THE TROOPERS BY THE ORIENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11937, 10 January 1901, Page 3

THE TROOPERS BY THE ORIENT.

TO THE EDITOB. ' Sm,—No one can doubt the wisdom of'the Mayor in accepting the offer of the Government that Port Chalmers should be the firpt port of call of the Orient, and that Dunpdin should have the honour of welcoming the first large batch of returning trooper?. Now, Sir, let ub go away fromthe original programme which was arranged for the Harloch Castle men; let us give the troopers a big welcome and send them to their liome3 as quickly as possible. Do not let us make a farce , ot.thc whole thine; and parade them from, morning to night like a circus. We do not waut trade displays brought into it; keep those for Labour Day. I would sugeest that we receive them (is we did tlie last batch—viz., meet them at the wharf and take them through the town to the Agricultural Hall, then on to the Garrison Hall, to be dismissed. In (he eveninc fireworks and illuminations, which the troopers who remain in town might enjoy. Let all business people close in the morning for two hours, so that all hands can welcome the men. The troopers themselves do not want such a programme as was originally arranged; they would rather be amon7 their friends and get to thp.ir homes as..quiricly as possible. I feel certain the public will aarco with me that we should give the men a rkrlit royal welcome, but not make a show for the people. Is it to be a welcome or a day's ■amusement for the public?—l am, etc.. Welcome.