RETURN OF TROOPER WRIGHT.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 774, 8 October 1900, Page 2

RETURN OF TROOPER WRIGHT.

The return of Trooper John Wright, on Saturday afternoon, was the signal for auother display of that loyalty and patriotic fervour which has been so intensified of late, that it seems ever ready to overflow its banks on the slightest pretext and whenever opportunity offers. However, there was every excuse for the display outhis occasion, for was ic not one of our own boys, one who had seen more service in the last six months than many a veteran who has been in the army for 25 years, returning to the home of his boyhood, Invalided he might be but none the less covered with honour and glory. Just about 2 p.m. men, women and children were streaming to the railway station from all directions, and one might easily have imagined that the long-looked-for declaration of peace had been announced. The Hamilton Band, with its inspiriting airs, set the enthusiasm goiDg, and half-an-hour before the train arrived the station platform was crowded with some hundreds of people. As the train steamed into the station, where a detachment of the No. 1 Waikato Mounted Rifles (uuder Captain Hume) was drawn up, the music of the band was almost drowned by the discharge of detonators, which had beeu placed at short intervals along the line by the railway officials. On arrival Trooper Wright was met by Captain Hume and the Mayor aud Borough Councillors, and after allowing him a second or two for a hasty handshake with his relatives, Captain Hume, the first speaker, said :—Trooper Wright: On behalf of the officers, non-co,mmissioned officers and men of the No. 1 Company Waikato Mounted Rifles, I have great pleasure in according you a very hearty welcome back to Hamilton. We feel proud of you as one of our representatives, and have no doubt that should your services again be required you will be found upholding the honour of your country. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Geo. Edgecumbe) said ; On behalf of the burgesses and inhabitants of Hamilton I welcome you back to Waikato. 1 have no doubt you will regret through sickness you have uot been permitted to remain with your comrades in South Africa until the final cessation of hostilities there. I can assure you that this in no sense detracts from the services you have rendered to the Queen and Colony, as you were prepared to lay down your life for Queeu and country, and on this occasion we desire to do honour to you. Your fellow comrades in arms and the residents are here to-day to meet you as a "Soldier of the Queen." We trust lhat should occasion again arisG when your services ou behalf of the Empire may be required, you will again be willing to servo your Queen and colony and assist in maintaining the enviable reputation for gallantry eojoyed by the New Zealand Contingent now serving in South Africa. I will now call upon this gathering to give Trooper Wright three hearty cheers, and we will then adjourn to the Hamilton Hotel and drink to his early re3toration to health, and to the early and safe home coming of the other inenbersof the New Zealand Jontingeuts. Cheers were then given for Trooper Wright, who briefly replied thanking the people of Hamilton for their hearty reception, and expressine a hope that he would be allowed to return and see the end of the war.

Cheers for the Queen, the Mayor and Captain Hume followed, and the National Anthem was sung, after which the returned trooper, accompanied by the Mayor aud Councillors headed by the band, wore driven to the Hamilton Hotel where several toasts were duly honoured.

In the eveuing Trooper Wright's comrades of thu No. 1 Company of the Waikato Mounted Rifles tendered him a smoke concert at Mr W. Bright's Hamilton Hotel. Captain Hume occupied the chair. The toasts were confined to that of " Tlie Guest," which was proposed by Captain Hume, who said that they were all extremely glad to welcome Trooper Wright hack. He regretted, as uo doubt did Trooper Wright, that the accident lie had met with had prevented his seeing the end of the fighting, which now appeared to be near at hand. He hoped it: would not he long before they would have the opportunity of welcoming all the New Zealanders back. They had done well and proved themselves a credit to their country. Ibe toast was then drunk with the greatest enthusiasm, followed by musical honours. Trooper Wright, on rising to reply, was received with vociferous cheers. He said he was sorry he had been compelled to leave his old comrades in South Africa to complete the campaign. He could assure the company that they had not disgraced their country. All wero loud in their praise, and the Waikato ineu ranked with the hightest. They had asked him to remember them to all their old comrades and friends; aud tell them that their only wish was to do their best jfor their flag aud country. Songs were given by several members of the company, after which the proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.