WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17533, 27 January 1919, Page 7

WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

RAVENHBOURKTE.

Coronation Hall, Ravensbourne, was packed on Saturday evening, tho occasion being a social tendered by tho Mayor, councilloTs, and residents of -tho West Harbour district to soldiers who had returned. The Mayor (Mr H. E. Holler) presided. The first part of the evening was devoted to progressive euchre, \ the first prizes being -won by Mrs C. Buchan and Mr D. LaTnach; and consolation prizes by Miss A. Donaldson and Mr J. Hanley. At the conclusion of tho card-playing an excellent supper -was served, and the hall subsequently cleared for dancing, which ■vtas kept up with vigour until close on midnight At a suitable interval short addresses wore delivered by Mr J. M. Dickson, M.P., Chaplain Lieutenantcolonel Gray, and the Mayor (Mr H. B. Moller).

Mr Dickson said tie people had now reason to rejoice and be glad that a war in which they had been engaged for 4£ years had come to an end. .He referred to tho return of tho men from the field of action, and to the treatment which should bo meted out to these men, and if the powers that be would, not give them ad<»quatcly good treatment, others would bo found who would. Complaints had been made regarding legislation passed in relation to returning soldiers, but he wished it understood that it was not the Acts of Parliament which were at fault, but the regulations surrounding them, for which Parliament was not responsible. Regarding, the manner in which assistance had been rendered the Mother Country in her time of trial it was after all only a comparatively snail number of men who came from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other British possessions, but, nevertheless, these men played no small part in bringing about the result, of which they were all so proud. Lovo of country was still a characteristic of tho Britisher, wherever his lot may be cast. He reminded his hearurs of Scott's immortal linos—" Breathes there a man with soul so dead, who never to himself hath said, 'This is my own, my native land?' " There was no < gainsaying the fact that the men who went rrom New Zealand, had played' their part' well, and ho hoped' that now< they had come back they would continue to play their part, and ho had no doubt thoy would do so. He extended a' hearty welcome to the men they were there' to honour.

Chaplain {Lienteremtcolonel Gray iwelocmed the men ia the name of the Church he represented. He thanked' them for all they had done. They had not forgotten them, and they rejoiced now that they had returned. Men who had gone from these shores had proved themselves heroes, and what was equally important, had proved themselves- gentlemen. He never anticipated that they would do anything else Ho hoped that this social would not be the last to be tendered to returning men. The Mayor. (Mr Moller) in welcoming the men back to their homes, said ho hoped that the residents would look after them it must not be forgotten that it was the'boys from New Zealand who had helped to free civilisation from the thraldom of an iniquitous and cruel foe. There was after aU, something more than Jingoism m those lines: "Britons never shall be H f reminded the returned men that they had been through the refining. ?i thc ? ¥* p ?° Ted pure gold, ihey had made a wonderful name for themselves on the field of battle, and be asked them to show, to the world at largo what they could do in civil life' He appealed to those present to do the' best they could for those who had fought for them. He could assure them' that that would not be the last social to be tendered to returned men, who knew West Harbour as their home.

During the evening Fireman W. Johnston entertained the' company with several excellently rendered concertina selections

PALMEfISSTOK A largely attended and enthusiastic welcome_social to returned soldiers was held in the I own Hall on Friday, when tho following lately returned men were present- — Messrs Cook Chisholm, Diack, D. Howie (Military Medal and Bar). W. Homo (Military Medal), Henderson, Mills, autheriand and Tittertou.

•^ ho u Mayor (Mr W - Wheeler) occupied tho chair, and in extending a hearty welcome to the men, and hopes for their speedy and complete restoration to health commented on the fact that, since the last social the great war had come to a successful termination. Though at times we had staggered under the blows from the great German war machine, Britain and her Allies had emerged triumphant, thanks to the bravery and devotion of the men who had fonght so hard 'by land and sea. Mr E. H. Clark, in the oourso of an address hoped that men, who as a result of their patriotism had returned disabled or broken down in health, with their earning capacity impaired, should not suffer financially. Tho following performers contributed a programme, much enjoyed by tho large audience:—Mrs S. B. Smith (songs), Misses Austin (songs), Christie (songs), Hurndell (sqngs), Lefevre (songs), Messrs' E. B. Clark (hornpipe), MTarlano (recitation); and Whitilestono (songs). After supper dancing was indulged in for a few hours.