WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3385, 29 January 1919, Page 46

WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

RAVENSBOURNE.

Coronation Hall, Ravensbouriie, was packed on Saturday evening, the occasion being a social tendered by the Mayor, councillors, and residents of the West Harbour district to soldiers who had returned. The Mayor (Mr H. E. Moller) presided. The first part of the evening was devoted to progressive eiichre, the first prizes being won by Mrs 0. Buchan and Mr D. Larnach; .and consolation prizes by Miss A. Donaldson and Mr J. Hanley. At tho conclusion of the card-playing an excellent supper was served, and the hall subsequently cleared for dancing, which was kept up with vigour until close on midnight. At a suitable interval short addresses were delivered by Mr J. M. Dickson, M.P., Chaplain Lieutenantcolonel Gray, and the Mayor (Mr H. E. Moller).

During the evening Fireman W. Johnston entertained the company with several excellently rendered concertina selections.

PALMERSTON.

A largely attended and enthusiastic welcome social to returned soldiers was held in the Town Hall on Friday, when the following lately returned men were present: Messrs Cook, Chishokn, Diack, D. Howie (Military Medal and Bat), W. Howie (Military Medal), Henderson, Mills, Sutherland, and Titterton. The Mayor (Mr R. W. Wheeler) occupied the chair, and in extending a hearty welcome to the men, and hopes for their speedy and completa restoration to health, commented on the fact that, since the last sociai the great war had come to a successful termination. Though at times we had staggered under the blows from the great German war machin \, Britain and her Allies had emerged triumphant, thanks to the bravery and devotion of tho men who. had fought so hard by land and sea. Mr E. H. Clark, in the course of an address, hoped that meu, who as a result of their patriotism had returned disabled or broken down in health, with their earm.\£ capacity impaired, should not suffer fin-i*v;ially-The following performers contributed a prog'tmme, much enjoyed by the larga audience:—Mrs S, B. Smith (songs), Mis.-es Austin (songs), Christie (songs), Hurndoil (sqngs), Lefevre (song 3), Messrs E. H. Clark (hornpipe), M'Farlano (recitation), and Whittlestone (songs). After simper dancing was indulged in for a few ho^in,