WELCOME TO TROOPER GILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 38, 20 February 1901, Page 2

WELCOME TO TROOPER GILL.

In anticipation of the arrival «t TiMpr* QUI, a large and enthusiastic ortwdl assembled at the railway statien om Tuesday evening. Previous to til* arrival of. the tram the Taranaki Volunteers, under the command of Captaia Okey, with tbe cadets, and headed by the City Band, marched from the Drift Hall to the station, accompanied by ft large section of the public. His Warship the Mayor (Mr. E. Dockrill) with Captain Okey, met the returned trooper, who seemed to be still suffer* ing from great weakness, consequent upon his illness, and with Mr. £. M. Smith, conducted him to a carriage ia waiting outside tbe station, whet* Mosdames Dnckrillaod E. M. Smith were seated. His Worship mounted tba seat of the carriage, and as scon as the* cheers whioh greeted the appearance •£ the returned trooper had subsided, called on those present to join with bin in heartily welcoming Trooper Gill M bis return to his native home. He highly eulogised the services of til those who had in emulation of the deeds of their forefathers done doughty deed* in the Empire's cause and brought honor to the colony, and concluded by oalling for three hearty cheers fee Trooper Gill, a request that was responded to with great enthusiasm* His Worship then solemnly asked thf assembly to pay a tribute of respect «• the memory of the comrades whai started from Taranaki but would return no more. With bowed heads acd doffed hat? and amid a silence the intensity of which bore testimony to tbe feelings of all present the memory of the departed wai fittingly honoined. Trooper Gill briefly expressed his thanks for and surprise at the warmth of his reoeption, and after a few patriotic remarks by Mr Smith he whs taken possession of by two stalwart volunteers and mounted on their shoulders was triumphantly carried down the ranks of the volunteers -the band playing " See tbe Conquering Hero." Nor did this suffice, a procession wai formed, headed by tht band, and his bearers proudly marching with their burden followed by the Volunteers and Cadets proceeded by way of Egmont-stwet to the Devonstreet crossing where once more he regained his seat in tbo carriage and was driven oif. The utmost enthusiasm was exhibited throughout.