '-.'.■■ • j 1 ■ ■Wellington, Thursday. , i Among members of the returned contin*, gent by the Westralia are Privates Wheeled and Tapp, of Auckland.