BACK FROM THE WAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2475, 21 August 1901, Page 27

BACK FROM THE WAR.

RANGJTATA RECEPTION SOCIAL

Some time ago a Reception Social Cbmmitl.ee vas formed at Rangitata for the purpose of welcoming horn© iTooper George Aitken, of the fourth contingent. Ihe committee set to work in earnest, and determined that nothing ahould bo left undone to make ihe reception worthy of the occasion. Anticipating- from, the large sale of tickets that the gathering was going to bo the largest ever held in the district, the committee set about enlarging the building, which was mad© nearly double its ordinary size. A temporary floor was laid down 30ft x 16ft, and the whole was cosily covered, in with tarpaulins. This was "a work of stupendous labour," and the members of the committee worked like Trojans. Their efforts were not in vain, for last Friday night, the 2nd inst., the date appointed for the social, sa-w the whole available space — 30ft x 36ft — taken up. The weather had been, watched very anxiously, and although the elements had frowned for two or ihxee- day*, tlie- night proved a perfect one in eveTy sense of the word. Mr J. Braoefield, ot Oraxi, who acted as M.C, announced the March Polka about 8 .p.m., *nd this was the opening 1 of a social yiiajjih.; from start to finish, proved a grand -success; ' • About 9 p.m. there was ■am. interval for the purpose of presenting Tiooper Aitken with a gold medal. This- duty fell t.4 the lot of Mr J. R. Brodie, who performed a somewhat difficult task in a most admirable manner, his speech showing patriotism ar.d worthy admiration of deeds done in the field that would be hard to equal. But a poor precis of it can be given. Addressing the trooper he said- — "Trooper George Aitken, — On behalf of the residents of Rangitata, I welcome you home from South Africa, to your native land. We are thankful that the Almighty has spared you from the bullets 1 of cur enemies, and more especially are we grate- [ fxil that you have been spared from that der.dly fever malaria. We are pleased to have this opportunity of recording our -appreciation of the patriotism! you have shown m going forth to fight the battles of our Empire, in leaving home, and friends, and native land, to go o\it to the wilds of So-uth Africa., and face our comnion enemy, ths Boer. It is. n sacrifice that we who staj ab home can little realise. We have heard that you marched arid fotight under the most trying circumstances, that you endured heat and cold to an exceptional de-gre-e, that you were often without cover in torrents of rain : and that at times you had food 1 for neither man nor beast. Further, it has .been told us that as convoys a-nd stoats }au had to contend with hidden foes — -in every clump of bush, in fact, larked enemies; yet we never beard' that you flinched o<r mummied, and your devotion to duty was unsurpassed by any regiment in that mighty host of over 200,000 men. I cannot express my feelings this evening a-t the - honour conferred -npon me. " In my time volunteering was looked on as a good joke; we -were regarded as mere carpet knights, and it was thought tha* should the time come we would never face the enemy. But you'have proved yourself one of the bra.v.c meq^ and your deeds will live for ever. I have very much pleasure in calling on Miss Edgar to decorate you with this medal, and hope you will be spared long to wear it, as a memento of difficulties overcome and trials endured on the field."

Miss Edgar then pinned the medal on, amidst much enthusiasm.

Trooper Aitken was supported by the following- returned troopers. — Quarter-master Sergeant Foster, Troop c-rs Barker, Andersen, Carjyle, and Vernall. Mr Brodie's remarks were received with hearty cheers asid frequent demonstrations of applause; and the scene presented, with fiaga and lanterns overhead, was a picturesque and animated one, and one that will not soon fade from the memories of those- who witnessed it.

Trooper Aitkem. made a lengthy reply. He said ho had simply gone forth at the call of the mother country, as others had done, and h9 did not expect such kind treatment on his return. He related many amusing incidents that L*u occurred on the journey, and! presented the residents with two shells that had been fired into Mafeking by the Boers during the siege. He thanked: them one and all for their kind reception, and would remember it as long as he lived.

Mr R. J. Connal, on behalf of the residents, accepted the shells presented by TroopeT Aitken. He said that although 'JAooper Aitken had enlisted from Southland, he had spent his boyhood at Rangitata, and they did not intend to give Southland any credit for anything he had done. He would see that the trophies wore suitably inscribed and put in aaie keeping. Mr R. Irwin proposed a- hearty vote of thanks to the returned troopers lor their presence that evening. Although ihey had met- for * the purposs of welcoming Trooper Aitken, they were pleasedH;o see the other troopers present, and they felt proud of every man who had gone forth from our shores" to fight the battles of our Empire.

Mr T. E-. Dorward proposed a vcie of thanks to Mr Br©die-foi the admirable- manner in which, he had carried out his duties that evening, and Mr Bro&ie,- in reply, consider-ed th«tfc the committee had conferred a great honour upon him: it was one of the proudest nights of his life.

Trooper Aitken and the other troopers then gave thiee heaity cheers for the residents for their reception.

Dancing was then resumed, and kept up kill the early hours, being interspersed at'mtervals by a few songs. Inspiriting music was supplied by Messrs Kearsley (piano), A. Cooper (violin), and R. Cooper (piccolo), and was good enough to satisfy even the most fastidious. The refreshments, supplied by Mr J. A. M'Caskill, were dispensed in. a large marquee by Mesdames Connal, Chalmers, Irwin, Coulter, and Snell, who had a, very busy time. Miss Button also attended with her gramaphone, aad gave many pleasing selections, and Mr Newman let off a number of fireworks. Mr Bracefield wa3 accorded a cordial vote of thanks for his efficient services as M.C, and Mr Bryan kindly lent his piano. Indeed, so numerous were those who contributed towards the success of the social that it would be- impossible to name all, and it is to be hoped that all those who so kindly assisted will be satisfied to accept the committee's grateful appreciation for their s-er-vices. The financial results were about £20.

A social was held in Mount Cargill Schoolhouso on Friday evening to welcome home and make a presentation to Trooper Thomas Buttars, one of the young men of the district who had been assisting in upholding the prestige of the Empire in South Africa. Despite the bad weather and muddy roads, there was a large attendance. During the evening Mr E. Winter, on behalf of the residents, presented Tiooper Buttara with a "silvermounted walking stick, suitably inscribed, and a handsome pipe. Mr "Winter said he was at a disadvantage, as he had only been asked a few minutes previously to make the presentation. Thex weio ft\va£9 that a Uet had bsen

sent round the district from the North-East Valley, pnd that a good deal had been subscribed, but when the social was given in the Valley they were not mentioned. The young men of the diahict had arranged the social for that evening in honour of their old schoolfellow, for Tiooper iiuttars was educated ji the room where they were that evening. The young man had been to South Africa to uphold the old flag, and to bring credit on N-ew Zealand, and had right worthily done his duty. Trooper Buttars, in replying, said he was quite taken by surprise, as he had not expected any presentation. He gave a bnef but interesting account of his experiences while soldiering. It wss on the whole a poor life, and sometimes a very hungry one. He recounted the pleasure all experienced when the Tagu3 ?ight:d the coast of New Zealand, and how the mountain of snow which they first saw was greeted with cheers. For his part, he was quite satisfied there was no place like deal old New Zealand. At the conclusion of his remarks three hearty cheers were given for Trooper Buttars, followed by the singing of " For h-2's a jolly good fellow/ after which came " Soldiers of the Queen." Dancing was kept up till an early hour the following morning, Mr D. Winter supplying the music, while Mr D. Winter, jun., acted as M.C. The refreshments were provided by a number of young ladies, schoolmates of Tiooper Buttars, and their catering was much enjoyed.

Trooper Charles Annett, of the fifth contingent, was accorded a hearty welcome at Patearoa on Friday last on his return from the front. Besides a very large gathering of local residents, friends were present from Naseby, G-irnmerburn, Eweburn, Waipia-ta, and Hamilton s. Troopers Dowle and White were also present. Mr R. M'Skimming presided, and in the course of a speech extended a cordial welcome to the guest of the evening, concluding by presenting him with a handsomely-embossed gold Maltese cross, suitably inscribed. Speeches were also delivered by Sergeant-major Christian (Maniototo Mounted Rifles), Mr John Logan, and Mr Crearer. A lengthy musical programme was gone through, and after a liberal supply of refreshments had been partaken of the hall was cleared for dancing.

The residents of Miller's Flat turned out in very large numbers on Friday evening last, when Corporal Rumble, who recently returned from South Africa, was accorded a welcome social. Mr Keir, one of the oldest and most respected residents of the district, presided, and, besides the guest of the evening, Troopers Gunn, Westcott (Moa Flat), Eady (Cromwell), Ross (Kelso), and Collins (Beaumont) were present. When a halt was made for supper the Chairman, in an excellent speech, heartily welcomed the returned troopers back, ar.d presented Corporal Rumble, on bclialf of the residents, with a. gold hunting lever watch, suitably inscribed. After justice had been done to the refreshments, dancing was resumed till early morning.

The Pirates Football Club gave a- smoke concert on" Wednesday "night m honour of their old club member Corporal Maclean, who recently returned to the colony after seeing service in the Transvaal with the- fourth contingent. The concert was held in the Club House, and was well attended. The President (Mr J. H. Hosking) occupied the chair.being supported by the vice-president (Mr J. F. M. Fraser). Apologies for absence were received from Yicepresidents J. Hutchison, J. T. Pram, and Crosby Morris. Dr De Lautour, P.M.0.. wa's also present. The toast hat was as follows: — " The King," by the chairman : " Corporal J. C. Maclean," by the chairman; "Absent Members on Service," by Mr Fraser (responded to by Dr De Lautour) ; " Kindred Sports, by Mr J. R. Btirt (responded to by Mr W. Kingston for running, Mr R. Fisher for cricket, and Mr L. L. Kirkcaldy for rowing) , and " The Chairman," by Mr P. J. Priest. Each of the toasts was honoured with musical accompaniments. Corporal Maclean was presented with a silvermounted walking stick. Songs were sung by Messrs P. J. Priest, L. L. Kirkcaldy, F. Foster, J. Matthew3on, J. Braithwaite, Pledger, W. Boyd, and M. fi. Priest, Mr F. Walsh acting as occompanist. Corporal Maclean also gave a recitation. A most enjoyable evening was spent, the company breaking up shortly after 11 o'clock.

Brigade Surgeon Lieutenant-colonel De Lautour informs? us that Sergeant Long, at present in the hospital, is 111 a somewhat serious condition. Troopers Long and Draper, both of Auckland, were expected to leave the hospital on Saturday. The All Nations Lodge, Port Chalmers, held a social on Friday evening in the Town Hall to welcome home Trooper A. W. Porteous, a. member of the lodge, who served with the fourth contingent in South Africa. The hall was artistically decorated for the occasion. During the evening violin and pianoforte solos were rendered by Miss and Master "W. Manning; songs by Mr C. Flockton (N.G. of Loyal Pnnce of Wales Lodge, MJJ.1.0.0.F.)) Mr ~-J. " .Harrhy, and P.D.P. Bro. J. Gibb ; and recitations by P.A.s Bros Havland and Ridley. During the evening P.D.P. Bro. J. S. Gibb, on behalf of All Nations Lodge, presented Bro. Porteous with a framed member « diploma, as a token of the esteem in which he is held by th? members, and a slight recognition of the part which he took ni representing Port Chalmers at the front. All present then sang " For he's a jolly good fellow." Bio. Porteous suitably responded. Mr J. Mill, Mayor of Port Chalmers, and Mr John White, who were present, also spoke m high teTms of the part, taken by Bro. Porteous, along with others, in upholding the I honour of the Empire. Dancing wrs kept up I till 12 o'clock to music provided by Bros. G. and J. Driver, when a very pleasant evening was concluded by all singing " Auld 'ang syne" and the National Anthem.

Troopers R. and T. MAuley were entertained at a social at Portobello on Friday night, when there was a large gathering of the settlers to welcome them. Mr A. North occupied the chair; and stirring addresses were delivered by Messrs J. F. M. Fraser, John White, J. Mill (Msyoi of Port Chalmers), Barton, and the Rev. Mr Greig. The musical portion of the programme was contributed by Mrs Barrie Marschel, Mr D. A. De Maus, Mr and Miss Nyhon, Mr Nelson, and Miss Ash. During the evening the two troopers were presented with gold albert chains and suitable pendants.

On Friday evening last Corporal Turner, of the fourth contingent, was entertained at a social in the Ashley Downs School. There was a very large attendance, many coming long distances to assist in the welcome and to show their appreciation of the excellent services rendered by their soldier friend, along with his contingent, in South Afiioa. Mr E. Gibson occupied the oil air, and at the outset

extended a few words of welcome to Corporal Turner. Later on Corporal Turner was the recipient of a handsome gold watch chain and pendant subscribed for by his many friends and admirers in the district. Several appropriate speeches were given, and the remainder of the evening given up to harmony ajid social intercourse. Refreshments of good quality and in abundance were in evidence during the eventing. Corporal Turner, who rode the Ashley Downs horse throughout the campaign, enjoyed excellent health, and although he experienced many hardships, he feels none the worse. His name, he says, is down for a Government appointment in the Transvaal when the war is finished.