RATANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 23

RATANUI.

September 10. —-On Friday night, August 31, a. welcome-home concert was tendered to Private James Williamson (Sixteenth Reinforcements), who returned recently by a hospital ship. Private Williamson had his right arm badly shattered in the Messines battle. It is still in a eling and far from well; otherwise he is looking fairly well,

and is very pleased to be home. It being a bright moonlight night, and the roads dry, a large crowd gathered in the schoolroom to welcome our guest. The chairman, Mr Overton, in a short speech, said how pleased all were to once more gather to welcome home one more of ''our boys," and he only hoped it would not be long before they had a few more, if not all, back again. Speeches were also given by Mr Dawson, Mr Slater, Mr Jackson, Mr Davis, and Mr Williamson. Songs were contributed by Mrs Perry, Misses P. Williamson, Harrington, Messrs Overton, Slater, Shaw, .Williamson, and R M'Bratney ; pianoforte solos by Mrs Perry, Mrs Overton, Misses M'Donald, Berney, Shaw; piano and violin duet, Mrs Perry and Mr Overton. At the end of the programme the chairman asked Private Williamson to accept a small token of esteem (pocket book) from the people of the district. Private Williamson thanked the people for their present, and also for the hearty welcome accorded him. He said it was the happiest night he had spent since he had left New Zealand. He also thanked the Patriotic Committee for the parcels he had received from them in France. The singing; of the National Anthem and "For he's a jolly good fellow" brought the concert to a close. Supper was then handed round. Owing to Private Williamson's condition and the sad news received the da.y before that Private James M'Dowell, eldest son of Mr and Mrs R. M'Dowell, of this district, had been killed in action "somewhere in France," no dianoe was held. Private Williamson left for the Dunedin Hospital on September 3 for medical treatment.