PUKEURI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2471, 24 July 1901, Page 50

PUKEURI.

July 22 — The event of the month was undoubtedly the reception social tendeied on Friday night to the returned t-oopers. Aa three of "the returned boys hailed from Pukeuri, it was unanimously decided that they should receive from us a royal welcome : and, notwithstanding the fact that the weather was on its worst behaviour, large numbers braved the mud and the rain m order to show their appreciation of services rendered oi behslf of the Empire and freedom. Lance-corporal Grant and Troopers Gray and Ward, alone with Sergeant M'Taggart (a visitor), were the- guests ot the evening. On taking their seats on the stage they were greeted with " volleys " and " three times three." The Rev. J. Steven occupied the chair, and after the singing of the '" Old Hundredth," formally and heaitiiy welcomed the men back to their homes and acquaintances. When the troopers in turn had feelingly and briefly replied, a short programme of music, etc., was gone through, to the evident satisfaction of the audience, which expressed its appreciation by insisting upon numerous encores. The accompaniments were capitally supplied by a pmall but efficient orchestra, the members of which were Messis Oakdeu, M'Phail. M'Kenfcie. and Bishot). Let us hope they will soon get into practice again, m order to give a hearty welcome back to our othei three boys, who went to the war to take the place of "those jufet returned. As soon as the concert was over the floor was cleared for the llance, which was kept up till a late hour, lhe catering ananprements were in the bauds of Mi Meyer, of Oamaru, and a number ol ladie<»ave iu\ aluable assistance by attendir>» to thr tabes. The hall was nicely deccrpted with flags and evergieens. The Weathei.— Most people complain that the weather has been unu=uallv severe during the last four we?ks. Ot fro-t and snow there has been abundance, bin although ram has often fallen, the ground has been compaiptively dry until last week. Influenza seems to have been very prevalent, and in nearly every lronie it seenre to have found its victims. Lambs.— Three 1 weeks ago Mr M'Kaj was an easy first m the field with his lambs, but they mti3t have had a very hard time. "Mission.— The Rev. Mr Don, the Chinese missionary, is due hei on Wednesday, 31st, when he will give one of his interesting addresses on China. °Mr Don's lantern exhibition should certainly be weil patronised, if quality counts for any thing.