RECEPTION AT OTEPOPO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2471, 24 July 1901, Page 26

RECEPTION AT OTEPOPO.

A veiy enthusiastic welcome was accorded to Lieutenant Marshall, of the fifth contingent, oa Thursday m the Athenanim Hall, Otepopo. The welcome took the form of a social and banquet, and Mr A Paterson presided. Tea was served at 8 p.m., and afterwards a programme of toasts and musical items was proceeded with. Besides Lieutenant Marshnll the following tioopeis were piesent, belonging to the fourth or fifth contingents: — Sergeant Duffy, Troopers M'Kerrow, White, Hodgkinson (Hampden), and Stock (Kakanui). The Chaiinian, after welcoming Lieutenant Maishall and his comrades, proposed the toast of " The King," which was honoured by everyone piesent standing and singing one verse of "God save the King" Mi T. Paterson proposed the health of the " Returned Tioopeis," to which Lieutenant Maishall responded in an mteicsting speech, Seigeant Duffy also lesponding. Other toasts were " The New Zealand Paihament," proposed by Mr George Ledingham, and lesponded to by Mes.iis J. Sim and J. Fiame: "The Aunv, Navy, and Volunteers," jn'oposed by Mi J. Reid, and responded to by Messis Geoige Paterson, D. Ihomas, and Sergeant-major Lire. "The Ladies," pioposed by Mi H. Beckmgsale, and lesponded to by Mr A. Budge. Musical items weie rendered by Mis* Thomas, Miss Reid, and Mr Thomas. The meeting closed with a \ote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr J. Reid, and the singing of the National i Anthem. After the social the hall was cleared for dancing, which was carried on with great spirit for several houis. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion, a:id the whole function was voted a complete success, and the best of. its kind evei held in Otepopo.

1 DINNER TO CORPORAL J D. WATT. A most enjoyable evening was spent m the Criterion Hotel on Saturday last, the occasion being to welcome the return of Corporal J. D. AVatt from South Africa. The officers of the Land and Survej department and other mcmi beis of the civil seivice met at 8 o'clock, and partook of an excellent repast with evident appreciation. After the collntion, the Chairman (Mr AY. H. Trimble) prefaced "Our Gracious King and Queen " with some apposite remarks. The toast was received with musical honours. Then followed the overture, " Full swing," by ] the orchestra. Mr AY. B. Harlow sang " Nancy Lee" with spirit. The toast, " Our Great British Commonwealth and Volunteers," was ably dealt with by Mi H. Skey, and suitably responded to by Corpoial Hay (Highland Rifles). The song, "A little bit off the top," ! by Mr H. Mackintosh, was a great success. j Mi R. V. Parker dilated with great effect and feclmg on "Our Guest," which elicited from Mi AV-*tt an appreciative acknowledgment. | " The Irish Fusilecrs " was sung by Mr A. J. Morrison in a manner which drew forth hearty applause, and Corporal L. Hay's flute solo, " Robin Adair," met with similar warmth. The .same may be saul of the mstiumental quartet, " Reverie" (Fiuconieii, rendered by Messrs Trimble, AVadie, Hay, and Morrison. Mr Harlow made a special feature of the toast " Young New Zealand," and agreeably interspersed his speech with judicious and humorous quotations, on which Mr Morrison commented in | well chosen remarks. Mr A. Mnrryatt comj plimented the " Dandj Fourth " in lively terms, responded to by Mr M'Curdie (surveyor) with : fcrce and humour. After votes of thanks to j the chaiiman, Mr Morrison, and host and hostess, the reunion, which was of a most pleasant and cordial character, was brought to a close befoie 11 o'clock by all singing " Auld lang syne." The accompanist on the pianoforte was Mr A. J. Morrison. ! j i I ! I I ' '< i i ! !