A "WELCOME" HOME

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 10432, 10 November 1919, Page 3

A "WELCOME" HOME

A delightfully pleasant and socialaMe evening was spout on Saturday night,., when Airs Mctfowan gavo an evening party at the Pioneer Club rooms to welcome back her son, Private Nichol, who arrived from England on Friday by tbo Paparoa. Mr Niobol brought with him a bride from Edinburgh, who shared in the welcome -extended- to hor hußbaud. They were cordially greets ed by many friends as the latter arrived, &nd as soon as all had come a tiny 'child presented the bride with a beautiful bouquet of pink flowers. Mr Orange, on behalf of all present, expressed the pleasure they felt at seeing Mr Niohol back among them, and extended a very hearty welcome to his young wife. Among those who came to extend the hand of welcome to the young couple wero the Mayor and Mayoress, and after supper the former added his testimony to the pleasure all felt at seeing Mr Niohol, back again, and to welcome his bride. To the latter he spoke of her native city, which he said was the finest in tho world —after Wellington. (Laughter.) There was, said Mr Luke, the greatest friendship between the Scotch and the New Zealand and the Australian soldiers in tho field, and there was no place that our boys liked to spend their leave in better than the city of Edinburgh. All joined in welcoming Mrs Nichol from that city to her now home in New Zealand He wished both Mr tnd Mrs Nichol' long life and happiness. After Mr Luke's speech the company all joined in singing "They are jolly good fellows," and gave three cheers for tho bride and bridegroom. The ©vwiing waa passed pleasantly in social intercourse, and some good musio was enjoyed. Mrs MoKenzie sang dolightfully, and Mr Smith sang and gave some exhibitions of whistling. Ragtime songs, with rousing choruses were givejn. Mr Oswin recited, and later in the evening Mrs J. P. Luke waa persuaded 'to _ sing a Scotch song, and also a duet with Mrs Gooder, both of which were received with much applause. Mr Johannes Anderson gave the company an example of how to make verse, and all were called upon to supply rhymes. Mr Anderson made a verse of welcome to the returned soldier and Lis bride, winch called forth much laughter and applause. Supper was a very pleasant interlude in file evening-s entertainment' and included a beautifully deed cake, also & tiny bridal cake, which the new-ly-arrived bride cut. After supper Mr Nichol thanked the Mayor and everyone present for the hearty welcome given-to himself and his wife. Mr and Mrs McGowan did everything possible to give their guests a happy time and all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Mrs McGowan wore a dress of ease blue channelise .with maltese lace, and Mrs Nichol wa9 in a pretty frock of white voile and lace. Among those present were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs J. P. Luke), Mr R, A. Wright, M.P., and Mrs Wright, fend Mr and Mrs Johannes Anderson. '