EDENDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2471, 24 July 1901, Page 31

EDENDALE.

July 20. — The return of the fourth and fifth contingents from South Africa was the occasion of great enthusiasm and rejoicing in our midst. la sympathy with other parts of Southland, the 11th inst. was a generally-observed holiday in hen our of the official landing of the troops a& the Bluff, and a very large number of residents proceeded to Invercargill to meet the boys and take part in the festivities there. The district representatives, two of whom belonged to our dstrict proper, and two to the neighbouring district of Wyndham, arrived by the express tiam on Saturday, 12th inst, and were accorded a capital reception. The railway platform was ciowded, and the boys on aligiiting from the carriages were the recipenls of hearty handshakes and pleasant greetings from their assembled friends. Mr R. Craig, chairman of the Reception Committee, officially welcomed the boys in a brief speech, and Rev. Mi Aitken alluded to the present occasion as one for heartfelt gratitude to God for the safe return of then boys from the war, and followed with an impressive prayei. Mr T. Ayson also made a tew remarks, after which the respective committees of Wyndham and Edendale joined foiccs, so to &reak, for the afternoon, and formed an noposing procession, headed by the Wyndham Brass Band, and escorted by the Murihiku Mounted Rifles. A march was forthwith made to Wyndham, where a piograrnme was carried out, including luncheon, provided by the town boaid. On Monday evening the distr'ct functK'i took place, in the shape of a welcome social and ball to the leturned troopeib. The public lull was decorated most beautifully and hung with patnotic colours. Mr R. Ciaig presided Speeches were also delivered by the Rev. Mt Anken and Me^sis Mitchell and Monteath, and songs by Mrs Drummond and the Misses Rosa and J. Marshall, and Messrs Druninontl, Mo ittath, Niven, w alker, Ballantmc, Dempster, Aitken, Blackley, Pope, and Macpherson, tlu Aitken Family (trio), and Master Drummed. Tae Misses Turner and Maisha.ll and Mis E. <<. Macpherson played the accompaniments. The foimer lady also gave the opening oveituie. The songs etnd speeches weie of a distinctive l v patriotic nature, and were much appreciated by the large audience At the close of the pi ogiamme, Troopers M'Donald and Stevenson stepped on the stage and signified their very warm appreciation of the magnificent welcome extended them. Refreshments v.-ere then handed lcund, and the room cleared for dancing. The guests of tht» evening, with tlie.i partners. Ip'l in the grand march. Mr Lambert was M.C , and music was supplied by the Aitken Fami!<\ ot Mataura Inland. Mr Pop? catered the refreshments for the entertainment.