WAITARA NEWS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11720, 22 July 1901, Page 2

WAITARA NEWS.

RECEPTION OP RETURNED TROOPERS. | FROM 008 OWN CORBEBPONDBNT* f~ The pleasure felt at the safe return of our South African warriors was shown by the heartiness of the welcome extended to them by all sections of the public on their arrival. Those first to come were Troopers Thornton and Joll (4th Contingent) and A. Johnston (sth). They arrived by the 1O!45 train on Friday morning, and" although an awkward time for business people to attend a function, there was no lack of friends to greet them at the Drill Shed, which was comfortably filled with people. On behalf of the .citizens, Mr Ogle gave tb I boys a very hearty, welcome home, and"" tho cheers given by those" present must have show the troopers that ■ the pleasure at their safe return was genuine and honest. .It was not long before they were surrounded by. their numerous friondp, and handshaking was tho order of the hour. Perhaps the handshakes wore not quite so numerous as. those indulged in by the ? Duke of Cornwall, but the grips wera hard and honest. ' The same eveniog Trooper V. Rhodes (sth) returned by the mail" train, and again a large concourse .of people assembled at tho station to bid him welcome home, the ' WaiWa Band, under Bandmaster Skelton, striking up just before the train arrived. Like his comrades he bad to go through tho arduous task, and was soon taken charge of by his relations. On Saturday evening, quite unexpectedly, Trooper G. Johnston (sth) came. As it was not thought that he would arrive till Monday, only a few of his immediate relatives were there to meet him on the off chance, but had it been known that'he wa3 on his way home the welcome to him would ha vo been quite as warm as that extended to his comradis. On Sunday evening a united thanksgiving service was held- in St. John's Hall, the building being packed. At 6.30 the Waitara Rifles,- under Captain Gray, and Lieutenants Dansey and Stubbs, fell in at the Drill Shed,, and headed by tho Band, and with the returned trooperb, marched to the Hall, where services wesre conductod by the Revds. Garliek and Rawnsley. The choirs of the Weslevan and Anglican churches were on the stage, and daring the services sang the Te Doum, the Band also playing a selection. . The following hymns, appropriate to tho occasion, were sung : — " All people that on earth do dwell." " Onward Christum soldiers," "Soldiers of Christ arise," "O God of Love, O King o€ Peace!' . Tho ltssoDß read were taken from tho 91st Psalm and a portion of the last chapter of the Epheeitne. The t

RevdGarlick took his text from Chronicles IL, 20th chapter and 15th verse. The3e'vd Rawnsley preached from the 6th .'chapter of Mark, verse 19. Both preacfers referred to the power of the Almighty in directing the success of arms, the former showing tho faith of Lord Koberts, who attended divine service when the outlook was blackest, and dating the beginning of success from that time. After service the volunteers, again headed by the band, marched back to the Quay, whare the company were dismissed, the band afterwards playing several selections in an admirable manner. The programme-for ' to-morrow (Tuesday), is as follows:— The band and volunteers fall in at 1.30 slurp and march to the school, ; where the flag is "to be unfurled. < The re-, turned troopers join the procession In the evening a social is to be held, the first portion of which will ba devoted to musical items, presentations, and addresses of welcome. A dance will, follow. It is expected that there will be a bumper attendance if the weather is at all reasonable. In all probability there will be a smoke concert on Friday evening. Captain Jensen's many friends will be pleased to hear that he has recovered sufficiently from bis illness to return home. .