SOCIAL AT ROSLYN TO RETURNED TROOPERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12415, 26 July 1902, Page 3

SOCIAL AT ROSLYN TO RETURNED TROOPERS.

j To show their appreciation nf the ser- . vices lliey had rendered in the South African war and their pleasure at. their, safe arrival ; home, tho I'csidonts of Roslyn lait night tendered a social to-a number of returned troopers belonging to the district. The wet night undoubtedly prevented many from attending, but .when the proceedings started there was a large number of persons present to take part in tho welcome. Captain Washer occupied the chair, and on tho platform were the Revs. Sutherland, Bennett, Wilson, and Canon llayne, together with the returned trooners, who were as follows: — Lieutenant Wilkinson, Sergeant Dobson, Lance-corporal Arlidge, Troopers Taylor and .M'Kenfie, all of the Seventh Contingent, and Trooper W. Taylor, of the linI perial Bushmen. i Proceedings were opened with a piano solo by Miss Ferry, .Miss Sangster then gave a tong, after which a recitation was given by Miss B. Johnson. The Rev. Mr Sutherland expressed his pleasure at being present to welcome home and to do honour to those who hsd done honour to themselves, to them, to New Nealand, and to the Empire of which they were citizens. He welcomed them home not only in his name, but in the name of the Presbyterian portion of- the residents of the district. Looking.round at tho troopers, he saw that Presbyterians .were largely represented in them.. It was characteristic of Presbyterians that they were always ready to fight for their religion,, liberty, and ' country, and therefore he was .not surprised j to see so many Presbyterians amongst tho ! relumed troopers.—(Hear, hear, arid laughter.) Ho went on to regret that there had been a litfclo hitch with, tins Borough Coun- . eil as»to when and how the reception was to be held. He then wont on to say a'few words in remembetanee of the lads who had not returned, expressing his sympathy for those who mourned sons or friends, and .in concluding said of the troopers': present 'who had come through safely ,tluLt\he was sure their experiences -had'not'spoilt them. He wished them long life and. Success in their future careers, and felt convinced that • if they were celled on in the future tlicy would prove as brave and as loyal and true as in the past.—(Applause.) The Rev. Canon Mayne followed with a short humorous speech. As a representative of tho English Church and as chaplain-captain of the Dunedin Engineers, he was glad to ; be present on the occasion; for tho men of I the contingents had done very much for the colony. He expressed the opinion that by tho look of the troopers they were all Irishmen, which would account for their ! fighting. Tho rev. gentleman referred with pride to what the colonies had done to assist in South Africa. Several inusical items were given, after which the Chairman called on Mr Robert Chisholm to present medals to tho troopers, ■ Mr Chisholm then gave a vigorous speech, very patriotic, and.very happy. Ho was warmly received by the audience, to whom lie' first explained the reason of his pro- ' sence. _ First, because Captain Washer asked him to come, and lie thought it his duty- to obey orders; secondly, because he recognised it was a privilege and honour , to take part in such a very interesting funcj tion. Up to a few days ago ho tTiought that peace prevailed, but the sword seemed | to have been drawn again, and blood was ; likely to be split once more, for the ap- ' pearances were that the Wakari Rifles were . • likely to be callcd.cn to fight the members

of the Roslyn Council.—(Laughter.) He had wondered,if it. was safe.to como that night.—(Renewed laughter.) However, ho admired Captain Washer for the spirit he had displayed in the matter.—(Applause.) He was ono of the sort of fellows they had sent to South Africa. Referring to the troopers, ho said they coiild not praise and appreciate too much the men who had been , sent from New Zealand. 'It was to the honour of New Zealand that with a small population of 800,000 she had sent away no fewer than 10 contingents, more especially . as they were all composed of fine, stalwart j young fellows who would bo a credit to any country. The splendid work done by the !'Seventh at Bothasbcrg was l , of course, mentioned by the speaker, and, having pictured the events of that fateful night, and stated that' the glory of the New Zealandera concerned would "never fade," he dwelt on , the value of the experience in warfare

gainscl by, the Now Zealandors. In the face of what had taken-place, they need not fear the result if any foe attempted to attack New Zealand. In company with Captaii\ \ v :3her. that brave captain' of 'the Wakan Riflet— (laughter),—he would now ' present the troopers with medals, 'uPlliph : they had dc-. scrvedly won by their horbism and prowess" on the field of battle.—(Applause.) One by one ; the troopers tfen came forivardj and Mr Chisholm, in daeli case, had aortic felicitous remark to make, which amused the company greatly. Trooper Sell, who was to have received a medal, was not present, "having hod to go away. Mr Chisholm said, amidst' a chorus of approval, that his : absence showed the wisdom of Captain Washer getting the function over as quickly as. possible, before any ihoi'e of the men , wont away. Lieutenant Wilkinson, in a few words, returned thanks on behalf of himself and the others. They were exceedingly grateful for the kind reception given them. They had all done their little best. Speaking of the Seventh, he might say that hot one man had disgraced the regimen?, for not a single conviction had been recorded against them. He thanked them for their kindness and presentations, which all of them would iemembov and value to the cud of their lives.—(Applause.) Addresses, were also given by the Rev. Mr Bennett and the Rev. R. Wilson, both of whom endorsed the tributes that had from previous speakers in regard to the New ZealandeH who had gone to the front. Mr Bennett, who. was ut Home at the beginning ot the war, described the anxiety that prevailed when reverses were following one after another, and how the people of, the OKI kutid rejoiced to know that the colonies wort behind them, reassuring them. and making, them feel that .in the'end Britain" would win. Mr Wilson in his remarks said that the war had demonstraled the fallacy of the statements : made previous to t% war that colonials were no good. They had acquitted themselves like mon in South Africa, and would do so again if occasion ajose. Both Mr Bennett and Mr Wilson spoke a few words concerning the troopers present, expressing their personal pleasure at their safe arrival I back. ! A few words'were also spoken by Captain ; Washer, who said that those present were all Volunteers. He hoped other young inen ; in the district would come and avoit] that curse of Continental nations—conscription. The other: musical items given were as follows:—Songs, Misses Cooper. M'Farlano, and Messrs D. Andrews, D. Melville, Smith, and Foster. Mr Ellis gave a recitation and Miss ShcQlian a piano solo, and the Methodist Central Mission quartet party an item. I The National Anthem then closed the conj ce-rt proceedings. A dance was held afterwards, to which a large number stayed.