WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 17732, 9 August 1917, Page 4

WELCOME TO SOLDIERS

RYAL BUSH ORGANISATION. Recently a public meeting was held in the Ryal Bush Hail, the object of which was to form a "Welcome Home” committee for the benefit of returning soldiers. A committee, of which Mr A. E. Cocker was chosen chairman, and Mr R. Jenkins, secretary, was formed, with the object of raising funds for the above purpose, and it was decided that a “Welcome Home Social'’ and presentation of a medal be given to each returning soldier. It was also agreed that a medal he presented to the next of kin of those brave men who fall in the Empire’s cause of right and liberty. To avoid duplication it was decided to ask neighbouring committees to co-operate to make the effort ;. success. Mr Booth, of Invercargill, was waited upon, and he kindly offered to bring out a talented company to give a concert in aid of funds. Hence a very enthusiastic and sympathetic audience filled the hall to overflowing on the night of July 27th. The party presented a capital programme that was highly appreciated, as was shown by the many encores that the different performer! received. The chairman, in his Opening remarks, referred to the necessity of raising funds for the object in view, as so many men had left the district without being recognised. He briefly outlined the objects of the committee and thanked the audience for the help their presence gave. He explained that the committee had already received * donation of £5 from Mr Price, of Invercargill, and this amount would be considerably augmented by the proceeds of the concert. A first-class programme was then presented, concluding with a farce in which many local celebrities were brought before a mock court and fined for various offences. This was greeted with uproarious laughter. Before the conclusion of the programme, Mr A. S. Wallace auctioned a flag that brought over £ll in 10/- and 5/- bids, and was finally passed to Mr Wr. Blakie ai £2 10s. Before supper the chairman, Mr A. B. Cocker, presented three returned men. Privates J. Take and Colhnson, and Trooper G. Colhnson, with medals, and in addressing the men referred to the noble spirit manifested by each in the country’s welfare, and hoped that each would be long spared to wear the medals that were given as tokens of appreciation and honour by the people of the district. e Mr A. S. Wallace, in speaking m swh men as were being honoured, paid a tribute to those home heroes, the mothers, who were sustaining their sacrifices and losses with such brave fortitude. After Mr Schroedcr had briefly paid a tribute to the men, the chairman called for three cheers, which were lustily given. The guests of the evening briefly responded. M the close of the concert Mr Thon*.*i Murray proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all "performers and others who had helped to make the evening a success. This was carried by acclamation. The proceeds of the concert and dance that followed amounted to over £35, and a net return of £2O has been set aside for the Welcome Home Fund. ■