WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 37

WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

RECEPTION AT MIDDLEMARCH. ' - Under tha auspices of the Middlemarch Patriotio and Reception Committee, apublio reception was extended to Lance-corporal G. Renwick and Privates Hamlin, M'Kay, Allen, Peat, and W. Williams. The president (Mr A. M'Kinnon), on behalf of he Strath-Taieri residents, extended the boys a very hearty weeonie, and thanked them for what they had done for us in the great war. Mrs M'Kinnon, with words of welcome, then presented the boys with handsome gold medals, suitably inscribed. Mr Hector M'Kay returned thanks on behalf of his comrades. • Mr M'Kinnon then took the opportunity to present Mr M'Kay with a purse of sovereigns and his mother with a handsome silver salver, with cream jug and sugar basin, as small tokens of the great esteem in which they were held by the residents of the Strath-Taieri. Mr M'Kay returned thanks.

RETURNED SOLDIERS HONOURED. Since the soldiers have commenced to return to Mosgiel and district a number of welcome socials have been held in the Coronation Hall, but none was more enthusiastic and successful than that held on the '2Bth. The Mayor ,of Mosgiel (Mr A. F. Quelch) was in the ohair, and he was supported by the Mayor-elect (Mr W." Allan) and the chairman of the Taieri County Council (Cr Christie). About 20 returned men were on the stage, which was gaily decorated with bunting, flowers, and greenery. The soldiers were escorted on to the stage by the Taieri Pipe Band amidst much applause and cheering. The Mosgiel Brass Band played the selection "Over There," and a verse of the National Anthem was sung. An excellent concert programme was supplied by Misses Finnerty and James, Messrs Angell, Finnerty, and Rawlinson, and Master Farrant; Mrs Finnerty and Mr Rodgers played the accompaniments. Brief addresses of welcome were given by the chairman, Cr Christie, and Mr"» Wm. Allan.

Sergeant Garrett and Private Spark 6 acknowledged the welcome on behalf of the returned men. The Taieri Women's Patriotic Association entertained the soldiers and frien<_s at supper. Delicacies of every description were provided, and the guests were treated right royally.