SOLDIERS' OUTING

Otago Witness, Issue 3348, 15 May 1918, Page 22

SOLDIERS' OUTING

Br a Visitor. " Act promptly" seemed to inspire the Milton Y.M.C.A. when it received an invitation from Mr and Mrs P. Boyd, of Lovell's Flat, to bring the returned soldiers in the Tokomairiro district to spend the afternoon at their homestead. The outing took place on Saturday afternoon last, and, despite the dull weather, proved an unqualified success. Twenty-five returned soldiers were present, and motor car owners in the district responding splendidly to the call, all the soldiers and friends were conveyed in 14 cars, which left the Coronation Hall at 1.30 p.m.' Amongst the visitors were two returned soldiers from Dunedin, also Mrs J: K Macfie, and they were heartily welcomed. Mr and Mrs Boyd extended a heartywelcome to the visitors, who were soon admiring the beautiful _ homestead and grounds. Various competitions evoked much laughter and amusement, and resulted as follows :—Cutting Turk's Head (blindfolded): Soldiers, Corporal D. Taylor; ladies, Miss Hamilton. Quoits Competition (soldiers): Private W. Hamilton. Stepping Competition: T. Scott and W. Thornton (equal). The visitors were entertained in a sumptuous manner by 'the host and hostess, assisted by a bevy < of ladies. A pleasing feature of the outing was the fine spirit of comradeship shown all joining heartily in making the outing a success. Mr W. Roy (president of the Milton Y.M.C.A.) and Sergeant-major Austin returned thanks on behalf of the visitors, and Mr T. Scott (chairman of the Bruce County Council) responded on behalf of Mr and "Mrs Boyd. Before leaving on the return journey hearty cheers were? given for Mr and Mrs Boyd, the returned soldiers, and the motor car owners. A beautiful autograph book, containing the names of all those present, was presented to Mrs Boyd with the. best wishes of all present, and the hope that it would always remind' her of the pleasant day spent by the visitors at their homestead. Great credit is due to the Milton Y.M.C.A. and specially to Mr W. Roy (president) and Mr J R. Wilson, who had the duties of organising for the splendid success of their efforts.